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How to Create a Community Recycling Program

. Posted by in • Houston

How to Create a Community Recycling Program: A Simple Guide

Creating a community recycling program is a fantastic way to help the environment and promote sustainability. Start by appointing a recycling coordinator who knows how to manage the program effectively. Next, get the community involved by reaching out to residents, businesses, and organizations to build support and encourage participation.

Develop a clear plan that outlines what materials will be recycled, how they will be collected, and where drop-off points will be located. Make sure this plan fits your community’s needs. Educate everyone about recycling through workshops, flyers, and social media to explain why recycling matters and how to do it correctly.

Set up convenient recycling options, like drop-off bins or curbside pickup. Regularly track the program’s progress and gather feedback from participants to make improvements. By promoting recycling, you’ll help reduce landfill waste, save resources, and make a positive impact on your … Read Full Post »

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Expert Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

. Posted by in • Tyler

Even without snow, East Texas winters bring chilly winds, heavy rain, and unexpected cold snaps that can test your home’s comfort and durability. A few quick checks now can help prevent costly repairs and keep your home healthy all season long.

Homeowner Tips for Winter Readiness

Winter in East Texas might not bring blizzards, but it still comes with chilly winds, heavy rain, and sudden cold snaps that can take a toll on your home.  Our expert pest, lawn, and handymen teams compiled a few simple steps to help you care your home and avoid expense repair costs.

1. Seal Up Before It Cools Down

Start with the basics: check your windows, exterior doors, and garage seals. A tight seal keeps warm air in and cold drafts and pests out.

  • Pro tip: Close your garage and turn off the lights. If you see sunlight peeking through, it’s time to replace those seals before temperatures drop.

2. … Read Full Post »

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The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses

. Posted by in • Houston

Why Supporting Local Businesses Matters?

Supporting local businesses is a big deal for your community and the economy. It’s not just about buying from a shop or café; it’s about helping your town grow, create new jobs, and improve the quality of life.

Your purchasing decision can attract more potential customers, which helps local businesses thrive. This support strengthens various industries and contributes to a vibrant and dynamic community. Here’s why you should care:

Boosting Your Local Economy

When you spend money at local shops, it stays in your town. This helps create jobs and supports things like parks and roads. Your purchases help make your community stronger and more vibrant. Local businesses often use the money they earn to buy supplies from other local vendors, which keeps the money circulating within the community.

This cycle of spending helps fund important services and improves the overall quality of life in your area. Plus, … Read Full Post »

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Supporting Local Wildlife: Building Birdhouses and Bee Hotels

. Posted by in • Houston

Supporting Local Wildlife: How Birdhouses and Bee Hotels Help

Supporting local wildlife is crucial for maintaining a healthy ecosystem and protecting endangered species. By building birdhouses and bee hotels in your backyard, you can help native animals, support local wildlife, and contribute to conservation efforts. This guide will show you how to create these habitats and explain why they are so important for the environment.

National Wildlife Refuge and state wildlife agencies often work to protect diverse habitats and offer resources for local conservation efforts. Additionally, supporting aquatic life and addressing issues such as sick animals helps maintain ecosystem balance. By working with organizations like the wildlife service, you can ensure your efforts align with broader conservation goals and contribute to the protection of endangered species.

Why Building Birdhouses and Bee Hotels Matters

Creating birdhouses and bee hotels is a great way to provide shelter for local wildlife. Birdhouses offer a safe … Read Full Post »

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Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

. Posted by in • Austin
paint brush in paint

Are interior paint finishes really that important? The answer is yes, it matters which type of paint finish you choose. 

Different paint finishes create different looks and durability levels, so it’s important for homeowners to have all the facts before choosing one.

Interior Paint Finishes: Do They Matter?

Getting ready to paint your walls? Here’s a pro tip: don’t skip interior paint finish. Most homeowners focus on their paint color choice, but can overlook the importance of the paint finish they select.

A room’s paint finish not only makes a difference in how your paint color looks, but it also impacts the durability of your paint job. Plus, there are more types of paint finishes than you might realize, so it’s important to choose the right one.

