The program will unfold at the beginning of October 2008 and extend through the end of the year. Small blue bins will no longer be used and crews will deliver new blue, 90-gallon recycling carts to City of Austin Solid Waste Services residential customers. Recycling collection will occur every other week, as opposed to the current weekly schedule. Single Stream Recycling instructions and a calendar showing collection schedules will be delivered with the new recycling carts.

Items that can be recycled include: Paper: (newspaper, office paper, junk mail, cereal and soft drink boxes, corrugated cardboard) Aluminum and metal cans: food cans (labels left on OK), soda cans Glass: Jars and bottles Rigid plastics: # 1 through # 7, including yogurt and margarine tubs

Items that cannot be recycled: Plastic bags, Styrofoam (cups, egg cartons, take-out containers)

Questions on the new recycling program can be directed to Solid Waste Services at 974-1945.

Numbered triangle symbols on plastics

#1 - Polyethylene Terephthalate (PETE) or (PET): soft drink and water bottles, beer bottles, mouthwash bottles, peanut butter and salad dressing containers, ovenable film, and ovenable pre-prepared food trays. It can be recycled into polar fleece clothing, fiber, tote bags, bottles, clothing, furniture, and carpet.

#2 - High Density Polyethylene (HDPE): milk jugs, water and juice containers, liquid detergent bottles, yogurt and margarine tubs, and cereal box liners. It can be recycled into liquid laundry detergent containers, drainage pipe, oil bottles, recycling bins, benches, pens, doghouses, vitamin bottles, floor tile, picnic tables, lumber, mailbox posts, fencing.

#3 - Vinyl (Polyvinyl Chloride or PVC): clear food packaging, shampoo bottles, medical tubing, wire and cable insulation.

#4 - Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE): bread bags, squeezable bottles (e.g. honey, mustard).

#5 - Polypropylene (PP): ketchup bottles, yogurt containers and margarine tubs, medicine bottles.

#6 - Polystyrene (PS): compact disc jackets, aspirin bottles, cups, plates.

#7 - Other: Use of this code indicates that the package in question is made with a resin other than the six listed above, or is made of more than one resin used in combination. Plastics such as three and five gallon reusable water bottles, some citrus juice and ketchup bottles, clear baby food containers.

The seven acre Barr Mansion was built in 1898 for cotton merchant William Braxton Barr (1864-1902) and his wife Matilda (Tillie) Birdwell (1868-1951),  and was designed by Austin architect Charles Page. The home remained in the Barr family until 1980, when Mark and Melanie McAfee fell in love with the mansion and purchased it. Young and full of energy, but cash poor and With three children, they borrowed money from family to buy the old home— which was in need of repairs.

After much love and hard work were put into the rehabilitation of the house, it became the perfect setting for a wedding.  Mark’s sister, Nancy, was the first bride to celebrate her wedding there, and a business was born. Since that time, there have been over two thousand events at the seven-acre setting, from intimate garden parties to elaborate galas for as many as 800. In addition to being a stunning place to hold events, the Barr Mansion boasts an impressive array of sustainable practices.

The Garden

The Garden of Eden, as it is now called, has a tropical feel with bamboos, gingers, and hostas. Apple trees also addorn the property and all gardening is done organically. A life-sized Zen garden greets guests as they approach the entrance to the Artisan Ballroom on a path of massive flagstones.

The Artisan Ballroom

The front facade, which soars over 40 feet, is composed entirely of glass. Rough-hewn timbers from an ancient barn built in the 1770’s, comprise the building’s massive framework.  Two master craftsmen from the Cotswolds of England thatched the roof a full 12 inches thick. The ballroom is organic, sustainable, and nourishing and to praise the earth, the creation story is depicted in vibrant colors on a 250 square foot movable mural painted by Austin artist Doug Jaques. An indoor waterfall and grotto accent an all glass wing of the ballroom, creating a stunning location for an indoor ceremony.

Organic and Sustainable

The Barr Mansion is USDA certified organic! At the Barr Mansion, they garden organically, serve all organic cuisine, recycle, compost, and use 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper for brochures/menus. The Mansion has a 75-year concrete roof and the ballroom has a 75-year thatched roof. Other organic and sustainable features include:

-Glasses and plates washed without bleach using very hot water from a tankless water heater
-Organic cotton fabric tablecloths and hemp napkins
-Candles locally made with non-petroleum, soy wax
-Rastra walls made recycled Styrofoam
-Locally made stucco
-Geothermal heating and cooling system

The McAfee family actively supports the community, from purchasing buffet platters made by local glass makers to purchasing produce from local farms. They will also donate the use of the facilities to local groups who are committed to making the world a sustainable place.

