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December 2024
Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.
Last month I gave some details about the EPA Community Change Grant award that will be funding a number of projects tackling the intersection of climate action and environmental justice. The City of Waco is also part of another grant award with the Texas Solar for All Coalition. This grant program will be addressing climate change while helping financially struggling homeowners with the cost of electricity. The program will pay the full cost of a 3.5 kW solar system to be installed on qualifying homes. There will be funding to install 150 solar systems over the next 5 years. Look for more information to come as this program officially launches in 2025.
I know it's a busy season but as you're preparing for the holidays, take a few minutes to read some of the recommendations in the Take Care of Texas Ultimate Holiday Guide. Some of their articles include The Perfect Host: Reduce Waste During Holiday Celebrations and Sustainable Gift Wrapping.
Have a great holiday and I'll be back in touch next year!
Cheers,
Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov
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Join the Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board and Make an Impact on our City
 The Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board still has a number of openings that need to be filled. This board provides an avenue for concerned citizens of Waco to discuss important issues like climate change and air quality and make recommendations to the Waco City Council about how to improve our natural environment. Just hit the orange Apply button on this page.
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District Cleanups
Dispose of unwanted bulky items and yard waste at no additional cost. Place your unwanted items at the curb on your designated date, and we'll pick it up!
Find your district, find your date and put your items out by 7 a.m. on your date. It's that simple. No registration is required.
Waco's Year-Round Water Conservation
 Waco residents are limited to watering their lawns only 3-days per week (both businesses and residential). The allowed days are by address:
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Odd numbered addresses water Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
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Even numbered addresses water Monday, Wednesday and Saturday
- No outdoor watering on Fridays
- No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.
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Report violations with the MyWaco app. Create a request (anonymously or not) and choose "Report a Possible Water Restriction Violation"
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Corridor Beautification Incentive Program
 The Corridor Beautification Incentive Program (CBIP) assist property owners and tenants of retail, commercial, and multi-family properties located along high-priority gateway corridors within the City with grant funding for beautification projects. This 1:1 matching grant provides up to $15,000 in funding to support qualifying property improvements adjacent to rights-of-way. Applications will be open from January 1- February 28, 2025.
Come See the Wild Lights at Cameron Park Zoo
 At Cameron Park Zoo under a starlit sky, animals rest and dreams fly high. The Zoo gleams with festive delight and lights shine bright. Warm treats await, in every festive hue, the magical Christmas scene just needs you!
The Cameron Park Zoological & Botanical Society is pleased to announce its fourth annual holiday lights event, Wild Lights, presented by Reliant, beginning November 29, 2024 and running every Thursday-Sunday until December 31, 2024. With millions of (energy-efficient LED) lights illuminating the Cameron Park Zoo, Wild Lights is Waco’s largest light display. Wild Lights tickets are not date specific. Your tickets will be scanned to validate.
Ticket Prices:
Adult 13+ yrs. -$15.00
Child 3-12- $12.00
CPZ Member Adult- $13.00
CPZ Member Child-$10.00
Take Care of Texas Holiday Guide
 Take Care of Texas has compiled a series of holiday-related sustainability blogs to help you reduce waste, conserve energy, and make environmentally conscious choices during the holidays. They have all the tips you'll need to decorate sustainably, cook without food waste, and wrap presents with low-waste alternatives. Click here to read their full sustainable holiday guide and embrace new eco-friendly traditions.
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Waco Downtown Farmers Market
SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 500 Washington Ave.
The Market is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm featuring the best local agricultural producers and artisan vendors within 150-miles of Waco.
Discovery Activity: Christmas Crafts
DECEMBER 4-21, During open hours at Urban REAP, 1509 N 15th St.
For the December Discovery Activity we are bringing back our Christmas Crafts including wreaths, nature pressing ornaments, yarn and stick Christmas trees, paper snowflakes and orange ornaments. These crafts are fun for the whole family! Grab a hot beverage from World Cup Cafe or Thrst and come on by to enjoy the season with us! Discovery Activities are free and family-friendly DIY activities. 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!
Workshop Series: Gardening in Small Spaces
DECEMBER 7, 11am-12pm, Urban REAP, 1509 N 15th St.
Do you want to grow a garden but only have a patio, a balcony, or a window? Come learn from Master Gardener Laynie Miller on how to garden in small spaces! Sign up here to let us know you plan to attend.
Sustainable Resource Practices Advisory Board Meeting
DECEMBER 19, 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.
Heart of Texas Electric Vehicle Association Monthly Meeting
DECEMBER 21, 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
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Have Something to Share?
Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by JANUARY 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.
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