Plus, stock up at Le Garage Sale this weekend.
 
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Today’s Forecast

63º | Thunderstorms | 77% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:26 a.m. | Sunset 5:59 p.m.
 

Meet the Austin mom focused on sustainable recycling
a man, woman, and baby sit behind a white box
Don’t worry about your waste — sustainably reuse and recycle your stuff with Ridwell. | Photo provided by Ridwell
Nora Pirsch, a new mom in Central Austin, is on a mission to lead a sustainable lifestyle and instill eco-friendly values in her daughter. As we step into 2024, Nora is sharing her top sustainability tip in hopes of paving the path for a greener year for our community.

Nora and her partner prioritize reducing plastic in daily routines, opting for eco-conscious choices like bar soap and shampoo, and repurposing containers for cleaning products. Despite efforts, single-use plastics are hard to avoid. As someone who appreciates a good snack, Nora wasn’t ready to give up plastic-packaged chips.

Determined to bridge the recycling gap, Nora discovered Ridwell, a Seattle-based recycling start-up that originated as a father-son project with CEO Ryan Metzger and his son, Owen, trying to recycle batteries.

Today, Ridwell is integral to Nora’s family routine, offering doorstep pickup services for items like plastic film and multi-layer plastics (chip bags, snack wrappers) not recycled by regular curbside programs. Bonus: It also saves Nora’s household a trip to Austin’s Reuse and Recycle Center.

a woman puts a bag into a white box

Ridwell makes recycling so easy that you don’t even have to take your bin to the curb — they’ll pick it up at your front door.

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Photo provided by Ridwell

Ridwell’s collection extends beyond plastics, including batteries, light bulbs, clothes, and more. The company partners with 200+ local and regional businesses, like Austin Creative Reuse, ensuring responsible reuse or recycling of collected items. Another way Ridwell keeps plastic out of landfills is through its partnership with HydroBlox — a company that repurposes multi-layer plastic into construction materials.

Nora knows her small actions are making a difference and encourages the community to embrace this solution to send less waste to landfills.

For an effortless way to be more sustainable in 2024 and promote recycling in Austin, become a Ridwell member. Austinites can join for as little as $14 a month, significantly reducing household waste. Pro tip: Join Ridwell in January and get your first month free.
Start your sustainable journey
Asked

Which items would you like Ridwell to recycle for you?
A. Light bulbs
B. Wine corks
C. Plastic film and snack wrappers
D. Other
We're curious
Events
Tuesday, Jan. 23
  • Quote of the Year Cards | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 6-9 p.m. | Cherrywood Coffeehouse, 1400 E. 38th 1/2 St., Austin | $10 | Make a beautiful card featuring a quote you love or an affirmation for 2024 at this event providing all card-making supplies.
  • Absolute Show: A Live Comedy Experience | Tuesday, Jan. 23 | 8 p.m. | Black Rabbit Comedy Club, 411 Brazos St., Ste. 100B, Austin | $15 | Laugh it up at this live comedy podcast recording.
Wednesday, Jan. 24
  • Trevor Noah: Off The Record | Now-Sunday, Jan. 28 | Times vary | Bass Concert Hall, 2350 Robert Dedman Dr, Austin | $45-$478 | See this successful comedian and talk show host live on his newest tour.
  • Rooftop Sessions With Origin Studio House | Wednesday, Jan. 24 | 6:30-9 p.m. | The Contemporary Austin, 700 Congress Ave., Austin | $5 | Dance to a performance by Mama Duke while you gaze at rooftop views.
Thursday, Jan. 25
  • “Little But Mighty” Petite Design | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 9:30-11:30 a.m. | Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd., Austin | Free | Dig into small and delicate floral design with the Violet Crown Garden Club.
  • Shelter Building Workshop | Thursday, Jan. 25 | 7-9 p.m. | The Buzz Mill, 1505 Town Creek Dr., Austin | $25 | Learn the ins and outs of shelter survival and living on the land.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
 
News Notes
Weather
  • Yesterday’s rainfall flooded 80+ roads in Central Texas and set a new daily record with more than three inches accumulated. Rain is expected to continue until Wednesday, so remember to drive safe and keep an eye out for road closures. (Austin American-Statesman)
Civic
  • Former police chief Art Acevedo will transition into a new job as Austin’s newest assistant city manager in the coming weeks. Acevedo will work directly under City Manager Jesús Garza and focus on subjects related to the police department.
Jobs
  • High school or undergraduate student looking for an internship opportunity? Applications just opened for paid internships with the City of Austin. The application deadline for undergraduates is Monday, Feb. 5 and Thursday, Feb. 29 for high school students.
Pets
  • You won’t see pigs fly, but you’ll surely see weenies run. Make your way over to Skinny’s Off Track Bar to catch The Weenie Dog Race on tomorrow at 6:30 pm. Plan to get there early if you’ve got a weenie of your own to enter.
Volunteer
  • Flex your social media muscles and bring some awareness to the Austin Public Library by registering to be a Social Media Ambassador. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis with no deadline.
Plan Ahead
  • Le Garage Sale will take place at the Palmer Events Center this weekend. This event, complete with sips and good music, hosts 100+ local boutiques and vendors with categories ranging from accessories and clothing to home decor. Tickets start at $10.
 
Culture

📸 Help us pick our winner

See the winner of our 2023 Picture of the Year contest
Ice is laden on a bridge in this black and white image that has the Austin skyline in the background.
The Freeze. | Photo submitted by Chris P.
Who knew there were so many talented photographers in Austin?

You all submitted 70+ photos for our 2023 Picture of the Year contest and — we must admit — narrowing it down to the finalists was tough.

Click the button below to see our seven finalists. Voting closes Sunday, Jan. 28 — so be sure to vote for the photo you think should be crowned the winner of the inaugural ATXtoday Picture of the Year contest.

Pssst — don’t forget that the winner will receive a $25 gift card to use at our online marketplace, Six & Main.

Vote here.
Our 7 finalists
The Buy

The Buy 1.23.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
These butterluxe high-waisted leggings. Considered a Lululemon alternative by reviewers, they’re made of buttery soft fabric and feature gentle compression.
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The Wrap
 
London Gibson

Today’s edition by:
London
From the editor
I spent this past weekend with some of my favorite people, eating and drinking at some of my favorite places in Austin. The list included:
P.S. — Shout out to our newest 6AM team member, Dayana Wilkins, for helping out with today’s Events and News Notes sections.
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