City of Waco Sustainability Newsletter

Building a more Sustainable, Resilient and Equitable Waco

FEBRUARY 2023

Have something to share with our community? Submit to Eric Coffman (ericc@wacotx.gov) by March 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.

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Tackling the Climate Crisis

Lecture on Local Air Quality and Climate Change

Come hear Dr. Sascha Usenko, Baylor University Environmental Science professor give a lecture at Startup Waco (605 Austin Ave) on February 22 at 5:30pm. The lecture will be followed by a discussion on local climate resiliency. There will be FREE Boba Tea and Dumplings from Cha Community so please RSVP so we have a good head count.

RSVP Here

Waco City-Wide Trails Master Plan

The City of Waco has been working on a multi-year vision to guide the continued expansion of bicycle and pedestrian connectivity in the city and surrounding areas. Walking and bicycling is, of course, a great way to lower your carbon footprint, and it's exciting to see the new opportunities that are coming for alternatives to driving a car. You can learn more about the master plan at the City of Waco website.

Learn More

Preventing Waste and Pollution

District 2 Clean Up February 11

District clean-ups provide the opportunity for residential customers to place unwanted items at their curbs for pick up by the City of Waco Solid Waste. If you live in District 2, be sure to have items at the curb by 7am on February 11. Remember to separate bulky trash from brush and have the items clearly marked before the pick up time.

Learn More

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is March 25

Pre-registered residents of Waco, Bellmead, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, and Woodway have access to the "Fast Lane" for dropping off hazardous waste for FREE between 7am and 1pm on Saturday, March 25 at 501 Schroeder Drive. Be sure to bring an ID and city utility bill for proof of residency.

Pre-register Here

In The Community

Learn to Compost for the Climate

Take the Community Composter Certification Course with Emily Hills at Urban REAP. The course will be held on six Thursday nights in March and April and is a "training of trainers" who can then teach others about this important tool for diverting food waste from the landfill that helps reduce methane gas and the city's carbon footprint.

Learn More

Upcoming Events

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

Saturday Mornings, 9am to 1pm, in front of the McLennan County Courthouse

Support our local farmers and artisans by buying locally grown and produced goods. Come by and see McLennan County Master Gardeners to learn about "Roses and Rose Pruning" FEB 11 at the Farmers Market.


Bike and Pedestrian Work Group

FEB 15, 10am, Bitty & Beau's Coffee

This citizen work group is hosted by the Waco Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Come give your voice to making Waco more bike and pedestrian friendly. The meeting will be in the conference room at Bitty & Beau's Coffee at 110 Franklin Ave.


Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting

FEB 16, 3pm, Fire Station 6 Community Room

The general public is welcome to attend this monthly meeting of the citizen board that makes policy recommendations to the Waco City Council. Consider becoming a member of the board (there's currently one position open to represent District 2).


Lecture on Local Air Quality & Climate Change

FEB 22, 5:30pm, Startup Waco

Come hear a lecture by Dr. Sascha Usenko, Baylor University Environmental Science professor followed by a discussion on local climate resiliency. Free Boba Tea and Dumplings. RSVP here.


Community Workshop: Growing with Greenhouses

FEB 25, 11am, Urban REAP

Come learn from Master Gardener Louie McDaniel all about greenhouses. We will be discussing different types of greenhouses, how to grow with greenhouses, and deciding if greenhouses are right for you. Click here to register.


Waco Sustainability Network Meetup

FEB 28, 5pm, Cameron Park Zoo

Holley Day is hosting this after-hours meetup for the Waco Sustainability Network at the Saltwater Aquarium and will talk about animal conservation.


Waco Friends of the Climate Monthly Meeting

FEB 28, 6pm, South Waco Library

Monthly meeting of Friends of the Climate (FOC). Free to all with vegan refreshments provided. Program TBA.


The Care for Waco Carnival

Community Celebration of Earth Day

APR 22, Noon - 4pm, Doris Miller Community Center outdoor space at 1020 Elm in East Waco

The Waco Youth Council has been working hard to organize this event to be fun for the whole family with yoga, games for kids, arts and crafts, as well as educational programs on all things sustainable.

What We're Reading and Listening To

ARTICLES

Texans can now sign up for virtual power plant to help grid, make money

By Canary Media


Electric vehicles can now power your home for three days

By The Washington Post



PODCASTS

Is Economic Growth the Wrong Goal?

From Freakonomics


Geothermal energy and the revival of a forgotten renewable

From Texas Power Podcast


Please send us your suggestions for articles, books, and podcasts so that we can share them with our community.

New Entrance to Cobbs Recycling Center

Although the Cobbs Recycling Center is in the same location, the address has been updated to 4201 Trice Ave due to the new entrance and exit to the center.


Hours of operation remain the same - Monday through Saturday, 8am to 5pm.


To learn more about what you can drop off at the Cobbs Recycling Center, visit

waco-texas.com/cobbs.


Thank you Waco Transit!

Taking public transportation is a great way to lower your carbon footprint and we have a great team that operates the Waco Transit System.


Join us in celebrating our hard-working transit team on Saturday, March 18 for Transit Team Appreciation Day. This holiday honors transit employees, ranging from bus operators to maintenance staff. We'll be recognizing over 100 employees serving in many different critical roles. The team is dedicated to what they do and deserves heartfelt thanks!


Do you know a special bus operator who deserves recognition or just want to thank WTS staff? Consider sending a thank you message to wtscomments@wacotx.gov.

Trainings & Job Opportunities


Urban REAP Community Composter Certification Course


TSTC Waco Associate degree in Wind Energy Technology


TSTC Waco Associate degree in Solar Energy Technology


World Hunger Relief Institute Internships


Please let us know about any training or job opportunities related to sustainability so we can publicize them.

City of Waco Job Listings



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