For more information or to book and event, visit: www.barrmansion.com

Appliances account for approximately 45% of a home’s energy costs. Here are some factors to consider for higher energy efficiency and cost savings:

-Unplug appliances when they are not in use. Appliances continue to draw power even after they have been turned off. This is called a phantom load. The United States uses about 43 billion kWh of electricity per year as a result of this.

-Top-freezer refrigerators can use as much as 10-25% less energy than side-by-side models.

-Gas ovens use less energy than electric ones. Self-cleaning ovens are more insulated and will save even more on utility bills.

-Front-loading clothes washing machines use approximately one-third of the water that conventional machines use to wash the same size load of clothing. Horizontal axis models also spin clothes faster which results in less drying time.

-Overall, dishwashers are a better and more efficient way to clean dishes than hand washing.

-Buy appliances with a better Energy Star Rating. Energy Star® labeled appliances typically exceed federal minimum efficiency standards by 15-20%.

-Home owners should consider replacing major home appliances that are 10 to 15 years old.
The Energy Guide Label

Federal law requires a bright yellow Energy Guide label to be placed on many types of home appliances. The label compares the most and least energy used by comparable models of the same appliance type, and helps estimate the cost to operate the appliance. Energy Star® labeled appliances typically exceed federal minimum efficiency standards by 15-20%.

The Energy Guide label gives you two important pieces of information you can use for comparison of different brands and models:
1.Estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar models.
2.Estimated yearly operating cost based on the national average cost of electricity.

For a more accurate assessment of operating cost, multiply the estimated energy use (from the label) by your local utility rates.

Mueller’s Green Building Standards

Sustainable development is one of the six guiding tenets of Mueller. All projects at Mueller are required to follow either the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED-NC (New Construction) green building standard or Austin Energy’s Green Building Program (Commercial, Multi-Family Residential, or Single-Family Residential).

Mueller Parks and Community Spaces

With a vast 140 acres of open space, the Mueller community offers 4 large parks in addition to neighborhood and pocket parks, a 6.5 acre lake, the William Morris Golf Course, playfields, urban plazas and pedestrian and bicycle paths. There will also be an elementary school on site along with a joint-use recreation center. Other amenities include retail such as restaurants and cafes and a Town Center.

Mueller Benefits

-Quick drive to downtown
-Miles of hike and bike trails
-Urban living at its best
-Environmentally friendly
-Home to Dell Children’s Hospital
-Major employers and retailers nearby

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The Mueller Project Builders

David Weekley
David Weekley Homes presents Yard Houses within the urban villages of Mueller.
Five floor plans available, 1437-2221 square feet.
Priced $280s-$340s.

Meritage Homes
Meritage Homes brings together innovative design with environmental sensibility for living environments that are both elegant and easy to maintain.
Three plans still available, 1924, 2014, & 2217 square feet.
Priced $295-$345,990.

Muskin Company
Their honors include three Community Revitalization Awards from the Austin Board of Realtors as well as a Custom Builder of the Year Award.
Five Garden Court homes available (July 08), 1876-1943 square feet.
Priced $339,500-$369,500.
Three custom build lots available facing Lake Park ($875,00+).

Saldaña Homes LLC
Saldaña Homes LLC is a local, family home building business, located in the heart of East Austin. Founders, Manuel and Marie are second generation homebuilders and have more than 37 years of experience in building finely crafted homes in Austin, Texas.
Garden Court Homes, 1830-1890 square feet, 5 homes left (July 08).
Priced $345,500-$369,500.
3 Star Green Homes.

Standard Pacific
Standard Pacific proudly offers 8 plans within the Yard House sections, 2600-3100 square feet.
Prices starting from the $370s.
Ten inventory homes currently available (July 08) priced $435-$500s.
3 Star Green Homes.

Streetman Homes
Streetman Homes’ ‘Artisan Collection’ features all the novelties that define the vision of the diverse Mueller neighborhood.
Yard Homes from $525-$700s.
Town Homes from $250-$350s - available at the end of 2008.
Three custom build lots available facing Lake Park.
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To schedule an appointment to visit the Mueller community, please contact Angela at 512-762-0923.

by Jerry Naiser of Real Green Lawns

There are many ways to conserve significant amounts of water inside and outside the home, and doing so makes sense because it lowers water and sewer bills, extends the water supply and helps the environment. Homeowners can take many simple steps to help preserve this precious renewal resource.

