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Get Engaged! With your neighborhood and your region <br />Genuine democracy must be the first characteristic of a sustainable community. Strong social networks, justice <br />for all, peaceful neighborhoods, and responsible political systems require everyone's input and diligence. <br />^ Volunteer! The United Way/Capital Area volunteer center can guide you to just the organization you're <br />looking for. Go to http://www.unitedwaycapitalarea.org/volunteer/index.cfm <br />^ Austin Free-Net Neighborhood Network links citizens electronically. See www.afn-neighbor.net <br />^ To learn about elected officials of the City of Austin, go to www.ci.austin.tx.us/council <br />^ To learn about elected officials, of Travis County, go to <br />http://www.co.travis.tx.us/comm issioners_court/default.asp <br />^ Practice your rights as a citizen. The League of Wombn Voters, Austin Area is a great resource. Go to <br />www.leaguewv.austin.tx.us <br />^ The City of Austin Neighborhood Planning Program is helping residents write plans to guide the <br />development of their neighborhoods. Find out more at www.ci.austin.tx.us/neighborhood <br />.Home Energy Use <br />Did you know that if your. refrigerator is 10 years old or more, a new, energy-efficient model can be as much <br />as 50% more efficient than your old one? Did you know that Texas has more opportunities, for renewable <br />energy generation (solar, wind, biomass) than any other state in the nation? Learn lots more at the websites <br />.listed below. <br />^ Choose renewable energy! Sign up for GreenChoice from Austin Energy. Go to <br />www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Choice/index. htm <br />^ See. the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Home Energy Saver website at <br />www. homeenergysaver.lbl.gov <br />^ Energy efficiency information for consumers from the Alliance to Save Energy <br />www.ase.org/consumer/index <br />^ Austin Energy has information on energy saving programs and rebates in the area. Go to <br />www.austinenergy.com <br />^ Find energy-efficient appliances at the EPA's Energy Star website. Go to www.energystar.gov <br />^ Here's an easy one, reduce your computer's energy use by turning off your screensaver and turning on <br />.power management. See www.sustainableunh.unh.edu/youandyourscreensaver <br />Indoor Air Quality <br />There are many sources of indoor air pollution in most buildings. These include combustion sources such as oil, <br />gas, kerosene, coal, wood, and tobacco products; building materials and furnishings as diverse as deteriorated, <br />asbestos-containing insulation, wet or damp carpet, and cabinetry or furniture made of certain pressed wood <br />products; products for household cleaning and maintenance, personal care, or hobbies; central heating and <br />cooling systems and humidification devices; and outdoor sources such as radon, pesticides, and outdoor air <br />pollution. <br />^ The EPA provides information on indoor air`quality in your home at www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/index.html <br />^ The Federal Consumer Information Center also publishes information on indoor air hazards at <br />www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/housing/indoorair-hazards/main <br />Landscaping <br />In the yard and garden you can make smart choices that will save money, protect environmental resources, and <br />beautify your community. <br />^ Use less water. See the City of Austin Water Conservation Division's website at <br />www.ci.austin.tx.us/watercon <br />^ Landscape with native plants. See the City of Austin Grow Green Program at <br />http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/and the "Native Plant Clearinghouse", an on-line service of the Lady <br />Bird Johnson Wildflower Research Center at http://www.wildflower.org/ <br />^ Use trees to shade your home. See this Green Living factsheet on Windows and Shading at <br />