The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.

Major Accomplishments

• Launched Recycling in The Woodlands which is now included as part of community services

• Earth Day Festival co-organizer held annually starting in 1990 with hands-on activities and booths focused on protecting our natural environment for future generations 

• Promoted a Health-E House, which focused on non-toxic solutions for home and garden that are safer for the environment

• Promoted recycling by expanding recycling opportunities beyond curbside at public events, swim meets, July 4th parade, triathons, and Habitat for Humanity ReStore

• An early sponsor (2004 to present) of Habitat for Humanity's Restore in Conroe (now located at 9407 TX-242, Conroe, TX 77385)

• Initiated Mosquito Monitoring Project with Montgomery County in 2004, including funding for any intern to study the project

• Initiated Christmas Tree Recycling Projects in 1989 to use trees for fish habitats in lakes, Gulf Coast erosion barriers, and compost in residents' yards and community parks - now organized by the Community Associations.

• Initiated the annual Ecology Button Contests in 1991, a school environmental design contest

• Organized The Woodlands Water Fest: Water is Life in May 1996

Current Initiatives

• Sponsors the Buy Recycled Boutique - providing markets for recycled products and demonstrating closing loop through sale of products made with recycled materials. 

• Provides GREEN Scholarships to The Woodlands area high school seniors (applications for 2018 now available)

• Services the community as our Local Environmental Information Network

• Sponsors Walk in the Woods Lecture Series launched in 2000, a popular program that spotlights the diversity of nature in our backyards

• GREEN Student Ambassadors initiated in the Fall of 2005

• Walk to School program sponsor since 2002

• Feed the Dragon Village Challenges provided annually since 1990, a community-wide competition that emphasizes a recycling or conservation goal

Awards:

• Recipient of Ruggles Green Grand Opening Fundraiser, 2014

• Community Association of The Woodlands Volunteer of the Year, 2004

• Recycling Alliance of Texas, Close the Loop Award, 2004

• Prudential Community Champions Award, 1997 and 2001

• Wal-Mart Grant, Texas Recycles Day, 2001

• Wal-Mart Grant for Make a Difference Day, 1998

• Entergy Environmental Education Grant, 1995, 1996

• EPA Environmental Education Grant Recipient in 1995 to establish a Water Resource Education Center

Membership:

• National Recycling Coalition

• State of Texas Alliance for Recycling

• Citizen's Environmental Coalition

• The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce​​

Participation:

• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality e.g. the San Jacinto River Clean-up

• Houston-Galveston Area Regional Council

• Houston Environmental Foresight

• Representation at environmental expos

Conferences:

• 5-state EPA Region VI Environmental Education Conference "Sharing Our Vision"

• Houston Corporate Recycling Council Business Environmental Expo

• Texas Environmental Expo sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc.

Business/ Governmental Partnerships:

• The Woodlands Township

• Kroger Signature Store Neighbor to Neighbor Program

• The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency

• Entergy/Gulf States Utilities