The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) today unveiled the addition of several new features to its environmental education Web site TakeCareofTexas.org, including an interactive children's page, and radio public service announcements. Debuted in April, the Take Care of Texas program offers Texans household tips, in each area of their home, to save money and reduce their impact on the environment.

"The internet has proven to be a very valuable resource in our effort to educate Texans about individual environmental responsibility," said Chairman Buddy Garcia. "Our Take Care of Texas site provides the tools needed to accomplish this important effort."

Among the additions, the newly added Take Care of Texas kid's Web page allows children to learn about the environment, with interactive games, and with the help of two Blue Lacy dogs, River and Sky. The Blue Lacy is the official state dog breed of Texas.

"Our children will be our future's greatest environmental stewards," said Commissioner Larry R. Soward. "By providing fun and interactive educational opportunities such as this, a child can begin to understand the importance of preserving our natural resources."

Visitors to the site can also receive a free Take Care of Texas bumper sticker by pledging to make lifestyle changes to help improve air and water quality, conserve water and energy, and reduce waste. The pledge form, with built-in calculator, can help you estimate the savings on household water, energy, and money when you take some of the simple steps suggested on the web site. Also announced is the debut of the Take Care of Texas Minute, a radio public service announcement campaign, to air on stations across the state. More than 200 radio stations in Texas have agreed to run the 60-second weekly program, which will also be made available in both English and Spanish, on the Take Care of Texas Web site.