Julie Thibodeaux

Acre Distilling in Fort Worth, founded by Tony Formby in 2015, will soon be entirely powered by solar energy. Inspired by environmental concerns, Formby partnered with Circle L Solar to install over 350 solar panels. The Green Acre Initiative also includes biodegradable products, a recycling program, and electric car charging stations.

While the nation grapples with the pandemic and racial injustice protests, the Trump administration continues to roll back environmental protections, reversing over 60 rules since 2017. Key rollbacks include changes to emissions rules, wetland protections, and wildlife protections. Various resources track these changes, such as Harvard and Columbia Law Schools.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram hired Haley Samsel as an environmental reporter with support from a $15,000 Anita Berry Martin Memorial Fund grant and Report for America. Samsel will cover environmental issues related to Fort Worth's rapid growth, addressing challenges like flash flooding and deforestation.

Fort Worth-based turtle expert Andrew Brinker says if you find a turle in the middle of the street, you should carry it across the road in the direction it was going. That’s because, most of the time, it knows where it’s headed.

GSDFW's 50th Earth Day celebration moved online due to coronavirus. Features include interviews with Denis Hayes, local history, and green tips. Highlights cover reflections and Earth Day's evolution, plus digital activities like selfies, a performance by Montopolis, a reading of "The Giving Tree," and a new environmental podcast.

Austin's Montopolis performed "The Legend of Big Bend" at the Green Source DFW Awards, blending music, imagery, history, and poetry. The taped performance is now available for viewing. The "Living Coast" show, originally set for March, is postponed to June 15 due to a stay-at-home order.

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw active participation in North Texas, with schools organizing events like recycling drives, speeches, and teaching sessions. Students were engaged in projects raising environmental awareness. Denton and Arlington hosted activities such as teach-ins and symbolic demonstrations against pollution, while Dallas saw significant student participation in environmental efforts.

"Be Green in Quarantine!" offers eco-friendly tips for home health, food, and gardening during the coronavirus lockdown. It includes advice on eco-friendly cleaners and home air filters, highlights local veg takeouts, gardening tips, and discusses virtual nature education. It also covers event cancellations and postponed eco-festivals.

Join our virtual Earth Day celebration by sharing selfies and videos as many events are canceled. Submit content with #GSDFWEarthDay on Facebook, expressing good wishes, green tips, or eco-friendly activities. Videos should be under 10 minutes and include your name and city. Email submissions to Julie@GreenSourceDFW.org.

Environmentalists, including Texas activists, objected to the Trump Administration’s policy easing environmental compliance for polluters amidst the coronavirus crisis, citing public health risks from increased toxic emissions.

EarthX cancels its Earthx2020 Expo due to COVID-19, but will hold the Earthx2020 Conferences and Film Festival virtually with National Geographic Society. Most events, including the 50th Earth Day Celebration, are set for livestreaming, with some live events scheduled for the fall.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, initially slated for April, is on hold due to potential city restrictions. Updates will be provided to vendors and sponsors. Meanwhile, Earth Day features will appear mid-April online. The event may be rescheduled later in the year. Stay safe and green!