Issues

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture brings Tony Robinson, adjunct professor of environmental sustainability at SMU and associate editor at EarthPeople Media, back for another series on Culture and the Environment: Humans in the Natural World. The lecture series will continue over four Wednesdays: Feb. 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14 and is open to members, non-members and teachers.

ECOLOGY, February 12. Ecology is a truly interdisciplinary field, integrating such disciplines as biology, philosophy, chemistry, ethics, etc. What does ecology tell us about how the human organism interacts with its environment? Do human beings have a different kind of relationship with the biosphere than other organisms? Is culture part of the answer? 

The Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture brings Tony Robinson, adjunct professor of environmental sustainability at SMU and associate editor at EarthPeople Media, back for another series on Culture and the Environment: Humans in the Natural World. The lecture series will continue over four Wednesdays: Feb. 12, March 12, April 9 and May 14 and is open to members, non-members and teachers.

ECOLOGY, February 12. Ecology is a truly interdisciplinary field, integrating such disciplines as biology, philosophy, chemistry, ethics, etc. What does ecology tell us about how the human organism interacts with its environment? Do human beings have a different kind of relationship with the biosphere than other organisms? Is culture part of the answer? 

Jessica Winters and Angela Scott are organizing the march against the agricultural giant, joining a global demonstration.

Info: sweet_southern_jess@yahoo.com

For one weekend only, Fair & Square Imports will be featuring fair trade rugs handmade by fairly paid Christian and Muslim adults working together with the artisan group "Bunyaad" in Pakistan (no child labor).

Select from hundreds of hand-knotted Oriental rugs in several different sizes, colors and designs. Sizes from 2 feet by 3 feet to 10 feet by 14 feet and runners.

Each rug purchase supports education, adult literacy, housing and more in Pakistan.

Workshop led by permaculture expert Toby Hemenway is part of Dallas County Community College District's Clean Economy Series. $99. Register on the Carbon Economy Series website for the workshop.

This program will discuss the basics of rainwater harvesting, related irrigation techniques and the benefits it can provide to a residential property. A demonstration on building a 50-gallon rain barrel and material parts list to build your own barrel will be provided. No barrels will be sold at this event. You will also learn the basics of planning, planting and maintaining a vegetable garden. Hands-on vegetable plantings will occur. Presented by Arlington Water Utilities and Arlington Men’s Garden Club. Free.

Info: Dustan Compton at 817-459-6628 or dustan.compton@arlingtontx.gov.

Volunteers needed to participate in beautification projects at neighborhood parks. Activities include: litter/debris pickup, weeding, mulching. Sign up by March 16 at website or call 214-670-8483.

The North Texas Electric Auto Association’s goal is to support local EV enthusiasts and to promote and educate the public regarding the benefits of electric vehicles.

All monthly meetings are free to attend and open to the public.

Through this collaborative effort of local jurisdictions, utilities, industry representatives and interested parties, NCTCOG hopes to use this program to achieve more streamlined and standardized solar practices, resulting in measurable improvements to the North Texas solar market.

This meeting is intended to introduce the Solar Ready II program to local governments and interested parties.

Topics to be discussed include: 

• Establishing solar obstacles and goals in the DFW Region;

• Prioritizing areas of focus; and

• Implementing strategies to streamline solar implementation.

Info: NCTCOG.org/Solar or contact Marissa Fewell, transportation planner, at MFewell@NCTCOG.org or 817-695-9226.

Mike Renner and his family live in a grid-connected home, yet they use no power from the utility company. Sixteen months ago, they made the decision to turn off their main circuit breaker and live exclusively with solar energy. Why did they make this choice? What steps did they take to go "off-grid"? How do they feel about living in an exclusively "solar" home .. especially when they know they've got utility power right there at the meter, available at the flip of a switch? 

In this update presentation, Mike will discuss the rewards and challenges of total off-the-grid living.

Free.