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Latest green news from Austin, Texas
Tags: · Austin, Green, Green news, Sustainability news
DOE funding solar projects in 16 cities
From Green Right Now Reports
The Department of Energy announced $10 million has been awarded to 16 cities for 40 new Solar America Cities Special Projects. The funds, made through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will enable the cities to increase solar energy use in their communities through innovative programs and policies that the government believes can be replicated across the nation.
The cities chosen for these awards came from the group of 25 large U.S. cities that are part of the DOE’s Solar America Cities program, which recognizes the participating cities as partners highly committed to solar technology adoption at the local level. Those cities already have been given millions of dollars in funds and technical assistance to accelerate solar adoption.
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Tags: · Austin, Berkeley, Boston, Department of Energy, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, New Orleans, New York City, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Seattle, Solar America Cities Special Projects, Tucson
Austin company turning roofs green… literally
Reported by Susan Vessell
KEYE
(AUSTIN) — New restaurants, bars, office and residential buildings and parking garages are transforming downtown Austin every day. With all these new structures come new rooftops. While most of us would think of a roof just being a roof, others see potential beauty.
Austin company turning roofs green… literally
The student housing [...]
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Tags: · Austin, Eleanor McKinney, KEYE, The Quarters at Sterling House
Tiny homes getting to be a big deal
By Harriet Blake
Green Right Now
One or two of the seven dwarfs would enjoy these houses, but certainly not all of them, and forget about Snow White. In Peter Pan, the lost boys made such a house for Wendy. And when Alice landed in Wonderland, she too experienced the tiny house phenomenon.
So, now in 2009, what’s the appeal of a home that ranges 100 to 800 square feet? Is there a market for them? Are people really downsizing to this level?
The economy may be one factor, but most folks who are attracted to these miniature homes are seeking a simpler, scaled down lifestyle –one that is kinder to the environment. Such a home uses less energy and takes advantage of renewable resources.
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Tags: · Austin, Boston, Brad Kittel, California, Carbon footprint, Jay Schafer, PlaceTailor Inc., Pratt House, Texas, Tiny Texas Houses, Tumbleweed Tiny Houses, U.S. Green Building Council
My Green Job: George Eckrich, co-owner Dr. Kracker
George Eckrich, 38, co-owner of Dr. Kracker, Austin, Texas
 What I do:
I am fortunate to have experienced a “calling” or vocation, and I have been a baker most all of my adult life, except for a brief three years working in Mexico in agriculture. When I was 20 I went through a baker’s apprenticeship in Hanover, Germany, and I have been fascinated by the magic of turning simple ingredients like flour, water, salt and yeast into something deliciously edible. My lifelong interest has been whole grains, and this is my second bakery. Here at Dr. Kracker we concentrate on organic whole grain and whole seed flatbread crackers that are not only over-the-top great tasting but also good for you!
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Tags: · Austin, crackers, Dr. Kracker, flatbreads, George Eckrich, natural food company, Organic Food, whole grains
Earth Day(s): Keeping your community involved 365 days a year
April 17th, 2009 · 1 Comment
By Shermakaye Bass
Green Right Now
Earth Day isn’t just a date on the calendar or an annual do-good commitment; it’s a way of life, a state of mind, a mission even – and certainly an intention. The date itself, April 22, merely reminds us that, January through December, all days should be “earth days” in our respective, collective communities.
 You know this is true when mainstream news giants like Time magazine feature cover stories declaring the eminent demise of millions of species. Climate change is real, and potentially catastrophic. Still, there are loads of things we can do to stem climate change, or even help reverse it. Which is why each year Earth Day gathers more meaning and momentum, urging us to expand our green consciousness to 365 days a year.
Eva Radke, founder of Film Biz Recycling in New York City – a nonprofit committed to greening the film industry – grasps that idea.
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Tags: · Austin, bicycling, Community Gardens, Community-supported agriculture, Earth Day, Film Biz Recycling, Sacramento, tree planting
Daimler will pilot car2go program in Austin
From Green Right Now Reports
Daimler has announced it will bring its car2go mobility concept to the U.S. by fall of this year. The first international pilot will start in Austin with an initial fleet of about 200 fuel-efficient smart fortwo cars.
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Tags: · Austin, car2go, Daimler, KVUE, smart fortwo
Artists announced for Green Apple Festival ‘Thank You Concerts’
Photo: Green Apple Network
From Green Right Now Reports
Green Apple Festival and Earth Day Network have released the 2009 line up for the free “Green Apple Thank You Concerts” for volunteers in major cities across the country over Earth Day Weekend (April 17 through 19).
Performers at the flagship event “Earth Day on the National Mall” in [...]
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Tags: · Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Denver, Earth Day Network, Green Apple Festival, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC
Roll up your shirt sleeves on Earth Day
By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now
Next month we celebrate Earth Day, the calendar hub of environmental action in the United States and around the globe.
The event, launched back in 1970, has enjoyed enduring life, inspiring countless mid-April tree plantings and “trash offs” No doubt many adults today remember canvassing a ditch for soda cans and paper litter sometime during their childhood.
Lately, Earth Day has been enjoying a resurgence as green aspirations break out in corporate offices, Jaycee meetings and kindergarten classrooms across the land.
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Tags: · Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Earth Day Network, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC
Some beauty products pose significant dangers
Millions of women put on makeup every day, but you don’t think it could be hazardous to your health. Visit www.susanjeske.com for more information.
> Watch Now
Related stories:
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Tags: · Austin, KVUE, Susan Jeske, Toxic makeup
Solar development company: Plant will create jobs
By Steve Alberts
KVUE-Austin
AUSTIN — A company that has been given the go ahead to build a solar power plant for Austin says the plant will stimulate the local economy, but some nearby residents are not so sure.
Thursday, the Austin city council approved of plans for Gemini Solar Development Company to build a 30-megawatt solar power plant on 350 acres of city owned land near Webberville. Austin Energy General Manager Roger Duncan said it’s a significant step.
> Watch Now
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Tags: · Austin, Austin Energy, Gemini Solar Development Company, Green jobs, KVUE, Solar plant, Steve Alberts, Tim Lasocki
Green Spas: Healthier practices serve clients and the environment
By Sommer Saadi
Green Right Now
Spa guests, already conscious about the health of their bodies, are starting to choose pampering experiences that keep the well-being of the environment in mind as well.
They still want to be indulged, say spa operators, but some are opting for experiences and products that soothe and improve, without nature-damaging ingredients.
 Rona Berg, editor in chief of Organic Beauty magazine, says spa guests now look at what is in the products, where it comes from, who produces it and whether it is sustainable. Some even want to know if the company they’re supporting is giving back to the community.
“Consumer demand for healthier, eco-friendly and organic products isn’t showing any signs of stopping,” Berg says. “We’re undergoing a cultural paradigm shift and organic beauty is definitely one aspect of it.”
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Tags: · Austin, Dallas, facials, manicures, massage, Nusta, Organicures, pedicures, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Spa Habitat, The Crossings, V-Spa, Washington DC
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