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June 2025
Building a more sustainable, resilient and equitable Waco.
The US EPA recently announced it was planning to shut down the Energy Star program. You might be familiar with the iconic blue label on appliances that indicate the product is more energy efficient and will save more money than other comparable products. Since its inception in 1992, the program estimates it has saved families and businesses more than $500 billion in energy costs. It also certifies entire homes and commercial buildings that are extra energy efficient. It will be a shame to lose this valuable program as eliminating energy waste and saving on electricity bills is more important than ever.
In our last newsletter I mentioned that we officially launched the Solar For All grant program that will provide free rooftop solar arrays (and backup battery systems) on income qualified homes. This program will also provide an energy audit of the qualifying homes and some possible energy efficiency upgrades as well. Waco is fortunate to be part of this statewide program which just launched a website at www.solarforalltexas.org if you want to learn more about it. The statewide program is also running the procurement process to hire solar installers so if you know a solar installer tell them to apply.
Cheers,
Eric Coffman
Sustainability Programs Manager
ericc@wacotx.gov
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Solar Installers Apply Now
The Houston Advanced Research Center has released both a Request for Information (RFI) and a Request for Qualification (RFQL) to engage with a broad spectrum of vendors with expertise in single-family, multi-family, and community solar construction. This opportunity involves working in Waco as well as other communities across the state of Texas.
Registration is Open!
 The 2025 Green Communities Conference theme, "Rooted in Resilience," emphasizes strengthening our landscapes and ecosystems to support sustainable communities. Join hundreds of passionate Texans as we gather for the 4th consecutive year on September 17 & 18 to cultivate meaningful conversations surrounding sustainability, resiliency, and community growth in Texas. Check out the conference agenda HERE!
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Beyond the Bin: Quick Tips for Tricky Trash
 Have you ever stood over your trash can, item in hand, wondering "Where do I put...?" Figuring out the right way to dispose of certain items can be confusing. This guide offers quick, clear tips for handling your tricky trash, helping us all keep Waco clean and green. Learn how to dispose of bulky waste, glass, appliances, plastic bags, clothes, books, medication, and more.
Drop Off Services at Cobbs Recycling Center
 Did you know you have access to convenient, self-service recycling and trash drop off at Cobbs Recycling Center? Bring your items Monday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4201 Trice Ave.
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Anyone can bring recyclable material like paper, cardboard, #1 and #2 plastics, glass, household batteries, and more.
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At no additional cost, Waco residents can drop off bulky or brush waste, latex paint, or electronic waste up to four times a year (with proof of Waco residency).
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For an additional cost, Waco residents can also drop off appliances containing freon and tires.
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Hazard Mitigation Survey
 The Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management Office wants to hear from you to help update the Hazard Mitigation Action Plan (HMAP). This plan helps our county's emergency management team minimize long-term risks to human life and property including flooding, wildfires, and severe weather. Using your feedback, we can plan and recommend long-term solutions. Help us make a safer McLennan County!
Keep Waco Beautiful River Cleanup June 21
 Join Keep Waco Beautiful for their summer river cleanup to prepare for Greater Waco Chamber's TriWaco event! All volunteers will be walking the shoreline along the Brazos River. This event is open to any age range, any volunteer under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Waco Downtown Farmers Market
SATURDAY MORNINGS, 9am-1pm, 200 E. Bridge St. (NEW LOCATION!)
In case you weren't aware, the Saturday Waco Downtown Farmers Market has moved to 200 E. Bridge Street. Come check out the new location. The Wednesday evening market is on hiatus for the summer but will start up again September 3.
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JUNE 7: Music: Ragged Co. Cameron Park Zoo.
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JUNE 14: JUNETEENTH PARADE DOWN ELM! Music: Neon Whiskey. Master Gardeners. Waco Pride Network. Waco Pet Circle.
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JUNE 21: Music: Nathan Snyder. Waco Mammoth Site. Creative Waco Drumming Circle. Instrument Petting Zoo. Waco Family Medicine.
Waco Friends of the Climate Styrofoam Recycling Drive
JUNE 7, 9am-1pm, Corner of Valley Mills & Waco Dr.
Waco Friends of the Climate will collect styrofoam for recycling, 9am - 1pm, Sat., June 7, in the parking lot at the intersection of Valley Mills and Waco Drives, in front of Ocean Buffet. All types of styrofoam are accepted except peanuts, and the plastic should be clean. Place small particles in a bag. Free. More information: anorthc@aol.com
Discovery Activity: Compostable Flowers
JUNE 12-14, During open hours at Urban REAP, 1509 N 15th St.
Come join us this month to turn trash into treasure! For our June Discovery Activity, we will be providing materials to make compostable egg carton flowers! Come celebrate summer by crafting a bouquet that won’t wilt in the heat. Bring your friends and family for some upcycling fun! 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! Wednesday through Friday,10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-4pm.
Lunch with the Masters: "Tree Care - Under Construction"
JUNE 18, Noon-2pm, Emergency Services Education Center,
7601 Steinbeck Bend Dr., Room 105
Speaker will be Rob Swanson, Certified Arborist and Owner of Swanson Tree Service. Home construction remains on the rise here in McLennan County. How do you retain those beautiful mature trees through the construction process? How do you know what new trees to plant? Rob will be talking to us about these things and more. Rob is an internationally certified arborist and a Texas Department of Agriculture certified pesticide applicator. He has been practicing the art of arboriculture since 1989, specializing in disease management, pest treatments, risk assessment, and conservation planning for construction, and is an industry educator and lecturer. He is thought of as the tree doctor. From oak wilt treatment to plant health care-related tree services, Rob will help find the solution to the problem or help prevent problems from occurring.
Community Workshop: Seed Saving and Seed Swap
JUNE 21, 11am-noon at Urban REAP, 1509 N. 15th Street
Attend this workshop to learn from Master Gardener Seed Team about how to save seeds and start new plants. Hear some tips and tricks, and then have the chance to save some seeds for your own! If you have any seeds you want to share, bring them to participate in the swap! Please REGISTER HERE for this event.
Solar For All Workshop
AUGUST 28, 5:30pm, South Waco Community Center
SAVE THE DATE for our next workshop about the Solar For All grant program that will provide free installation of a solar system for income qualified homeowners.
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Articles
Texas to require recycling of retired solar, wind projects
By PV Magazine
WM unveils bigger, better film recycling plant in Texas
By Plastics Recycling Update
Books
Waste wars: the wild afterlife of your trash
By Alexander Clapp
Podcasts
WHAT IF WE GET IT RIGHT? S2, E8: A sweet How to Save a Planet reunion
By Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
I was a big fan of How to Save a Planet but it was discontinued several years ago. It was fun to hear the former hosts back together in this new episode of Dr. Johnson's podcast.
Send us your suggestions for articles, books, podcasts, or videos, so that we can share them with our community.
Postscript
UK regulators recently approved the use of AstraZeneca’s new medical inhaler, which uses a propellant with 99.9% lower global warming potential than those currently in use. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has estimated that the discharge and leakage of planet-warming hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants from inhalers was responsible for 2.5 million metric tons of CO2 equivalents in 2020, or about the same emissions as 550,000 passenger vehicles driven for one year.
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Have Something to Share?
Submit your announcements and ideas to Eric Coffman by JULY 1 to be included in next month's newsletter.
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