*Calendar items* = expanded info in the right-hand column.
Organizations in orange are Austin EcoNetwork Partners.
Planning Ahead
Mark Your Calendar
Internship:
Contact us to list your jobs & internships!
New Blogs
Native Interview with Texas Solar Energy Society's Lucy Stolzenburg
by Native
Tell us a bit about yourself (education, hobbies, family, pets etc.) I have a BA degree in Journalism, but my work background is very eclectic. I have traveled extensively, both in the US and abroad, once spending four months in India and Nepal. I look forward to more travel in the next few years but for now, the Texas Solar Energy Society needs my attention as we look to the future of renewable energy and a greater degree of solar adoption in this very sunny state. I live in Dripping Springs with my husband and three dogs, probably the fewest number of pets in 20 years. At last our son has moved back to Austin after admitting that Boston winters are horrendous and it’s more fun here.
How were you introduced to solar? In 2007 I was fired from a job where I made buckets of money, but hated the work. I took many months off to take care of elderly family members who were putting on their flying shoes. When they became late, I volunteered for the Austin Cool House Tour, a collaboration of the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) and Austin Energy Green Building. I had been involved earlier with Green Building as a Realtor and wanted to explore it further. In that down time in 2007, I heard Ed Mazria, who had just created Architecture 2030 and the 2030 Challenge- that all new buildings developments and major renovations shall be carbon neutral by 2030. I was hooked. I volunteered for TXSES, which became a job, which became a career.
What is your role in Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES)? I’ve been the Executive Director since 2012.
What do you feel is the future of solar? The Texas Solar Energy Society concentrates on solar adoption for homes and businesses so I won’t delve into utility scale solar. In the future solar will become so accessible to homeowners and businesses that it will just be a part of the built environment. I have a joke that makes my board nervous- I want to print a bumper sticker that says, “Solar is just an appliance.” I do think the utilities are going to bite back hard at solar, but if I live long enough, I believe I will see a diminishing number of lines and poles in the landscape.
If we could each do one thing to make a change to promote solar what do you think it would be? This is not really a change, just something to ramp up. Solar is contagious, and if you put people who have solar with people who are interested in solar, it expands the conversation and ultimately the adoption exponentially. We should all badger our representatives in Washington to continue the Federal Tax Credit for residential solar beyond 12/2016. Those representatives need to be reminded that the tax assistance to fossil fuels is ridiculously huge and so deeply imbedded in the tax code that you need a klieg light to find it.
Continue reading Native's interview with Lucy Stolzenburg here>>
|
Thursday July 30th, 2015
EcoBits
[Transportation] This week the Austin EcoNetwork went on a field trip - a public transportation field trip! AEN Editor Amy Stansbury guided our intern, Emma VanDelinder, through her first ever CapMetro bus ride and we're proud to report that the trip was a success! Amy recorded the entire thing in this fun, educational video, which you can watch here>>
Taking these transportation "field trips" with friends and family is a great way to try out public transportation for the first time. It makes the entire experience more fun and way less uncomfortable. To hear how some of Austin's largest employers are trying out public transportation as well, be sure to check out the latest AEN podcast, "Yes, We Hate to Be Uncomfortable and Try New Things: The Story of Public Transportation in Austin."
 [Transportation] Please welcome AEN's newest partner, Electric Avenue Scooters!
Electric Avenue Scooters provides a sales, service, and instructional solution to commuting in an eco-friendly way. They sell leading-edge electric scooters, electric bikes and accessories, as well as provide excellent quality service for scooters and motorcycles, electric scooters and motorcycles, electric bikes, and recreational products. They also have a scooter/motorcycle school for anyone wanting to learn how to ride safely and get their M class license. They're located in the Triangle development north of UT in Austin, and online at electricavenuescooters.com.
