Earth Day and Philanthropic Astronauts

The City of Austin Solid Waste Services is partnering with video game entrepreneur and astronaut Richard Garriott on a green campaign. Yes, you might be rolling your eyes. It’s another Austin environmental campaign – but how many of them are led by British astronauts who create video games (the famed Ultima and Tabula Rasa) and build haunted mansions?

Garriott is one of the only private people (in other words, not a NASA astronaut) who has traveled into space. His father Owen Garriott is a former NASA astronaut, which explains the interest. After viewing Earth from a spacecraft, he was inspired to become a bit of an environmentalist. He installed solar panels at his Britannia Manor in Austin, and is even building an electric car.

But few of us can take such drastic steps. We can carry reusable bags to the grocery store, recycle our bottles and buy fluorescent light bulbs. That’s what Garriott and the City of Austin are trying to do with their new program, One Green Step.

“Saving the planet or going zero waste is a pretty lofty goal for individuals,” says Jennifer Herber with the City of Austin. “Not everyone can afford to do the big things, but the small things are just as important.”

A press conference is scheduled Tuesday, April 21 at City Hall at 10 a.m.

You can also can attend the One Green Step party. It’s a zero waste event, so don’t count on any food. But along with some live music and free giveaways , Garriott will give a presentation. The event is May 1, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pan Am Recreation Center on 2100 E. Third St.

Oh, and if you hadn’t figured it out…One Green Step is a play on “One giant step for mankind.” You did figure that out, right?