Julie Thibodeaux

Winners of the 2021 Green Source DFW Awards were announced for categories including Conservation Activist, Environmental Justice, Green Project, and more, recognizing local leaders and initiatives in North Texas. The virtual event will be held on Nov. 18 on Zoom, with Lance Tahmahkera as the keynote speaker.

Green Source On the Air, airing Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. on Zoom, features tarantula experts Leah Patton and Bill Freiheit discussing the Hentzi Project. The show also includes spooky tales from Wendel Withrow and Liz Wheelan, and humorous camping stories by Jeanne Robertson.

Three North Texans, including Wendel Withrow, Renee Roberson, and Haley Samsel, will be honored at the Texas Sierra Club Environmental Awards on October 16 at Chez Zee American Bistro in Austin. The event will be held both in-person and virtually, recognizing their environmental advocacy.

An Afghan immigrant family in Plano received solar panel installation assistance from Solar United Neighbors and Habitat for Humanity. After immigrating to the U.S. in 2015, they partnered with these organizations for renewable energy benefits. The project was supported by RISE Power and praised by Plano Solar Advocates.

Texas disputes NRC's approval of a high-level radioactive waste facility in West Texas, contradicting recent state law. Environmentalists and local groups contest the site's legality and safety, citing risks to the Ogallala Aquifer and on-route cities. Critics also challenge the site's "temporary" status amidst broader nuclear waste challenges.

"Green Source On the Air" will focus on food justice this month, highlighting challenges faced by North Texans due to environmental issues and the pandemic. Guests include Dawan Shockley, Tramonica Brown, Marcus Russell, and Todd Collier, discussing community responses, food insecurity solutions, and environmental connections on Zoom.

Green Source On the Air will highlight women’s contributions to the environmental movement, featuring panelists like Georgeann Moss and Margie Haley. Sponsored by Dallas College, the episode airs on August 19 at 6 p.m., focusing on diverse women protecting the environment and offering sustainable solutions. Join on Zoom for free.

Last call to nominate for the 10th annual GSDFW Sustainable Leadership Awards by Oct. 22, 2021. Categories: Environmental Science and Innovation, Conservation Activist, Green Project or Program, and Coke Buchanan Volunteer of the Year. Virtual awards on Nov. 18, 2021.

A coalition of landowners, business owners, and conservationists opposes the accelerated Marvin Nichols Reservoir project, fearing its environmental impact on Northeast Texas. Critics argue for modern water solutions like recycling and aquifer storage, while highlighting concerns over water waste in Dallas-Fort Worth and challenging traditional reservoir methods.

Dallas activists are urging participation in an EPA online meeting to discuss lead contamination in Garland. This follows EPA findings of high lead levels near Park Crest Elementary. Activists believe contamination goes beyond the Globe Union site and fear the investigation’s scope might be prematurely limited.

Reusable bags are popular, with a 2019 CivicScience poll showing 51% of Americans using them, especially Baby Boomers and women. Options vary from custom, retro, pocket-sized, heavy-duty, straw, and euro bags. Brands like Eco-bags, Esse, Lands' End, and Global Mamas offer diverse, eco-friendly choices to reduce plastic use.

Do you have a favorite reusable shopping bag? Send a photo and tell us why you like it. We may include it in an article on GreenSourceDFW.org next week. Deadline: Monday, July 19.