And, they're hiring! Electric Avenue Scooters is currently looking for a full-time Bike and Scooter Technical Assistant. Learn more and apply here>>
 [Transportation] Did you know? Austin-Travis County EMS is
leading the country with its innovative sustainability initiatives. They have already converted 21 ambulances to solar power, powering everything from the air conditioning to the medical equipment. Since ambulances have to be turned on almost all the time, they are usually left idling, polluting the air and emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. But with this system, the ambulances can turn off their engines while keeping their batteries running, lowering fuel costs and emissions at the same time. Learn more with this story from KEYE TV>>
 [Recycling/Zero Waste] The City of Austin needs your help. A recent study found that 44 percent of what we throw away is actually recyclable. That's a big problem, so now the city is asking you - what do you think is causing this problem? And how can we fix it?
The city wants your opinions, ideas, thoughts, and insights on how to increase recycling in Austin. If you're interested in helping, you can fill out this survey, or text your thoughts to 512-580-7778.
[Climate Change] A new bipartisan report predicts and quantifies the impact that climate change could have on Texas, and it doesn't look good. The report comes from the Risky Business Project, an initiative chaired by Michael Bloomberg (former mayor of New York City), Henry Paulson (former U.S. Treasury Secretary), and Tom Steyer (billionaire climate change activist).
Here are some of its key points:
- On the Texas coast, the sea level could rise by as much as two feet by 2050, forcing $30 billion in coastal property to go underwater.
- The number of days above 95 degrees could more than double, from 43 to 106 days a year by mid-century.
- 4,500 Texans could die a year by mid-century as a result of the increased heat. That's more people than die each year from traffic accidents in Texas.
- The increased heat could also affect labor productivity, costing the economy up to $12.5 billion annually by mid-century.
 [Climate Change/Wildlife] Tackling a problem as large as climate change can be a bit overwhelming at times. The risks outlined in the EcoBit above are scary and the potential impacts are daunting. Often, it can feel as if there is nothing that any one person can do. Well here is your proof than even one person can make a difference. The documentary "Swim for the Reef," tells the story of Paul Ellis, an Austin grandfather who makes it his mission to endure a grueling open water swim to help raise awareness about the declining state of the world's coral reefs.
Beautiful in its sincerity and sense of hope, "Swim for the Reef," encourages its viewers to get involved with an environmental organization working to protect the world's coral reefs. The film itself still hasn't been released to the general public, but the filmmakers are hoping to raise enough money to take it to film festivals and audiences across the country. Visit Swim4thereef.org to donate or to find out how to get involved with coral reef preservation.
 [Green Design] Austin Energy Green Building's popular Green by Design Workshop returns this August. The three-part series teaches attendees how to build, remodel, or buy green homes that improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and reduce maintenance.
The three session topics are:
All of the sessions will be held at the Norris Conference Center from 7pm to 9pm. Participants can choose to attend one, two, or all three sessions for only $25, but advance registration is required. More info>>
 [SXSW Eco] The 2015 SXSW Eco schedule is now live! That means that by using SXSW Eco's online portal, you can begin to select your favorite sessions and start planning which sessions you want to attend. Also, Friday, July 31st is the last day to register for SXSW Eco at the current 40 percent off discount rate. More info>>
 [Volunteer] Austin Mayor Steve Adler has a challenge for you. He wants all Austinites to volunteer for at least one hour during the month of August. To help with that, the mayor and the City of Austin have announced a partnership with the local civic good startup, GivePulse, making it easier than ever for Austinites to give back to their local community.
GivePulse's online platform is extremely easy to use. All you have to do is visit the site, type in your interests (like the environment), and click explore. GivePulse will then provide you with a list of volunteer opportunities from Austin's many amazing nonprofits. And after you volunteer, don't forget to share your experiences using #VolunteerATX. Check it out>>
 [Volunteer] Speaking of volunteer opportunities, we have one for you right here! Keep Austin Beautiful's Lady Bird Lake cleanup is on August 8th from 9am to 11am. Volunteers are needed to help pick up trash in and around Lady Bird Lake. There are plenty of cleanup sites to choose from, just be sure to register in advance and wear clothes that you don't mind getting a bit dirty. More info>>
[Outdoors] The Purple Martins are back! Each year, thousands of these birds roost in Austin during their annual migration to South America. But, after years of roosting at the Highland Mall, the Purple Martins have moved this year to the Capital Plaza Shopping Center on the 5400 block of I-35.
