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November 2024

Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.

I mentioned in an earlier newsletter that a group of us were working on a grant application through the EPA's Environmental and Climate Justice Office. It started with an effort to secure more funding for what we called the S.C.R.A.P. (Sustainable Community and Regenerative Agriculture Project) Collective, but ended up expanding to include a number of other projects including resilience hubs (with solar and battery power backup) and lead abatement in homes, flood mitigation and prairie restoration, as well as the composting and community garden work of the S.C.R.A.P. Collective.

Well, we were awarded the grant! Mission Waco is the lead applicant for the grant and was awarded $17.9 million. You can read more about the grant in this nice article in the Waco Trib. It was a great collaborative effort and we're looking forward to doing some great things for our local community and environment.

Cheers,

Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov

Tackling the Climate Crisis

Help Us Plan for 2025

We're starting to plan for next year's Green Communities Conference and would love to get your feedback. Please take a few minutes to fill out our quick survey and let us know what you would like to see at the next conference.

Preventing Waste & Pollution

Scrap Tire Day

Save the date and register for the annual Scrap Tire Collection Day event. City of Waco Solid Waste is hosting the collection day from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 501 Schroeder Drive.

All collected tires will be recycled, diverting them from the landfill and reducing our environmental impact. To participate, you must be a resident in Waco city limits with a City of Waco utility account.

50 Tons of Glass Recycled

Since February 2024, almost 50 tons of glass have been diverted from the landfill with the purple glass recycling bins.

These eye-catching purple bins can be found downtown at Heritage Square, at East Waco Library, in MCC's Parking Lot S, and at Goodwill Headquarters on New Road! The glass recycling program allows residents, businesses, and visitors to recycle glass at no additional cost 24/7.

To use the bins, bring your glass bottles and jars and toss them in the containers. Only glass goes in the bins. Please no bags or boxes.

In the Community

Jubilee of Health and Wellness, Nov. 9

Come enjoy the 8th Annual Health Fair! This year Mission Waco is teaming up with the Live Well Waco Coalition. They will be setting up in Jubilee Parking Lot with healthcare providers, screenings, cooking demos, exercise classes, snacks, and giveaways - just show up and enjoy!

The event includes:

• free health services and resources
• cooking demos
• fitness demos
• giveaways and snacks
• collect toy store voucher
• celebration of Let's Walk Waco

Wildlife Wednesdays at Cameron Park Zoo

Every Wednesday, residents of McLennan County can enjoy $10 admission per person!

Discount is for tickets bought at the gate only. Proof of residency is required, so bring your Waco Water bill, electricity bill, or rental agreement.

Upcoming Events

Waco Downtown Farmers Market

SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 500 Washington Ave.
Support our local farmers and artisans by buying locally grown and produced goods.

WEDNESDAY EVENINGS, 5-8pm, 200 E. Bridge Street
This mid-week market features live music and rotating wellness activities such as yoga and hip hop step aerobics.

Jubilee of Health and Wellness

NOVEMBER 9, 10am-1pm, Jubilee Food Market Parking Lot, 1505 N 15th St.
Come enjoy the 8th Annual Health Fair! This year Mission Waco is teaming up with the Live Well Waco Coalition. They will be setting up in Jubilee Parking Lot with healthcare providers, screenings, cooking demos, exercise classes, snacks, and giveaways - just show up and enjoy!

Discovery Activity: Fall Lanterns

NOVEMBER 13-16, During open hours at Urban REAP, 1509 N 15th St.
The Discovery Activity for November is Fall Leaf Lanterns! Using fall leaves, jars, and tea light candles, we are creating these beautiful fall decorations. We will have the leaves and mod podge, you bring the jars and the creativity! Our Discovery Activities are free and family-friendly DIY activities available the second week of every month. Supplies are available during our open hours, with staff available to answer questions as needed. Grab a beverage or paleta from one of our neighborhood shops and explore nature with us!

Heart of Texas Electric Vehicle Association Monthly Meeting

NOVEMBER 16, 6pm, Kim's Diner at 2600 W Waco Dr.
Topics of conversation regularly include basic EV ownership, zero emissions motorsports, battery recycling, grid resiliency, and conversions. Don't own an EV yet? Come learn things! EV owner? Come teach people! For more information contact: hot.electautoassn@gmail.com

MPO Bike and Pedestrian Workgroup Meeting

NOVEMBER 20, 10am, Bitty and Beau's Coffee Shop, 110 Franklin Ave.
Join the MPO (Metropolitan Planning Organization) for this workgroup meeting to discuss improving bike and pedestrian accessibility in the Waco area. Due to the anticipated cold and rainy weather, they will not have a bike ride or group walk this time. Instead, they will focus on their agenda items indoors at Bitty and Beau's coffee shop.

Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting

NOVEMBER 21, 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. More information found here.

What We're Reading & Listening To

Articles

Hell froze over in Texas – the state will connect to the US grid for the first time via a fed grant
By electrek

Over 60% of surveyed Trump voters in Texas said they support solar tax credits
By PV Magazine

Podcasts

Resilience for All: Improving Disaster Response and Responsiveness with Dr. Sergio Castellanos
By Energy Capital Podcast

Send us your suggestions for articles, books, podcasts, or videos, so that we can share them with our community.

Have Something to Share?

Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by DECEMBER 1 to be included in next month's newsletter. 

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