Marshall Hinsley

The DFW Chapter of the Climate Reality Project educates North Texans on climate change, promoting sustainable energy policies and public engagement. Founded in 2017, it hosts monthly meetings, supports new Climate Reality Leaders, and collaborates with local groups to influence policy and spread awareness at local levels.

El Dorado Chevrolet/Mazda of McKinney is installing solar canopies on its 28-acre lot to protect vehicles from weather and generate energy. The project will reduce utility costs, produce surplus energy to sell, and provide tax benefits, resulting in an estimated $4 million savings over 30 years.

Texas Christian University in Fort Worth offers Texas's first minor exploring human-animal relationships, directed by Dr. David Aftandilian. This interdisciplinary program investigates human superiority perceptions, animal roles in culture, and impacts on animals from various academic perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding through diverse coursework.

TS Wellness, founded in 2018 by David Sholkoff and Patricia Thomson, aims to improve health and corporate productivity through better nutrition. They promote plant-based diets for their health and environmental benefits, offering services like wellness programs and cooking demonstrations to combat obesity and reduce healthcare costs.

The Newcomer’s Guide to Gardening in North Texas, hosted by McKinney and partners, offers free expert advice on gardening challenges like fire ants, clay soil, and erratic weather. Scheduled for January 12, it features six presentations by horticultural professionals aimed at North Texas gardening newcomers.

The Downwinders at Risk hosts its annual Root and Branch Conference in Dallas from Dec. 5-8, focusing on improving advocacy skills and addressing diversity issues in environmental justice. Highlights include a panel on race and activism, an electric bus tour, and an all-day University of Change.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden's 'Green Team,' formed in March, aims to achieve zero-waste by diverting 90% of waste from landfills. They've turned many trash bins into recycling bins and partner with local nonprofits. Efforts have cut waste by 54% so far, with a goal of 60% by early 2019.

Promise of Peace Gardens, a Dallas nonprofit teaching children the value of nutrition and community, operates gardens in food deserts, providing fresh produce and education. Facing challenges like relocation, the group thrives through public support and innovative initiatives, emphasizing community, restoration, and unity in urban areas.

North Texas students participate in a national robotics competition to address ocean sustainability, designing robots to tackle plastic waste. The BEST Robotics program, which promotes STEM education, involves creating robots for cleaning tasks, along with comprehensive student engagement in engineering projects, research, and community awareness on environmental issues.

A Fort Worth woman, Agnieszka “Anna” Hurst, launched Eco Blossom Nursery, an online store selling native and well-adapted plants. Aimed at environmental conservation and beautifying North Texas yards, these plants offer wildlife habitat, require minimal resources, and support local ecosystems while donating to local nonprofits.

Amanda Vanhoozier launched Bishop Hill Farm Flowers in Coppell, Texas, creating seasonal, eco-friendly bouquets using organic practices. Her sustainable methods include no-till soil preparation, composting, and drip irrigation. Vanhoozier prioritizes local distribution, offering longer-lasting flowers while promoting sustainable agriculture at local markets.

The second annual Climate Change Art Exhibit in Waco runs through Sept. 29, featuring over 50 works depicting climate change impacts. Hosted by Waco Friends of Peace/Climate, this event aims to raise climate awareness through art. The reception on Sept. 15 offers entertainment and artist interactions.