Former Travis County Judge Nancy Hohengarten of Austin, Texas, urges residents and businesses to reduce single-use plastics and support local reuse initiatives.
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / April 13, 2026 / Former Travis County Court at Law No. 5 Judge Nancy Hohengarten is raising awareness of the growing problem of plastic waste and encouraging communities to adopt simple reuse habits to reduce pollution and landfill waste.
After retiring from the bench in 2022 following nearly two decades as a judge, Hohengarten shifted her focus toward environmental advocacy in Austin. Today, she works with local groups, including the Austin Reuse Coalition, and serves on the board for the Plastic Reduction Project.
Her message is simple: small everyday changes can make a measurable difference.
“Single-use plastic is really an easy lift,” Hohengarten said. “Many Americans already carry reusable grocery bags, water bottles, and coffee tumblers. Those habits add up.”
A Growing Environmental Challenge
Plastic waste has become one of the most pressing environmental issues globally. According to research cited by organizations such as the United Nations and Earth Day:
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About 79% of all plastic waste ends up in landfills or the natural environment.
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Only around 9% of plastic is actually recycled worldwide.
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Americans purchase roughly 50 billion plastic water bottles each year, averaging about 13 bottles per person every month.
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The U.S. alone throws away about 25 billion Styrofoam coffee cups annually.
These numbers highlight why many cities, including Austin, are exploring ways to reduce waste and encourage reusable alternatives.
“The problem is enormous,” Hohengarten said. “But there are many simple things people can do in their daily routines that reduce plastic waste right away.”
Local Action in Austin
Since joining the Austin Reuse Coalition in 2024, Hohengarten has helped lead several local initiatives to reduce disposable waste in restaurants and coffee shops.
One effort was a “Bring Your Own Cup” campaign that encouraged coffee shops across Austin to support customers who bring reusable tumblers.
“We reached out to about 150 coffee shops and more than 100 agreed to participate,” Hohengarten said. “We designed stickers for shops to display and even small giveaways for customers who brought their own cup.”
She also worked with the City of Austin Public Health Department to develop a guidance flyer explaining how restaurants can safely allow reusable serveware under the 2017 Food Code. The flyer was distributed through the city’s newsletter to approximately 7,000 local restaurants.
“These kinds of partnerships between communities, businesses, and local government can move the needle,” Hohengarten said.
A Lifelong Connection to Environmental Responsibility
Hohengarten says her interest in environmental issues began long before her work in Austin.
Growing up in Denton, Texas, she recalls how her parents emphasized recycling and conservation.
“There was a copy of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson on our bookshelf,” she said. “And if my mom saw an aluminum can on the side of the road, she would pull over and have me pick it up so it could be recycled.”
Those early experiences helped shape her current advocacy work.
“I’ve really enjoyed learning about zero-waste efforts across the United States and around the world,” she said. “There’s a lot more we can do.”
What Individuals Can Do
Hohengarten emphasizes that individual actions remain an important part of reducing waste. Some of the simplest steps people can take include:
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Carrying reusable water bottles and coffee cups
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Bringing reusable grocery bags when shopping
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Supporting restaurants and businesses that encourage reuse
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Participating in local recycling and waste-reduction programs
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Talking with community leaders about sustainable policies
“People sometimes think environmental change only happens through big national policies,” Hohengarten said. “But local habits and community programs are incredibly powerful.”
Call to Action
Hohengarten encourages residents to start with small changes and build momentum within their communities.
“Every time someone chooses a reusable item instead of a disposable one, that’s less waste going into landfills or waterways,” she said. “If enough people do that consistently, the impact becomes real.”
She also encourages community members to explore local reuse organizations and environmental initiatives in their communities.
“Communities across the country are finding creative ways to reduce waste,” Hohengarten said. “People can learn from those efforts and bring similar ideas to their own neighborhoods.”
About Nancy Hohengarten
Nancy Hohengarten is a retired judge who served on the Travis County Court at Law No. 5 in Austin, Texas, from 2004 to 2022. During her legal career, she worked as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas and as an Assistant District Attorney in Travis County. Since retiring from the bench, she has been active in environmental and community initiatives in Austin, including the Austin Reuse Coalition and the Plastic Reduction Project, where she currently serves on the board.
Media Contact:
https://www.nancyhohengarten.com/
info@nancyhohengarten.com
SOURCE: Nancy Hohengarten
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