A Word About Recycling with Ollie Maier
Recently received the monthly bulletin email from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). In it they explained their relatively new STAR program.
STAR is the acronym or abbreviation for “State of Texas Alliance for Recycling.”
In the bulletin they explained the mission of STAR is to advance recycling through partnerships, education and advocacy for the benefit of Texas. They went on to further explain how they are working to accomplish that goal.
“With the backing of multiple recycling corporations and businesses, STAR serves as the voice of the Texas recycling industry, as well as a partner with local governments and municipalities helping to reduce contamination, collaborate with staff for effective outreach, and developing local recycling markets.
“We work to educate Texans about the economic and environmental benefits of recycling in Texas and help professionals grow through networking, webinars, and our support of TRUE Advisor certification.
“STAR advocates for the recycling industry by hosting stakeholder workshops, regional meetings, and through legislative measures.”
The Alliance has a number of organizations involved. Some of these are several Texas cities including San Marcos; Sam Houston State University and Texas Tech University; Liberty Tire Recycling, Goodwill San Antonio, Houston Computer Recycling; and The Recycling Partnership.
It has board members from organizations, cities and businesses across the state. We are fortunate to be represented locally, as Amy Kirwin with the City of San Marcos is the current secretary. Thanks Amy.
If you log on to their website, RecyclingSTAR.org, you will find several helpful pages they have to provide information and instruction. Some of these are: “Master Composter," "Bin Grants," "Cities & Governments," "Schools & Universities," "Businesses & Corporations," and "STAR Councils & Action Groups." They also have instructions on how to become a member of STAR — something I hope to do — and they will soon have a page for “Webinars, Presentations & More.”
I have just highlighted one part of a TCEQ bulletin here. If you want to read more of this recent bulletin, email TCEQ@ServiceGovDelivery.com. They are also on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
The title of this bulletin was “Tis' the Season for Recycling & Wise Waste Management.” Other parts of the bulletin are titled: "Holiday Leftovers, or Food Waste?;" "Holiday Light Tips;" "What is Household Hazardous Waste?;" and "Program Highlight: Small Business & Local Government Assistance" — something for nearly everyone.
So here’s something else to do besides shopping, baking, watching football, TV movies of "Miracle on 34th Street," "It’s a Wonderful Life," "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," etc. At least you’re not shoveling snow as I am here in Minnesota — where it was -12 F. this morning.
Till next week, do have a great one...
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Ollie is a local citizen concerned with the environment and helping others. A retired Air Force fighter and instructor pilot, he is a graduate of Leadership San Marcos and received his degrees at Texas State University where he worked on staff before totally retiring. For questions or comments, he invites you to call him at 512-353-7432.or email omaier@txstate.edu.
