Conservation in Texas?

[k-valve]

Ha! Sorry, I just can't help but remember a conversation I had with my mother a few years before I moved back home. We had recently instituted a new recycling program where I lived and I was telling her about it and noticing the disinterest on her face. So, I asked her what they were doing as far as recycling goes and she said, and I quote, "Son, we don't recycle in Texas," and that was pretty much the end of the conversation.

Thankfully, that is not the case in Austin at least. We have a full blown recycling program and plenty of conservation efforts here and around the state. I just can't help remembering that conversation with Mom anytime someone brings up anything to do with conservation, recyling or just "going green" in general.

 

[psiborg1812]

Ouch, kvalve, that hurt!

If you REALLY want to clean up, try organizing your own event. Here's one...go to Lake Possum Kingdom (you need your own boat or boats, or rent/charter one from one of the services there), and go clean up an area such as inside Hell's Gate. Be prepared to haul away a TON of aluminum and glass! (And that will only be scratching the surface, I guarantee you.) It is a lot of fun, though.

Hmmmm, I didn't rally think about that! What are the depths around Hells Gate? Suitable for Masters and OW or just Masters? would we need lift bags to move the aluminum?

Ha! Sorry, I just can't help but remember a conversation I had with my mother a few years before I moved back home. We had recently instituted a new recycling program where I lived and I was telling her about it and noticing the disinterest on her face. So, I asked her what they were doing as far as recycling goes and she said, and I quote, "Son, we don't recycle in Texas," and that was pretty much the end of the conversation.

Thankfully, that is not the case in Austin at least. We have a full blown recycling program and plenty of conservation efforts here and around the state. I just can't help remembering that conversation with Mom anytime someone brings up anything to do with conservation, recyling or just "going green" in general.

nah, you're right, the underwater environment in Texas has never been big on people's minds, especially since 3/4 of the people that hear i'm a diver laugh and say "Where is there to dive in Texas?" But I just smile quietly and tell myself that they will never know the joy of realizing that the viz didn't get worse, you just it the mud on the bottom of Windy Point! Lol, aaahhhh, good times!

Thanks for the info, guys! i'll keep yo updated on what happens!

 

[dannod1948]

The Subadillo's dive club is doing a clean up April 4th see link.

2009 Brazos River Cleanup Information

this will be in Glen Rose

 

[Timeliner]

I have found one constant with at least most of the "Conservation / clean up efforts " that Scuba clubs do. Although they are well meaning, in the course of doing the clean up they will expend more energy and create more trash then the actually pick up out of the lakes.

Still... if it lets folks believe they are doing something special and lets them feel good about themselves then it's a winner no matter what the net gain + - for the planet is.

 

[Mack Diver]

OK, so 3 guys kill a case of cold ones after picking up six cans from the lake. If they recycle their own empties, aren't they still ahead of the game?

Just so you know Frank, you'll probably be hearing from the Keep Austin Beautifull folks regarding your comments. They are our local granola union. Dang, now I've opened myself up for grief as well. Thanks Pal!

 

[texdiveguy]

In principle SCUBA groups cleaning an area up is all and well. Practical it does little in the way of conservation. I have participated in several 'clean-ups' myself and have always questioned the efforts and energies extended......would we all have accomplished more for community in other ventures?

 

[thevalkyry]

I dont know - surely getting a bunch of trash out of the water cant be a bad thing? It's not really conservation, granted - but the clean-up efforts cant be looked down on.