Everyday, Texas Public Radio connects you to your world. Now we want to make sure that we preserve our ability to live in it.

For nine consecutive years, TPR, in partnership with numerous eco-friendly organizations, has spotlighted environmental issues that directly impact your home, your neighborhood, your community and your world.

Our Focus on the Environment series raises awareness of how individuals affect their world and imparts practical advice on how to make a fainter footprint on the environment. This year, we magnify the issue of American mass-consumption and build a "green" treehouse. Then we'll go (and grow) local before we beautify one of San Antonio's natural areas.

For more information on the Focus on the Environment series, select an event below.

The San Antonio Botanial Garden is tapping into our childhood imagination with a collection of treehouses that beats anything we've ever had in our backyard. Their Terrific Treehouse exhibit features nine treehouses with all sorts of themes, from wind chimes to rocket ships. TPR contributed to the exhibit with a treehouse made entirely out of sustainable materials. -more-

For seven years, in commemoration of National Public Lands Day, Texas Public Radio has teamed with San Antonio Federal Credit Union, San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department. and area volunteers to beautify one of our city's public spaces through water-saving measures. This year we are revegitating the Medina River Natural Area. Sign up to volunteer. -more-

The population of Texas is expected to double in the next 50 years. Some parts of Texas are water-rich; others are water-poor. There is a great need for a water-literate public to make informed decisions. Join TPR for the first event in the the second annual Texas Water Symposium, September 25 at the Boerne Convetion Center. -more-

Find out what to take where as we go through the in's and out's of recycling in San Antonio. Texas Public Radio is making the effort to make sure that we as an organization "walk-the-walk" when it comes to sustainable practices in our daily operations. Now we want to make it easier for you. We would like to direct you to all the available resources in San Antonio to take your various recyclable goods. -more-.

Take a step to improve our air, our health, and our quality of life. AACOG and San Antonio-Bexar County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) challenge area citizens to log a total of 200,000 “smart miles” for the Fourth Annual Walk & Roll Challenge. Adopt alternative forms of transportation throughout the month of September and compete to win some wonderful rewards. Full details are at the Walk & Roll Challenge website.

The opportunity for all of us to reduce our carbon emissions is real, but many of us have to overcome many transportation-related problems. Fortunately AACOG offers a free carpool matching service for those who would like to carpool but don’t have a partner. River Cities Rideshare matches riders in the San Antonio and Austin region. More information at rcride.com or cleanairdrive.com.

Blinding white walls made of millions of sheets of office paper. A giant whirlpool of discarded cell phones. Dense forests of piled supermarket paper bags. We're spotlighting American mass-consumption with an eye opening exhibit from renowned photographer Chris Jordan. -more-

Garden and food enthusiasts are encouraged attended a free community garden and slow food event at the Windcrest Civic Center on Sunday, September 7. Explore how growing and buying locally-grown food is a healthier choice and better for the environment. -more-