Going Green

“Going green” is a very common phrase that is used in our surroundings. It can be used and heard throughout advertising in magazines and TV as well as on the labels of some of the products we use every day. Going green means becoming more environmentally aware. It means changing your behavior and lifestyle to reduce the amount of pollution and waste. Going green is usually a process for some people to contribute to a sustainable living and take action in making a positive impact in the environment.

When you put an effort into being environmentally responsible, the benefits are endless. By going green you can help save energy with solar and wind energy. Other forms of sustainable energy include energy from fossil fuels, natural gas and coal. Going green also means saving resources, such as the trees that are cut down to build furniture. Sustainable living also benefits your health. Walking and breathing fresh air is good for your health and helps prevent pollution. You can save a lot of money by reusing, recycling and even growing your own vegetables and fruit. 

The City of Houston is working hard to make Houston green and has developed and implemented citywide projects to help Houstonians learn about sustainable living and encourage them to take action towards a lifestyle that is green and environmental conscious. Some of the City of Houston Green City Projects includes:

Bikeways Program

• Houston offers a 345-mile interconnected bikeway network spanning across 500 square miles of the city. This includes bike lanes, bike routes, shared lanes and bayou trails.
  

Compost Bin/ Rain Barrel

• The City of Houston Green Building Resource Center partners with RainWater Solution to provide Houstonians with rain barrels and compost bins.  Now through May 9, you can purchase a rain barrel which is perfect to water your garden.
  

Electric Vehicles

• The City of Houston is working on exploring technologies that will conserve energy and improve our environment.  Electric vehicles are an environmental friendly solution that can work in our city’s busy lifestyle. Reliant Energy has sponsored the conversion of 10 city cars to plug-in hybrid electronic vehicles.

Farmers Market

• The City Hall Farmers Market features more than 30 vendors including local fresh produce, cheeses, breads, coffees, prepared meals and food trucks. The market welcomes everyone to enjoy and support local food.  The 2015 Spring Market runs every Wednesday, at Herman Square in front of City Hall, from 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The University of Houston- Downtown is located in the heart of Houston and is always looking for opportunities to help the community maintain a beautiful and sustainable environment. Our goal is increase environmental awareness among the university community. The objective of our campaign is for 65 percent of the students, staff and faculty to keep the University clean. By the end of summer, we hope to see a friendly, clean and green environment at the University of Houston – Downtown.  We would love for everyone to be educated about environmental issues and take action towards guaranteeing a green future for generations to come. Are you joining us in our efforts towards an environmental friendly university?

HAPPY FRIENDLY LIVING,

Jonathan Berrospes, Silvia Carmona, Scott Giraudin & Nicole Olaya

*DISCLAIMER: This blog is for the use of a school project