EcoCentro provides workshop today on preparing home for winter.
By Nicole M. Bautista
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
An outreach center near this college is teaching the community how to live in harmony with the environment by offering several free workshops this fall.
EcoCentro will host a “Winterizing your Home” presentation that will provide tips to help people get ready for the season.
The presentation is free and open to the public 6:30-8 p.m. today at EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main Ave.
In South Texas, winter is easy to overlook. While the weather can be unpredictable, residents can still be prepared for whatever winter has to offer.
EcoCentro’s academic program specialist, Jess Mayes, will present tips on how to winterize older homes for energy savings, properly protect plants and pets before a freeze, how to protect pipes from freezing and how to prepare surfaces for icing to avoid slips and falls.
EcoCentro offers a variety of monthly workshops and presentations that support an environmentally friendly way of life.
In November, Eco Centro has two workshops scheduled: “Permaculture Design for Landscapes and Gardens” 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 9 and “Conserving Land and Water by Working with Nature” 6:30-8 p.m. Nov. 16.
There are simple ways to practice a sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle.
“Start a small compost pile or worm bin to recycle organic waste including coffee grounds, fruit and veggie waste, paper, etc. Worm composting can be done in a small space including under your sink,” Mayes said. “We can show you how.”
The most convenient place to obtain organic waste would be from your own home.
People also can grow their own fruits and vegetables.
“Start a garden in your backyard,” Mayes said.
There are also options for those who don’t have yards.
“Live in an apartment? Start a tower garden on your patio or balcony,” Mayes said.
Julie Cornelius, continuing education program coordinator, offers tips to practice being eco-friendly in daily life:
- Turn off lights when exiting a room.
- Turn off the water when brushing teeth.
- Follow the city of San Antonio guidelines for recycling at www.sanantonio.gov/swmd/Recycling.
- Take the bus, carpool or ride a bicycle to work or school.
- Use eco-friendly products whenever possible.
To be environmentally friendly means to live a better lifestyle. That will in turn make Earth a better place for generations to come.