Julie Thibodeaux

Rolland, a Dallas company, has introduced the Planet Vault, an eco-friendly line of safes made from 97% recycled materials including plastic, ceramics, and steel. Designed by Miguel Alarcon, these lighter, innovative safes provide security by using materials that frustrate burglars and weigh less, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

The Arlington Conservation Council highlighted light pollution at Arlington’s 4th of July Parade, earning Best Non-Commercial Float for their "Turn on the Night" entry. Using scavenged materials, they aimed to promote the Dark Sky movement, advocating for reduced artificial lighting to preserve night skies and benefit the environment.

Voting for the Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards will start soon after the digital ballot is ready. The awards include six nomination categories, with finalists selected by public vote and winners chosen by a North Texas green community panel. The winners will be announced on November 15, 2018.

Finalists for the 2018 Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards were announced after public voting ended on Sept. 30. A panel will select winners in each category, to be revealed on Nov. 15 at the Dallas Arboretum event. Sponsorships remain available.

Park advocates are divided over a proposed Fort Worth Botanic Garden admission fee aimed at addressing $15 million in unmet repairs and operational needs. Although some support it, others argue it could exclude disadvantaged residents. Alternatives, including free passes and membership options, are under consideration to ensure accessibility.

Dallas City Council voted unanimously to mandate recycling access for all multi-family complexes by 2020, catching up with Fort Worth’s 2014 policy. Advocates, backed by grassroots support, praised the decision, emphasizing equality in city services and aiming to extend recycling standards to businesses.

The EPA Region 6 Environmental Justice Forum in Dallas will showcase successful collaborations from June 12-13. It aims to highlight results of government, industry, and community partnerships, focusing on topics like air and water quality improvements and disaster responses, and fostering inter-state engagement.

Total, a top gas driller, won City Council approval to waive Arlington’s 600-foot setback rule, despite the protest of over 80 residents. Although Arlington had denied a similar application in February, Total’s revised proposal passed 7-1. The decision sparked public health and safety concerns.

The final step for Dallas to mandate recycling for multi-family dwellings is a City Council vote on June 13. The ordinance requires recycling services for all residents, matching single-family home services, and aims to correct condo oversight. Advocates urge public support to ensure passage.

Protestors opposed a gas drilling setback waiver during an Arlington City Council hearing, which was delayed to May 22 for more information. Total seeks to drill within 324 feet of homes, despite a denied request in February. Activists cite health risks, while some support the drilling.

DFW secured second place globally in the iNaturalist City Nature Challenge, with participants documenting over 2,500 species across 34,000 observations. Local nature enthusiasts, including Tracy Fandre, who logged the most observations, and Sam Kieschnick, who identified the most species, showcased the Metroplex's rich biodiversity.

North Texans are preparing for the City Nature Challenge, held April 27-30, to defend their title. Hosted by iNaturalist, the global event involves over 70 cities. DFW enthusiasts, led by Sam Kieschnick, aim to record the highest number of local plant and animal observations.