Lifestyle

Celebrate an eco-friendly St. Patrick's Day with ten green ideas: reuse decorations, opt for biodegradable glitters, try meatless recipes, shop locally, use reusable dinnerware, choose eco-friendly disposables, enjoy outdoor activities, use public transport, donate to environmental causes, and choose natural dyes over chemicals.

Waco Friends of the Climate's Climate Crisis Art Exhibit returns in person to promote climate change awareness through art. Held at Art Center Waco from April 4-29, the exhibit invites Texas artists to inspire emotional engagement and action on climate change, offering cash prizes. Submissions close April 1.

Wicked Bold, a vegan chocolate company in Flower Mound, Texas, was founded by Deric and Brooklynn Cahill to offer sustainably sourced, additive-free chocolates. Their products, including spicy Cayenne Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt varieties, are available at Dallas-Fort Worth Whole Foods and online.

Valentine's Day presents an opportunity to celebrate love sustainably. Suggestions include eco-friendly activities like biking, vegan dining at TLC Vegan Café, virtual cow hugs from The Gentle Barn, cooking classes at Indulge, local gift boxes, Texas-made goods from Go Texan, Flying Wish Paper, and organic socks from Maggies Organics.

The Southwestern Medical District in Dallas is undergoing a green transformation. The Texas Trees Foundation plans to use evidence-based design to turn the industrialized area into a healthier urban environment. This includes a 10-acre park and innovative climate data utilization to improve air quality and mitigate heat effects.

Oak Cliff Earth Day, hosted by GreenSourceDFW and Memnosyne Institute since 2018, opens early booth registration. Featuring entertainment and environmental education, vendor spaces cost $60 by April 1. Sponsorships start at $100. Contact Lenora for vendor details and Wendel for sponsorships. Event: April 16, 2023, Lake Cliff Park, Dallas.

Troy Gardner's TLC Vegan Cafe in Richardson, featuring a plant wall, offers savory plant-based dishes including mock meats, flatbreads, and creative vegetable dishes. Despite cooking challenges, the cafe is known for its comforting vegan fare, with highlights like pizzas, Impossible Cheesy Lasagna, and unique desserts.

Fort Worth's new city hall will consolidate 22 departments into a repurposed 20-story building, emphasizing sustainability with LEED certification, advanced energy, lighting, and water management systems, and native landscaping. The initiative will save costs, vacate numerous properties, and exemplify efficient service delivery. Completion is expected by early 2024.

The 2022 Green Gift Guide showcases eco-friendly gift options including sustainable products from Rooted In Nursery, local food services, vegan-friendly stores, and unique kid kits. Offerings include Forever Sneakers, Fig Brew, artisan goods from Chisholm Country Store, and gifts for pets, emphasizing sustainability and conservation across categories.

Thanksgiving, a beloved time for family, friends, and a feast, now offers abundant vegan options that rival traditional dishes. Vegan products have surged, with restaurants and stores like Field Roast and Gardein providing plant-based roasts. Dine-in, takeout, or home cooking, vegan choices brighten the holiday table.