Effective water conservation requires awareness, involvement and education.

Indoor water conservation

* Repair all water leaks immediately and be especially alert for leaks in toilets and faucets.
* Install and maintain ultra-low flow toilets. Alternatively, convert existing toilets to low-flow units with a tank dam or even bricks.
* Install and maintain flow restricters (aerators) on faucets.
* Install and maintain low-flow showerheads.
* Limit showering time to 5 minutes.
* Do not use toilets as waste baskets or ashtrays.
* Turn off water when shaving and brushing teeth.
* Scrape food off dishes without water prior to rinsing.
* Operate dishwasher only when it is fully loaded.
* Operate clothes washer only when it is loaded to maximum
* capacity.
* Rather than run the tap for cool drinking water, keep a filled container in the refrigerator.
* While waiting for running water to warm or cool for use on plants or in cleaning, capture flow for other uses.

Outdoor Water Conservation

* Cover pools, spas and other water features when not in use to minimize evaporation.
* Clean sidewalks, driveways and patios by sweeping rather than by spraying with a hose.
* Wash car(s) with a bucket of water rather than a running hose.
* If possible, drive your vehicle onto the lawn so that all of the water can be absorbed into the landscape.
* Restrict or eliminate use of hose-end water toys. If possible, combine use of water for play with landscape needs.
* Properly prune or trim trees, shrubs and other woody plants to maximize the plants’ health and minimize invasion by pests.
* Frequently remove dead or dying plants and all weeds that compete for available water.
* Apply fertilizers or pesticides, timed to specific needs of the plants.
* Maintain sharp blades on pruning shears and lawn mowers.
* Aerate lawn and cultivate planting beds periodically to decrease compaction and improve penetration of water, air and nutrients into root zones.
* Mulch flower and garden areas as well as tree and shrub bases as appropriate for each species.
* “Harvest” water from rainfall for landscape irrigation purposes.
* Use recycled or non-potable water to the greatest extent possible, as limited by supply and/or regulation.
* Employ a certified landscape-irrigation auditor at least once every five years to conduct a thorough and comprehensive check for efficiency of water application.
* At least once a year, confirm that all irrigation systems are distributing water uniformly and inspect, repair and/or adjust inground or drip watering systems.
* Use water timers or flow meters for hose-end watering to ensure proper amounts are applied.
* Immediately shut off irrigation system(s) and adjust whenever irrigation water falls or runs onto hard surfaces such as sidewalks, streets or driveways.
* Repair all water leaks as soon as detected. (This includes leaking hose couplings, hose bib leaks and similar connections.)
* When buying plants, select those that have scientifically documented low water requirements.
* Determine specific water requirements for all existing landscapeplants.
* Adjust controllers for in-ground or drip watering systems according to seasonal needs of plants.
* Water landscape plants only when necessary according to needs of each plant type or based on local ET (evapotranspiration) rates.
* Water early in the morning when temperatures and winds are at their lowest levels to reduce evaporation.
* Water all plants deeply but infrequently to encourage deeper, healthier rooting.

www.RealGreenLawns.com

Daylight

Daylight is by far the best option. Open blinds or to take it a step further, install skylights for some beautiful natural light.

CFLs

According to the federal government, if every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star approved compact fluorescent bulb (CFL), the US would save enough energy to light more than 2.5 million homes for a year, as well as prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.

CFLs use less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. The average CFL lifespan is five years.

CFLs generate 70 percent less heat and draw less electrical current, making them safer to operate, especially in older homes with dated wiring.

One negative aspect of CFLs is that they contain a small amount of mercury, so you cannot just throw them out with the trash. Place used CFLs in a plastic bag and drop them off at Home Depot locations or go to www.Earth911.com to find recycling drop off locations for CFLs and other items. See the Austin and Round Rock hazardous material recycling centers at end of article.

LEDs

While they still cost quite a bit more than CFLs, LEDs (light emitting diodes) use even less energy and last even longer. An LED light bulb can reduce energy consumption by 80-90% and last around 100,000 hours.

Dimmers, Motion Sensors, & Timers

Motion sensors can keep lights turned off when they’re not needed, dimmers can give you just the right amount of light, and timers can be set to turn things on and off at specified times needed.

Turn off the Lights!

Turn off the lights when you leave a room: For standard incandescents, turn off even if you leave the room for just seconds. Compact fluorescents, turn off if you leave the room for 3 minutes. Standard fluorescents, turn off if you leave the room for 15 minutes.

