Lifestyle

Recycle old shoulder pads into masks: Watch VET's tutorial on creating decorative masks from shoulder pads. Cut two 8-10 inch elastic strips, sew to mask corners, and clean by hand washing with mild soap. Dallas artist VET demonstrates this creative reuse.

Austin's Montopolis performed "The Legend of Big Bend" at the Green Source DFW Awards, blending music, imagery, history, and poetry. The taped performance is now available for viewing. The "Living Coast" show, originally set for March, is postponed to June 15 due to a stay-at-home order.

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw active participation in North Texas, with schools organizing events like recycling drives, speeches, and teaching sessions. Students were engaged in projects raising environmental awareness. Denton and Arlington hosted activities such as teach-ins and symbolic demonstrations against pollution, while Dallas saw significant student participation in environmental efforts.

Here are 20 tips to reduce your environmental footprint: use compostable coffee pods, make eco-friendly cleaning products, start composting, plant native species, grow organic food, reduce meat consumption, filter tap water, fix leaks, install LED lights and insulation, cook at home, buy sustainable products, recycle more, donate items, shop local, use reusable bags, collect rainwater, and drive less.

"Be Green in Quarantine!" offers eco-friendly tips for home health, food, and gardening during the coronavirus lockdown. It includes advice on eco-friendly cleaners and home air filters, highlights local veg takeouts, gardening tips, and discusses virtual nature education. It also covers event cancellations and postponed eco-festivals.

North Texans encourage reviving Victory Gardens, a WWII tradition of home gardening, due to its health and environmental benefits. Gardening boosts immunity, mental well-being, and offers fresh produce. Experts advise on starting seeds, choosing plants, and utilizing small spaces, emphasizing patience and local resources.

Local vegan and vegetarian eateries have adapted to the pandemic by offering takeout and delivery options. Favorites like V-Eats, Nature’s Plate, Spiral Diner, Kalachandji’s, Reverie Bakeshop, The Healthy Hippie, Boulevard of Greens, and Righteous Foods are providing creative solutions to continue serving plant-based meals while encouraging community support.

Texans face high indoor pollution due to pollen and dust, worsened by potentially useless HEPA filters against coronavirus. Experts recommend reducing contaminants at home with better indoor quality practices, eco-friendly air filters, and using houseplants. Various air purifiers, like Guardian and Alen models, help cleanse indoor air effectively.

Explore eco-friendly cleaning options like Wet It dishcloths, Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps, and Mrs. Meyer's products. Discover biodegradable and plant-based alternatives such as ECOS, If You Care, and Dropps. Make DIY cleaners using household ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice to reduce chemical exposure.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, initially slated for April, is on hold due to potential city restrictions. Updates will be provided to vendors and sponsors. Meanwhile, Earth Day features will appear mid-April online. The event may be rescheduled later in the year. Stay safe and green!