Sustainable Houston

Two observations about advocating for forest protections: 1) it is discouraging to live in Texas, USA, where so many of our federal and state representatives are very right wing & pro-business to the exclusion of environmental and social justice issues. I contacted my city council representative, who has demonstrated a real interest in...

Much of the environmental impacts of my life are shifted elsewhere: the air pollution from my gas vehicle, the pollution generated in producing and transporting, durable goods & foods, the pollution of generating & transporting energy for my house and car. I limit purchases to the truly needed, try to grow at least some of the...

Using public transportation is not only good for the environment, it might prevent serious injury or even save your life! According to a study available from the US National Library of Medicine--part of the National Institutes for Health--a city bus is a safer transportation mode than a car. Interestingly this is not just true for the bus...

Although I was unable to spend my “birding hour” this morning (due to pet medical needs), I spent some time outside later in the day: sweeping leaves and dirt from the driveway, removing some invasive, non-native plants from the gardens, planting native plants in their place, starting some native ground cover rootlings.

With two geriatric cats under care, today is going to be a challenge. I will do what I can to focus at times on the ecochallenge.

That sustainable mindset kicked in when the person knocking doors for a political candidate tried to hand me a flyer. I politely declined the material, since I can find that information online. Save the printed stuff for folks who need a reminder! It's a little thing, but 30 years ago it wouldn't have seemed as important to me.

Today’s activities were somewhat driven by two factors: a sick house cat, and an emergency at the eagle nest for which I volunteer as a moderator. The first is a chronic issue - my 18 year old female cat has a chronic ear condition that flared today. She requires close watching and protective measures with this, as her balance is severely...

Waxworms that eat and digest plastic? I'm glad scientists are looking into this! We need all the help we can get. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20240419-the-worms-that-eat-through-plastic

Spent my time outside today, even as the humidity increases and the mosquitos begin to swarm. The mosquitos are of concern as, in our area, they can carry a variety of tropical diseases. I am particularly tasty and have to spritz myself with repellent. I also maintain a mosquito dunk in the rear of the back yard.

I was able to enjoy the morning “birding” time, where I listen to & watch the birds, water potted plants and those newly put in the ground, and interact with our house cats and the tamer ferals. There were fewer sirens than normal, and none of the “muscle car” gunning of engines that is so wasteful of gasoline and noise polluting. I am...