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City of Austin HHW Collection Facility
Household Hazardous Waste

2514 Business Center Drive
AUSTIN, TX 78744
(512) 974-4343

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/sws/hhw.htm

Please call for hours of operation. Service limited to residents of Travis County.

City of Round Rock Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Household Hazardous Waste

310 Deepwood
ROUND ROCK, TX 78681
(512) 218-5559

http://www.roundrocktexas.gov/
Hours vary, please call ahead.This service is available for City of Round Rock residents only and Round Rock water bill must be presented as proof of residency. Please note, residential Waste is defined as less than 25 gallons. Contractor/Business Waste will not be accepted.

On this self-guided tour, you can visit open houses featuring energy efficient and environmentally sound construction and design homes. You will see that energy efficient houses can be very cool!

Talk to the owners, builders, architects, and installers and preview homes ranging from the affordable to high-end luxury.

Some of the green features of these homes include:
-Solar electricity (PV)
-Climate responsive design, for comfort and energy efficiency
-Green building materials and concepts
-Pleasing conservational landscapes
-Rainwater collection systems

A $15 Guidebook, available at Austin Central Markets locations, serves as your ticket and provides directions.

Plot your personal tour from the map and directions in the Guidebook and go at your own pace.

Produced by: Texas Solar Energy www.txses.org/solar/content/the-cool-house-tour

Learn more about the Austin Green Building Program: http://www.austinenergy.com

Austin Gutter King
www.austingutterking.com

Austin Gutter Man
www.austingutterman.com

City of Austin - Rainwater Harvesting Rebates
www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rwrebates.htm

Clean Air Gardening: Rain Barrels
www.cleanairgardening.com/rainbarrels.html

Gutter Tech: Gutters & Rainwater Collection
www.guttertech-tx.com/

HarvestH2O.com Online Rainwater Harvesting Community
www.harvesth2o.com/

Innovative Water Solutions
www.watercache.com/

Rainwater Harvesting Guide
www.rain-barrel.net/

Rainwater Harvesting Information
www.rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu/

Rainwater.org
www.rainwater.org

Texas Rainwater Tanks
www.TexasRainWaterTanks.com

We hear about conservation and sustainability, but we need to start moving towards these now. when it comes to water, rainwater harvesting and collection is an effective green solution with many benefits.

Rainwater harvesting is the capture, diversion, and storage of rainwater for a number of different purposes including landscape irrigation, drinking and domestic use, aquifer recharge, and stormwater abatement.

Rainwater harvesting systems can be as simple as a rain barrel for lawn & garden irrigation at the end of a downspout, or as complex as a full residential or commercial potable system.

Gutter and rainwater collection system advantages

-Water Conservation
-Lower Utility Bills
-Help prevent foundation/structural damage
-Superior for landscape irrigation

Components of a Rainwater Collection System:

-Catchment surface: the collection surface from which rainfall runs off
-Gutters and downspouts: channel water from the roof to the tank
-Leaf screens, first-flush diverters, and roof washers: components which remove debris and dust from the captured rainwater before it goes to the tank
-One or more storage tanks (cisterns)
-Delivery system: gravity-fed or pumped to the end use
-Treatment/purification: For potable systems, filters and other methods to make the water safe to drink
The Lady Bird Johnson WildflowerResearch Center harvests rainwater for irrigation of its native plant landscapes with a 6,000-gallon stone cistern.

The State of Texas offers financial incentives for rainwater harvesting systems. Senate Bill 2 of the 77th Legislature exempts rainwater harvesting equipment from sales tax and allows local governments to exempt rainwater harvesting systems from ad valorem property) taxes.

The City of Austin Water Conservation Department promotes both residential and  commercial/industrial rainwater harvesting. The City of Austin sells 75-gallon polyethylene rain barrels to its customers below cost, at $60 each, up to four rain barrels per customer. City of Austin customers who purchase their own rain barrels are eligible for a $30 rebate.(www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rbsales.htm)

Georgetown Village

Own a Green Builders home at Georgetown Village and save up to 50% on your energy bills. With homes from the $190’s, this master planned community offers a selection of home styles and prices that will appeal to growing families and active empty nesters alike.

Georgetown Village has 6 great parks and a centrally located village green directly adjacent to a huge, sparkling community pool, complete with swimming lanes and recreation area. There’s also a deluxe playscape for the little ones right on the green. There are miles of hiking and biking trails and Village Elementary, an exemplary rated school, is located at the heart of Georgetown Village, within walking distance of any home.

Green Builders also has green home communities in Buda and Driftwood.

To schedule a time to visit or learn more about these green communities, call Angela Sparks at 512.762.0923.