Every Friday and Saturday night at 7:45pm from July 10th to August 1st Travis Audubon will be celebrating the arrival of these amazing birds with free Purple Martin parties at the shopping center. Anyone wishing to attend should bring a lawn chair and some excitement. Travis Audubon says that these parties are better than watching the Congress Avenue bats! More info>>
EcoCalendar Highlights
 [Car Race] Friday, July 31st from 8:30am to 5pm is the Formula Sun Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. This collegiate solar race car competition highlights some of the most impressive engineering on the planet, all with a focus on sustainability and renewable energy. The entire event is free and open to the public. Plus, it's kid-friendly! More info>>
 [Film Screening] Friday, July 31st at 8:30pm there is a free screening of the Living Springs documentary at the back gate of Barton Springs Pool. Living Springs is a documentary about the history, science, and culture of Barton Springs and its many visitors. And don't forget to wear your bathing suit for a little late night dip after the screening! More info>>
 [Yoga] Saturday, August 1st from 9am to 10am the Austin Parks Foundation is hosting a free yoga class at Balcones District Park. CorePower Yoga will be teaching the class, which is designed to strengthen, balance, detox, and exhilarate the body and mind. All skill levels are welcome. More info>>
 [Bike] Saturday, August 1st from 11am to 3pm Austin B-cycle is giving away free day passes for Barton Springs Pool to the first 50 people who ride B-cycle to the pool B-station. The station is located on William Barton Drive near the pool parking lot. More info>>
 [Party] Saturday, August 1st from 6pm to 9pm the zero waste grocery store in.gredients is having its Third Anniversary Party to celebrate three years of promoting a local, zero-waste community here in Austin. There will be live music, raffle prizes, screen t-shirt printing, and even some limited edition watermelon beer. More info>>
[Food Waste] Monday, August 3rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm the Food + Tech Austin Meetup group is hosting a panel discussion on food waste at the Capital Factory. The panelists will discuss how to reduce food waste, as well as how to convert it into something of economic value. The entrance fee is a $5 annual membership to Food + Tech Austin. More info>>
 [Happy Hour] Monday, August 3rd from 6:30pm to 8:30pm the Young Sierrans are having their monthly happy hour at the Waller Creek Boathouse. The Young Sierrans are a group of Sierra Club folks between the ages of 21 and 39. At the meeting they'll be planning for some of their upcoming outdoor events. New and old members alike are welcome to attend. More info>>
 [Beekeeping] Monday, August 3rd from 7pm to 9pm the Travis County Beekeepers Association is having its monthly meeting at the Zilker Botanical Gardens. The association is committed to educating both beekeepers and the public about honey bees. Topics of discussion at their August meeting will be finding the queen, requeening, and integrated pest management. The meeting is free and open to the public. More info>>
 [Zero Waste Meeting] Tuesday, August 4th at 5:30pm the Austin Materials Marketplace is hosting a matchmaking session at Callahan's General Store. The Austin Materials Marketplace is an online platform that encourages business-to-business material reuse. The point of the matchmaking session is to help facilitate that reuse by pairing together businesses that could benefit from reusing each other's waste products. This event is especially tailored toward matching up urban farms and landscaping companies. More info>>
 [Design Workshop] Tuesday, August 4th from 7pm to 9pm Austin Energy Green Building hosts the first of its Green by Design workshops at the Norris Conference Center. The workshops are designed to teach Austinites how to build, remodel or buy green homes that improve energy and water efficiency, increase comfort, and reduce maintenance. Tuesday's topic will be, "Planning and Designing a Green Home." Tickets are $25 and advance registration is required. More info>>
|
Like us on 
View 
Job: 
Job: 
Job: 
Job: 
Job: 
Job: 
Job:
Job: 
