Below are 10 Earth-friendly ways to help save you a little bit of money:

1. Use efficient lighting - compact fluorescent lights use 70% less energy and last 10x longer than standard bulbs

2. Adjust your thermostat - Set it two degrees higher in the summer and two degrees lower in the winter, and watch your energy use and utility bills decrease

3. Reduce phantom load - 40% of all electricity used by home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Unplug chargers and use power strips to turn on/off home entertainment systems.

4. Conserve water indoors and outdoors - It takes a tremendous amount of electricity to treat and pump water. Saving water is one of the most important things you can do to help the environment

5. Plant a tree at home - Trees soak up CO2 and shade your home for lower summer energy needs

6. Drive less - Walk, ride a bike, carpool, take the bus and combine errands when you can

7. Keep your car tuned up - A poorly tuned engine wastes 10-20% of the fuel it uses. Low tire pressure can waste up to 5% of a tank of gas. A clogged air filter can cause a 10% increase in fuel consumption

8. Reduce, reuse, recycle - Create less waste by reusing or recycling items

9. Buy local - Most food is shipped and trucked 1500 miles or more to get to your store and your plate. Locally grown food tastes better too!

10. Talk - Raise awareness and action by talking with your friends, family and co-workers. Tell state and federal leaders you want meaningful climate protection policies now.

Info. courtesy of Austin Energy

Congratulations are in order for three local area high schools.  Westlake High School, Westwood High School and LBJ High School all ranked among the top 100 high schools in the nation according to Newsweek Magazine. Westlake, located in the Eanes school district ranked 52nd, Westwood, located in the Round Rock school district ranked 77th and LBJ High School, located in the Austin school district ranked 95th.

 Rankings are determined by the number of graduating seniors who take and pass certain tests including Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate.

info. courtesy of www.kvue.com

It’s unanimous! The Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board has approved $6.5 million worth of contracts for the new commuter rail set to up and running sometime next year. The 32 mile railway will run from Leander down to downtown Austin. Riders are expected to take advantage of the new railway system as early as fall 2008.

Despite what you may be hearing in the news the Austin real estate market is bucking the trend of declining home sales that are being seen in most of the nation’s cities and towns. The month of April brought in a 6% increase in single-family home sales and the median home price continues to remain very affordable compared to the rest of the nation. With summer being the most popular time to buy and sell in real estate, one could only speculate that it can only get better.

H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks

(Northeast Triangle of Zilker Park) Time: 8:30 pm

The Austin Symphony will be featuring patriotic music and the 1812 Overture complete with Howitzer cannons accompanied by a spectacular showcase of fireworks.

Cedar Park Fourth of July Celebration

(Milburn Park, Cedar Park, Texas) Time: 4:00 pm

Events include live music, games, various family activities and a large-scale fireworks display.

Fire in the Sky

(The Sportsplex at RR12, Dripping Springs, Texas) Time: 6:30 pm

Enjoy entertainment, food, craft vendors, activities for children and a fireworks show.

Sertoma 4th of July in the Park

(San Gabriel Park, Georgetown, Texas) Time: 11:00 am

Over 80 vendor booths, a petting zoo, parade, live entertainment, train rides, fireworks and more can be found along the beautiful San Gabriel River.

Lago Vista Celebrates the 4th

(Bar K Park, Lago Vista, Texas) Time: 6:30 am

A full day of festivities begins with a 5k run, bike rally, tennis tournament, parade, music, games for the entire family and finishes off with a fireworks display.

Lakeway 4th of July Celebration

(City Park, Lakeway, Texas) Time: 8:30 am

Begins with a parade down Lakeway Blvd. and includes music, a picnic, games, entertainment and fireworks.

Leander Libertyfest

(Robin Bledsoe Park, Leander, Texas) Time: 4:30 pm

The city of Leander celebrates the nation’s birthday.

July 4th Frontier Days Celebration

(Old Settler’s Park, Round Rock, Texas) Time: 8:00 am

Come celebrate the history of Williamson County and the history of our nation with the citizens of Round Rock.

27th Annual San Marcos Summerfest

(Sewell Park, San Marcos, Texas) Time: 11:00 am

This celebration features a traditional fireworks display, food & activity booths and live music by David Ybarra, the LA Blues Band and others.

New Braunfels Annual 4th of July Parade and Patriotic Celebration

(Downtown New Braunfels, Main Plaza) Time: 10:00 am

Celebrations include a parade and 4th of July program.