Some of the most common include:

  • Flat or matte paint finish
  • Velvet paint finish
  • Eggshell paint finish
  • Satin paint finish
  • Read Full Post »

How to Plan a Community Block Party

. Posted by in • Houston

Plan a Community Block Party

How to Plan a Community Block Party

Planning a community block party is a fantastic way to bring your neighborhood together for a day of fun, food, and festivities. Start by securing any necessary permits from your local city or town hall to close off the street for the event, and make sure to get your neighbors’ permission and support.

Planning your budget is essential, as you’ll need to consider cost like food, decorations, entertainment, and permit fees. To keep it affordable, ask neighbors to contribute potluck-style dishes or borrow items like tables and chairs.

When it comes to party ideas, let your creativity flow—think of themes, games, and activities like a talent show, water balloon fights, or a neighborhood scavenger hunt to keep everyone entertained.

On the day of the event, be sure to include icebreaker activities to help neighbors mingle, such as a welcome table with name … Read Full Post »

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Do Mice Hibernate? Keeping Rodents Out Of Your Home

. Posted by in , • Corpus Christi
a mouse outside

As a homeowner, there are many things to consider before winter arrives. You want to make your space as comfortable as possible for the upcoming cold weather. The trouble is, without taking the proper steps, mice and other pests may end up seeing your home as a sanctuary of their own.

If you’re like many homeowners in Texas, you may have wondered: Do mice hibernate, or do they stay active throughout winter? The short answer is no. Mice don’t hibernate, which means they don’t have the capacity to withstand the cold the same way other mammals do. This matters to homeowners because it means these pests may be searching for a place to stay warm, which could be your home. 

The cold triggers their survival instincts, often leading them to find a path indoors. You may notice increased mouse activity when the weather gets cooler. This doesn’t mean you necessarily have more … Read Full Post »

The Role of Homeowners’ Associations in Community Building

. Posted by in , , • Houston

The Role of Homeowners Associations in Community Building

A Homeowners Association (HOA) helps manage and care for shared areas in a neighbourhood, ensuring community rules are followed to keep everything looking nice. Residents pay monthly fees for upkeep, improvements, and amenities like parks or pools. The HOA is run by a board of residents, known as HOA board members, who make decisions and enforce rules.

Although HOAs don’t handle property taxes, they manage community resources and maintain the neighbourhood’s appearance. This includes organizing neighbourhood events and handling repairs. Being part of an HOA or community association keeps the neighbourhood attractive and gives community members a say in decisions.

HOA’s governing documents outline the rules and responsibilities, allowing HOA members to share ideas and help shape how the neighborhood is run.

What is a Homeowners Association?

A Homeowner Association (HOA) is a group that helps manage neighborhoods or condos. They make sure rules are … Read Full Post »

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Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

. Posted by in , • Austin
A bathroom

Have you noticed that your dishes are coming out of the dishwasher with spots on them, or your glasses look cloudy? You may have hard water in your home.

Some more common signs of hard water include stiff laundry, even though it’s freshly washed, dry skin and hair, soap scum in your shower and your appliances breaking down sooner than they should.

If you’re dealing with any of these problems, it’s worth looking into installing a water softener in your home. A professional plumber can install and maintain it for you, so you can just enjoy the benefits.

Pros And Cons Of Water Softeners

Is installing a water softener the right choice for your home? If you’ve noticed an increase in scum spots in your showers or spots on your dishes, you may have hard water. This is caused by a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in your water supply.

Hard water … Read Full Post »

Organizing a Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

. Posted by in • Houston

Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

How to Organize a Fun Community Swap Meet or Garage Sale

Organizing community swap meets or garage sale is a great way to declutter and connect with others. Pick a convenient date and location, and promote the event through social media and flyers. Encourage participants to bring unwanted items and consider inviting local vendors.

Set up tables, organize and price items, and manage transactions efficiently, including digital payment options. After the event, clean up and donate any unsold goods. Enjoy the day, engage with your community, and get inspired by events like the Rose Bowl Flea Market.

Here’s a simple guide to help you plan and host a successful event:

1. What is a Community Swap Meet?

A community swap meet is a local event where people gather to buy, sell, or trade items like clothing, antiques, and other possessions. It’s a fantastic way to declutter your space, … Read Full Post »

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