In 2009, Texas ranked dead last in per capita collections of old computers among the seven states that require manufacturers to take back old equipment from consumers, according to a report released this week by the Texas Campaign for the Environment Fund. Click here to read the report.
You can let the two Texas gubernatorial candidates know that you expect them to make a pledge to sign effective e-waste legislation in 2011.
Click here to take action!
H2Orange plastic water bottles under fire for environmental impact
Video: A push to raise money for scholarships at the University of Texas is now under fire for plastic pollution. Two dozen environmental activists protested what's known as H2Orange on campus. (KVUE News Austin)
Environmental groups sue Lower Colorado River Authority
Three anti-pollution groups have accused the Lower Colorado River Authority of committing 10,000 violations against the federal Clean Air Act. (Austin Business Journal)
Is Texas next state to ban plastic grocery bags?
Video: There are more and more proposals being drawn up at the local and state level to eliminate or place a tax on the bags. Most are produced using oil, and, by some estimates, 90 percent end up dumped in a landfill or clogging up streams. (KVUE News Austin)
EPA chief calls for e-waste export ban
Speaking at last week's 2010 Global E-Waste Crime Group Meeting, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson called for stronger legislation governing the export of scrap electronics. (E-Scrap News)
New "Recycle just about anything" website: TCE Fund has re-launched its website www.TexasTakeBack.org, which is designed as a comprehensive guide to give you information for recycling almost anything. Need to recycle your electronics, pharmacueticals or CFLs? Want to know how to reduce household plastic or paper waste? Check out the new site, and give us your feedback, please!
Watch The Story of Bottled Water
Three-fourths of the 500 million plastic water bottles sold in the U.S. every week go to the landfill or to incinerators. A great new video called "The Story of Bottled Water" shows how we can put a stop to it. Watch it here!
More Americans recycle than vote, but in many Texas communities recycling is lagging in part because some landfill operators cut corners and undercut recycling programs. In addition, too few products are designed for recycling. Requiring manufacturers to take back their products at the end of their useful lives will provide a bottom line incentive to reduce toxins and design products for recycling. read more
