About the Directory
The Austin Environmental Directory is meant as a user-friendly guide to readers for learning about environmental issues, for identifying and purchasing environmental products, and for becoming involved in environmental organizations. The print version is distributed free to the Austin area. The Directory is also on the Internet at www.environmentaldirectory.info.
The Directory is edited by Paul Robbins, a longtime environmental activist residing in Austin. He wrote about 90% of the issue, with government agencies and non-profit organizations sometimes producing pages relevant to their programs. These agencies and organizations received this space at greatly reduced cost.
Businesses in subjects that the book discusses and local environmental groups are given free listings. However, the book is supported through advertising and contributions from individuals and environmental groups.
THIS YEAR’S TOPICS
This is the 10th issue of the Directory since 1995. There are several feature articles. The cover directs readers to a resource section of organizations in Central Texas that draw children to nature, train them to live and play there, teach natural systems and history, and instruct and coach them in outdoor activities, skills, and safety. It can be used by school teachers, teens, parents, and grandparents as a beginner’s guide for young people to find ways to experience the natural beauty of our region.
There are also two extensive articles on food and green building materials that relate to environmental health. Tragically, industrial toxins have become a part of our everyday lives. While the toxic dangers are relevant to everyone, children are considerably more susceptible than adults due to their low body weight and high metabolism. These articles evaluate the toxins in conventional products and carefully detail how we can best avoid them. The reader will be hard-pressed to find another publication in Austin that has gone to these levels of detail.
There is also an extensive article on Electric Vehicles. EVs can reduce carbon and air pollution, mechanically outlive the engines of conventional vehicles, and reduce the national security implications of oil consumption. However, they are still relatively new and misunderstood. This article provides an overview of how individuals can become a part of this new and growing trend.
This edition also includes sections or pages on locally grown food, clean energy programs, City of Austin Parks programs, watershed protection, the Edwards Aquifer, and the region’s environmental groups.
ABOUT THE EDITOR
Paul Robbins has been an environmental activist and consumer advocate since 1977. In the early 1980s, he helped start the City of Austin’s nationally renowned clean energy programs. He has written extensively on green business and technologies, as well as articles on clean energy and energy policy, food and the environment, recycling, and green building.
Robbins’ work on clean energy and the environment has been publicly acknowledged. He has won awards for individual achievement from the City of Austin and Keep Austin Beautiful. In 2007, the Austin City Council named a downtown district chilling station in his honor. In 2010, he was voted Best Environmentalist by the Austin Chronicle reader’s poll. In 2020, he received a Special Service Award from the Lone Star (Texas) Chapter of the Sierra Club.
CREDITS
Edited and Produced by Paul Robbins
Children’s Environmental Education, Electric Vehicles, Food,
Green Building, and Environmental Group Sections by Paul Robbins
Save Barton Creek Section by Clark Hancock
Austin Green Public Library Story by Kathy Zarsky
Austin Parks pages by Melody Alcazar, Patrick Beyer, Jonathan Butz, Jim Clark, Meredith Gauthier,
Kevin Johnson, Liana Kallivoka, Cindy Klemmer, Amanda Ross, Jane Sievert, and LaJuan Tucker
Cover Art: “Leaving the Nest,” © Mari Houghton. Original oil painting by Austin artist whose drawings and paintings depict bird life and environmental themes.
Other Original Artists and Photographers: Margaret Campbell Bamberger, Wendy Hale Davis, John Dolley, Saxton Freymann, Caley Johnson, Heather Kuhlken, Heather Valey, Scott Van Osdol
Computer Assistance by Bill Christensen
Proofreaders: Claire DeYoung, Chris Herbert, Tony Switzer, and Gail Vittori
Mail List Assistance: Jeff Smith, Opinion Analysts
Computer Assistance by Bill Christensen, Javid Aboii, Graciela Gomez, Ben Hurbrough, Karen Kreps, Jenna Mellinger, Mathew Perez
DISCLAIMER
Though great effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in the Austin Environmental Directory, the publication assumes no responsibility and disclaims any injury, damage, or economic loss resulting from the use or effect of any product or information specified within the publication. Information in the Austin Environmental Directory does not necessarily reflect the endorsement of the advertising sponsors. While this publication is meant as a guide for environmental products and services, it cannot be a substitute for product quality assurance by the manufacturers and providers of these products and services; it cannot be a replacement for preferences of individual consumers; and it cannot be an alternative to common sense employed by consumers who use the products and services discussed herein. It is recommended that consumers follow instructions in product and service manuals and on labels to ensure safe use.
COPYRIGHT
© Paul Robbins 2020 – All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, either electronic or mechanical, including recording, photocopying, or by any information retrieval and storage system, without written permission of the copyright holder. Artwork and pictures were produced specifically for the Directory, reprinted with permission, or believed to be in the public domain.
MAILING ADDRESS
The Austin Environmental Directory
P. O. Box 1374
Austin, TX 78767