Business

Dallas transformed a shopping center parking lot at 6959 Arapaho Road into Hillcrest Village Green Park. The project, championed by former council member Sandy Greyson, involved collaboration with SHOP Cos. and city funds, revitalizing the space with green areas and attracting businesses, setting a template for urban renewal.

Christmas Light Source, a Fort Worth-based business, offers free recycling of old or broken holiday lights and donates proceeds to Toys for Tots. The program processes thousands of pounds of lights annually, involving efficient recycling and selling old lights.

Goodwill Industries International diverts approximately 76 million pounds of material annually from North Texas landfills, contributing to a worldwide upcycling effort of 4.6 billion pounds. This initiative not only reduces landfill waste but also creates employment opportunities, recycles various materials, and promotes sustainability and community stewardship.

Texas Nameplate Company, once a significant polluter, transformed into a leader in environmental sustainability, earning the 2020 Corporate Trailblazer Award. Implementing advanced eco-friendly processes, they significantly reduced waste and emissions, inspiring others in their industry through transparency and shared environmental practices.

An industrial fire at the Poly-America plastics plant in Grand Prairie, caused by a fallen power line, spread toxic smoke and required extensive firefighting foam. Residents were advised to stay indoors. Environmentalists call for reduced reliance on plastics, citing health risks from burning plastics and industry pollution.

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.

'Green' yard crews offer quiet, fume-free services using battery-electric equipment instead of gasoline-powered tools. Pioneered by Clean Air Lawn Care franchisees like Ellyn and Scott Golub and Christopher Fox, these services prioritize sustainability by using organic methods and solar-recharged electric mowers, significantly reducing noise and pollution.

A North Texas cemetery offers green burials, a sustainable alternative to traditional methods, avoiding toxic embalming and using biodegradable materials. Certified by the Green Burial Council, it minimizes environmental impact by reducing waste and emissions. Owner Stephen Harris envisions greater adoption as awareness grows.

With North Texans sheltering at home, many find time to garden. Despite the pandemic, garden centers in Dallas are open, offering plants and supplies. Highlights include Marshall Grain, Weston Gardens, and online options like Eco Blossom. Safety measures are emphasized, with garden kits and curbside pickups available.

Debbie Cooley, founder of Aledo-based M-Pak, serves military and federal clients while promoting eco-friendly practices. Her initiatives include recyclable packaging, green shipping options, and office sustainability practices. Cooley is committed to environmental causes, joining global sustainability initiatives and implementing recycling programs locally.