Lifestyle

The Green Valentine Gift Guide showcases eco-friendly gifts, highlighting Black-owned businesses like Cinnaholic in Fort Worth for vegan treats, Chocolate Secrets for decadent bonbons, and Makers Connect for artisan gifts. It features plant-based eateries like Sankofa Kitchen and unique products from local enterprises such as Jammit Jam and White Rock Granola.

Fort Worth Botanic Garden, merged with BRIT in 2020, is creating a 20-year master plan with Studio Outside to enhance facilities and focus on conservation. Community input is sought through forums to promote environmental impact, education, and sustainability, aiming to be a conservation leader statewide.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency appointed Dr. Eartha Nance as the new administrator for Region 6, succeeding David Gray. Michael Fletcher was named Co-CEO of EarthX. Both bring extensive expertise to their roles, with Nance focusing on environmental justice and Fletcher on expanding EarthxTV's reach.

Fort Worth plans to purchase two solar-powered waterwheels in collaboration with Tarrant Regional Water District to clean litter from the Trinity River. These eco-friendly machines, inspired by Baltimore's successful "Mr. Trashwheel," aim to enhance water quality and aesthetics, with funding sought for construction and maintenance.

Three North Texans, including Wendel Withrow, Renee Roberson, and Haley Samsel, will be honored at the Texas Sierra Club Environmental Awards on October 16 at Chez Zee American Bistro in Austin. The event will be held both in-person and virtually, recognizing their environmental advocacy.

Mariachi’s Dine-In in Fort Worth offers a fully loaded vegan menu, featuring plant-based Tex-Mex classics like tacos, quesadillas, and burritos. Owner Ashley Miller, a long-time vegan, expanded her offerings at a new location with a vibrant, urban atmosphere, making vegan Mexican food accessible and appealing to all dietary preferences.

PS1200, a mixed-use development in Fort Worth, features Quonset-hut apartments, retail shops, offices, and a vegan bistro by Spiral Diner founders, all within an eco-friendly, public park setting. Developed by Prince Concepts and designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects, it emphasizes sustainability and innovative design.

Fort Worth attorney Joseph Horn proposes the "Ecoplex," an International Environmental Complex aimed at addressing global environmental issues. It will feature sustainable innovation incubators, collaboration spaces, and the U.S.'s first National Environmental Museum.

Reusable bags are popular, with a 2019 CivicScience poll showing 51% of Americans using them, especially Baby Boomers and women. Options vary from custom, retro, pocket-sized, heavy-duty, straw, and euro bags. Brands like Eco-bags, Esse, Lands' End, and Global Mamas offer diverse, eco-friendly choices to reduce plastic use.