Skip to main content
Profile picture for user RITA COOK

By RITA COOK

Drive Green: 2016 Chevy Volt hybrid rolls out with upgrades

The 2016 Chevy Volt plug-in hybrid offers 53 miles of EV range and 420 total driving range, priced at $33,995. The second-generation model boasts improved range, a lighter Voltec system, re-engineered battery, enhanced safety features, and a sleek design. It seats five, with upgraded interior tech and safety systems.

IKEA’s second North Texas store to boast its signature green features

The Grand Prairie IKEA opens Dec. 13, 2017.

Nov. 2, 2015

IKEA recently announced it was opening a second store in North Texas and according to a company spokesperson, the super-sized housewares and furniture outlet will be as green as its other Texas venues.    

The company founded in Sweden in 1943 has become known for its simple eco-friendly minimalist style and has a long-term goal to power all of its facilities using 100 percent renewable energy.  

Where can you charge your EV in North Texas?

In North Texas, EV charging stations are increasing with 275 locations offering 653 ports. Most charging is done at home, but public stations from companies like Blink and ChargePoint are available. Three charging levels exist, with Level 3 being the fastest. EVs vary in range from 11 to 265 miles.

Kids to learn healthy habits in new ‘Teaching Garden’ at Dallas Farmers Market 

From left, Peggy Papert, “Farmer” Kim Aman and Sarah and Lee Papert helped launch the Dallas Farmers Market Teaching Garden last weekend. The garden is named after Peggy and Lee’s mother, “Mama” Ida Papert, a longtime Dallas Farmers Market supporter. Photos by Ashley Tobar.

Oct. 9, 2015    

The first seeds will be planted at the Dallas Farmers Market's new Teaching Garden on Saturday with the goal of growing an appreciation for a healthier lifestyle in local youth. 

Dallas woman’s love for animals inspired eco-friendly pest control business

Lin Ellis launched Eco Friends Pest Control after 20 years of working in veternairy clinics, where she saw the harmful effects of pesticides on pets.

Oct. 7, 2015

Lin Ellis will tell you her company’s eco-friendly approach to pest control is good for people and the environment. But when she launched Eco Friends Pest Control in 2009 with her husband Mick Ellis, she was motivated by her lifelong love for animals.

DFW Solar Tour showcases solar power at 50 sites across Metroplex

Ever think about adding solar panels to your home but still have a lot of questions? Check out the DFW Solar Tour this Saturday, Oct. 3, where you can talk to homeowners and see real-life installations in a variety of homes across the Metroplex.

Texas Discovery Gardens debuts solar-powered learning center

Sept. 21, 2015

Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park flipped the switch last week on a new 410-square-foot solar array atop a cedar pagoda, home to the garden’s new Natural Learning Center.

According to Texas Discovery Garden’s executive director Dick Davis, the 500-square-foot Natural Learning Center's multi-purpose building is a model of sustainability having been constructed using repurposed material. 

Drive Green: Electric vehicle expo to be held in Grapevine

Attendees to the National Drive Electric Week event in Grapevine can register to win a Nissan Leaf for a weekend.

Sept. 16, 2015

If you want to learn more about electric vehicles, this Saturday, the North Central Texas Council of Governments has a free event to get you up to speed.

Earth Day Texas launches 'Earth Day Monthlies' program

Earth Day Texas launches a new program called Earth Day Monthlies on Sept. 17 with a panel discussion of sustainable food. 

Sept. 15, 2015 

One day a year is devoted to focusing on the planet, but Earth Day Texas wants more North Texans to celebrate Earth Day every day. That’s why the nonprofit known for organizing the biggest Earth Day celebration in Texas is launching a new program called “Earth Day Monthlies.” 

QTS achieves Gold LEED certification for renovated semiconductor facility in Irving

QTS achieves LEED Gold certification for its sustainable renovation of a former semiconductor facility in Irving. The 700,000-square-foot Dallas-Fort Worth data center showcases sustainable features, emphasizing recycled materials, energy efficiency, and eco-friendly design. As part of a 54-acre campus, the project reflects QTS’s commitment to environmental stewardship and green initiatives.