Good Morning Folks,

I was at City Hall yesterday and picked up some info on what can be done with recycling of computer and energy saving bulbs plus all the other things that may be hazardous to the environment like paint etc.  This site can be used between the 2 times a year that you can drop them in HV.  The additional disposal area is a free service but you must pick up a voucher at City Hall.  It is open from 11 AM to 7 PM Thursdays and Fridays and from 9 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays.  If you stop by the Finance Department located just inside the doors to your right after you enter the rotunda, they should have the voucher.  Directions to the Fort Worth Environmental Collection Center are on the Voucher.  Yes, it is a bit of a hike.  The Location is 6400 Bridge Street in Fort Worth across the street from the water storage tower.

The service is free but you must have a voucher and proof of Highland Village residence.  Driver's license will serve the purpose.  Hope this helps and don't forget to vote May 10.

Hi All,

Just when you think that you have something that will help the environment there appears to be a Dark Side.  The Wall Street Journal today had an article detailing one of the drawbacks to energy effeceint bulbs and computer parts.  If you get a chance, read it for much more info than is in this blog. 

As you know the new energy effeceint bulbs and the new computers are because they use less energy are touted as a means for reducing the CO2 portion of Greenhouse Gases that we pump into the atmosphere.  This is good.   However, there appears to be an issue with the disposal of the bulbs and the computer parts after they burn out - Lead, Cadmium, and Mercury.  Lead and Cadmium from computer and monitor parts and Mercury from fluorescents.  These metals are all bad actors and need to be disposed of properly due to their potential as a contaminant to our water. 

Recycling of old computers and bulbs is the key not throwing them in the trash such that a landfill becomes their final resting place.  With respect to fluorescent bulbs, we are currently recycling only about 25%. 

Maybe HV should offer a hazardous waste recycling service on a regular basis rather than just one time a year?  Until then, the following websites can offer information on recycling sites, www.earth911.org and www.epa.gov/bulbrecycling.  The first offers general recycling info and the last is specific to the recycling centers for bulbs.  Hope this helps and oh by the way, don't forget to vote May 10.  

Hi folks,

We have an issue with respect to road construction about which one of our residents emailed to me.  There is an issue with the 407 - 2499 intersection.  I am sure that anyone who commutes may have experienced the problem of traversing that intersection during rush hour.  Turning and even going straight ahead is a real pain.  

Let me see if I can update you on what is planned and what I plan to do over the next week or so:

• The intersection will be redone with the construction of Section 3 of 2499 that extends between 407 and 1171.  This is the section that you now has large culverts laying along the side of the road.  Before construction, the infrastructure must be redone and that is what is in progress.
• We hope that the redo of the intersection will be done at the beginning of the road construction and are championing that option but the choice is the contractor who won the bid for the project
• The construction of the 407 - 1171 section will take 2 years but the intersection redo will take on a few months
• The redo of the intersection will extend about 600 yards up and down 2499 and 407
• I will get you an answer by Tuesday of next week with respect to timing

Good Morning Folks,

There has been quite a bit of discussion lately about energy effecient bulbs.  Some pro and some con.  I still believe that there is enough data to suppor their use.  Below are some things to consider.

ENERGY STAR qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer.  They save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime.  They produce about 75 percent less heat, so they're safer to operate and can cut energy costs associated with home cooling.  They will fit almost any fixture.

Matching the right CFL to the right kind of fixture helps ensure that it will perform properly and last a long time.

• CFLs perform best in open fixtures that allow airflow, such as table and floor lamps, wall sconces, pendants, and outdoor fixtures.
• For recessed fixtures, it is better to use a reflector CFL than a spiral CFL since the design of the reflector evenly distributes the light down to your task area.
• If a light fixture is connected to a dimmer or three-way switch, you'll need to use a special ENERGY STAR qualified CFL designed to work in these applications. Make sure to look for CFLs that specify use with dimmers or three-way fixtures.
• Choose a qualified CFL that offers a shade of white light that works best for you.  For example, while most CFLs provide warm or soft white light for your home, you could choose a cooler color for task lighting.
• To choose the ENERGY STAR qualified CFL with the right amount of light, find a qualified CFL that is labeled as equivalent to the incandescent bulb you are replacing. Light bulb manufacturers include this information right on the product packaging to make it easy for consumers to choose the equivalent bulb. Common terms include "Soft White 60" or "60 Watt Replacement."

Try one and see what you think and let me know your comments.  Oh of course, don't forget to vote on May 10.