Urban Sustainability

A free, family-oriented event, helps build a sense of community, stimulates environmental awareness, and promotes stewardship across North Texas. Free.

The BOPA mobile will accept ONLY the following items: BATTERIES, OIL/OIL FILTERS, LATEX PAINT and  ANTIFREEZE

Containers larger than 5 gallons will NOT be accepted.
No more than 50 pounds of batteries can be dropped off per day.
No more than 25 gallons of latex paint, oil or antifreeze can be dropped off per day.

This service is made possible by:
County of Dallas, City of Dallas, Cities of the Dallas Area, and the Household Hazardous Waste Network

Info: dontwastetoday.com or call 214-670-4475.

FREE to residents of the following cities and areas: 

(Please bring driver’s license and a utility bill as proof of residence.)

Addison, Dallas, De Soto, Duncanville, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Irving, Mesquite, Richardson, Rowlett, Sachse, Seagoville, Sunnyvale, University Park, Unincorporated Dallas County

 The Texas Environmental Leadership Awards recognize true stewards of environmental change in Texas – individuals, communities, organizations, and businesses developing and maintaining programs involving recycling, composting, sustainable materials management, public education and outreach, special event recycling – and so much more. Applications are due Friday, August 28th by 5pm. Award winners will be honored at a special ceremony in Austin in November.

Why Should You Apply for STAR's 2015 Environmental Leadership Awards?? We'll Give You 6 Reasons...

1. You work hard every day to increase recycling rates across Texas. You should get credit for that! We know that your job can be demanding and often times, thankless. Well, we're here to thank you! You should feel good about what you do and we want to play a part in making that happen.

2. Winning awards helps to boost morale. If you have an office full of stellar employees who have been working especially hard on a project, nominate them for an award! They will feel appreciated and grateful that you recognized their efforts.

Come browse the stalls at the Dallas Farmers Market and visit local vendors, artisans and groups that will provide useful information on ways to help reduce your environmental footprint, save money and live healthy.  

Vendors interested in booth space should contact: Freddie Ortiz, 214-670-4168 or freddie.ortiz@dallascityhall.com.

Check website for updates. 

Seed Mixer! Chapter Board Election & Future Prairie Goals

This meet-up, we are going to have a seed mixer. This is a fun way to exchange seeds, learn about some of our prairie plants and visit with each other about what we love! We will also have a quick election to get chapter board members in place. The Fort Worth chapter has accomplished a lot. In fact, we've accomplished all the goals that the founding steering committee set forth in early 2015. Now, it's time to pass the reins to a newly-elected Board & hear from you what you'd like the chapter to accomplish in the future.

Imagine that: 

   •   You know your neighbors. 

   •   You own your own home. 

   •   Your kids always have someone to play with, and always have a babysitter available. 

   •   You live sustainably, with a small carbon footprint. 

   •   You share some meals, laundry and work space, pool, garden, maybe even a car. 

   •   You age in place, that is, stay in your home as long as possible.

All these, and more, are possible in cohousing, a return to village life, in which owner-residents design and manage their own community.

Join us to learn about and discuss cohousing with special guest Alice Alexander, Executive Director of the Cohousing Association of the USA.

Alice will make a 20-min. presentation about cohousing, followed by discussion. We hope folks from cohousing projects under way in the DFW area will attend to share their visions, including: Dallas Cohousing, White Rock Crossing Cohousing and Wildflower Ecovillage.

For a limited time you can buy rain barrels and compost bins at a discounted price: 

RAIN BARREL: The 100 percent recycled Classic Black Ivy is manufactured in the USA. The Ivy rain barrel comes with everything you need to assemble, collect and use rain water. Barrels can easily be daisy chained with no added cost – all components included, even a 6' long overflow hose. Normal Retail Price $149.00 each. Sale price $72.50  

COMPOST BIN: Special Price of $67.50

Order today and pick up Sept. 12. See website for details.

Learn about rainwater harvesting and build own barrel. Find out how to collect and direct the rain in ways that create backyard beauty, lessen the dependence on using city water in the garden and reduce runoff.  

Info: 972-547-7335, Green@McKinneyTexas.org.

This is an informal and interactive class on urban biking. Christina Jones, a longtime bike courier and bicycle advocate, will share the lessons she’s learned from her many years of experience riding the streets of Dallas. Topics covered will include: traffic laws and the rights of people on bikes; how to control traffic by taking the lane; situational awareness and reacting to common situations; what makes a bike-friendly route; and a question and answer session. Bring your snacks, drinks and questions. Free. Info: 214-670-7962. Edward.Sanchez@DallasLibrary.org.

Residents are invited to attend the City of Arlington’s Urban Drilling Educational Forum.

In an effort to increase transparency, the Urban Drilling Educational Forum will provide attendees with information on the roles and responsibilities of the local and state regulating authorities in urban drilling.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to listen to panelists, view presentations and ask questions about the regulation of urban drilling.

Representatives from the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of Arlington (COA) are scheduled to participate.