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Split okra with biscuit and sauce on a black plate.
Aug 19 2019, MARSHALL HINSLEY

Okrapalooza celebrates 10 years with two-day fest

The 10th annual Okrapalooza festival on Sept. 14-15 at Reeves Family Farm will feature a Seed to Table dinner and a family-oriented fest with a chef cook-off. Proceeds benefit Promise of Peace Gardens' programs like Soup It Forward, aiding Dallas food deserts with fresh produce and nutritional education.
Woman chopping vegetables in a kitchen next to a sink.
Aug 14 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Water Filters 101: Tips for wading through the options

In north Texas, tap water can taste unpleasant despite being generally clean. To improve water quality, consider filters, which vary from carbon, ion exchange, and reverse osmosis to multi-stage systems. Tested brands like Brita, Zero Water, Life Straw, Aquasana, and others offer varying benefits, while eco-friendly options are emerging to reduce waste.
Aug 14 2019, Lara Korte

Plastic bags are killing horses and cows across Texas

Kristie West, who owns a ranch and bed and breakfast in Pleasanton, has worked to raise awareness about the fatal impact plastic bags have on livestock. Photo by Callie Richmond for The Texas Tribune.

From the Texas Tribune

Aug. 14, 2019

Kristie West was driving down the highway in rural South Texas when she saw it.

The drive from her ranch to the nearby town of Poth was usually uneventful. But on that day in 2017, West saw something that made her slam on the brakes of her pickup.

Cafeteria cleaning station with bins and instructional signs.
Jul 31 2019, MINNIE PAYNE

UT Dallas capturing majority of food waste on campus

UT Dallas was recognized for its comprehensive food waste diversion program, winning the 2019 Sustainability Innovation Award from APPA. The program captures 100% of dining hall food waste, minimizes overall waste, and diverts 75,000 pounds annually. Students and staff play key roles in this model initiative.
Man in a blue shirt carries two blue buckets on a farm conveyor belt.
Jul 29 2019, MINNIE PAYNE

North Texas businesses pick up slack on food composting

North Texans are embracing food composting, aided by local businesses and Fort Worth's pilot program. This effort diverts food waste from landfills, with services like Cowboy Compost and others offering pickup, drop-off, and educational programs. These initiatives aim to extend landfill life and promote environmental sustainability.
Smiling woman sitting on the floor, surrounded by numerous empty glass bottles.
Jul 24 2019, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Fort Worth theater puts environmental issues in spotlight

A longtime Fort Worth theater has been going green, thanks to a treehugger behind the scenes. 

Since joining Stage West fifteen years ago, executive producer Dana Schultes admits she has been gently steering the 40-year-old theater in a green direction.

Red electric bus with "the dash" text, parked outside a modern glass building.
Jul 08 2019, JOHN KENT

Electric buses to link up popular Fort Worth stops

Fort Worth is introducing four zero-emissions battery-electric buses, starting Sept. 22, connecting downtown, the Cultural District, and entertainment areas. This public/private initiative aims to reduce noise and emissions, with funding assistance from community partners and a charging station to support the 150-mile range vehicles.
Paintings in an art gallery with wooden floors and gray walls.
Jun 19 2019, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Nature-themed art offers respite from summer heat

Nature-themed art exhibits in North Texas offer a respite from summer heat, showcasing works inspired by nature. Highlights include Claude Monet at Kimbell, Frank X. Tolbert's "Texas Birds," Liz Ward's Mississippi River drawings, Helen Altman's conceptual art at Talley Dunn Gallery, and Natasha Bowdoin's botanical installations.
Courtyard with green trees, outdoor seating, and a pool in the background.
Jun 13 2019, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Austin hotel makes top green lodgings list

Habitat Suites in Austin, Texas, ranks fourth on Expedia's Top Ten Eco-Friendly Stays list. The solar-powered hotel, owned by Eduardo Longoria, features organic amenities, eco-friendly practices, and offers a vegetarian and vegan breakfast. Rates are moderate, and each suite includes organic cotton bedding and eco-friendly toiletries.
Glass of beer and Texas Tea can on a railing, outdoors.
Jun 12 2019, ANDREA RIDOUT

Dads will love these green gifts

Consider eco-friendly Father's Day gifts: Bishop Cider offers gluten-free, vegan ciders; enjoy meals at sustainable local eateries; shop Texas Olive Ranch olive oils; get a durable Leatherman tool; try Maximus LED Camera Floodlight for security; receive discounts at Natural Grocers; choose Brazos Walking Sticks; or gift an iFixit toolkit.