Lifestyle

It's the final days of holiday shopping, but don't worry! Grab these eco-friendly gifts quickly. Highlights include Coldplay's vinyl made from recycled bottles, Marshall Grain's poinsettia sale, Dreamboat Donuts' vegan treats, and Rooster Home's Texas-themed goodies. Also explore Froggie's toys, White Rock's coffee, and local entertainment options.

Finding ideal gifts for kids and pets is made easier with eco-friendly options like sustainable toys, indoor climbing at Hapik, creative DIY kits, and organic treats. Options include IKEA’s wooden train sets, science kits from KiwiCo, Green Toys, and more. Stores like Sample House provide sustainable choices, and gifts ensure fun and environmental consciousness.

Promote sustainability this holiday with eco-friendly gifts like Spicytude Chai, Victory Seed's garden kits, and Trinity Forest Adventure Park experiences. Options also include Magnolia Art Co watercolors, reusable Swedish dishcloths, TLC Vegan dinner, Texas-made products, and local festive events, enhancing the gift of giving with environmental consciousness.

With the election over, properly disposing of campaign signs is crucial to avoid environmental harm. Dallas offers recycling for signs at transfer stations, while other Texas areas have specific guidelines. Signs not accepted for recycling should be reused or discarded properly, avoiding wish-cycling practices.

Wild Ones DFW, a new native plant group in North Texas, held a meet and greet at the Flower Mound Library. Led by Kristina Dunn, this group focuses on advocating for native plants and is the only Wild Ones chapter in Texas. They aim to collaborate, not compete, with the Native Plant Society of Texas. Dunn hopes to expand to other Texas regions due to ecological diversity.

The National Solar Tour, held Oct. 4-6, features homes in Texas with renewable energy technology, including locations in Fairview, Irving, Waco, and Austin. Hosted by the American Solar Energy Society, the tour promotes solar energy adoption and provides an opportunity to discuss features with homeowners.

Visit the Westbrook House in Fairview during the National Solar Tour on Oct. 5, to explore its pioneering energy efficiency and eco-friendly features, built by Paul Westbrook. The house uses passive solar design, geothermal systems, and rainwater collection, showcasing sustainable living and hosting public tours to inspire similar initiatives.

A revitalization effort for neglected Dallas cemeteries, led by the Friends of Warren Ferris Cemetery, has successfully transformed Warren Ferris Cemetery into a refuge and is now expanding to five additional cemeteries. The initiative, Constellation of Living Memorials, aims to restore cultural significance and green space, requiring larger organizational support.

Sisterhood Hikes and Such, founded by Tamara Pickering in 2021, offers safe outdoor activities for women in the DFW metroplex. Focusing on hiking and community, the group emphasizes authentic connections and nature appreciation. Activities cater to various fitness levels, enforcing Leave No Trace principles. Join via Facebook for upcoming events.

Liveable Arlington will premiere a short film by Michael Rowley on Saturday, July 27, at 4 p.m. at UT Arlington, highlighting fracking impacts and grassroots advocacy. The 12-minute documentary and subsequent discussion with Rowley aim to raise awareness of urban drilling dangers and mobilize community opposition.