Lifestyle

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.

Spiral Diner, a beloved Dallas vegan eatery, closed after 14 years but will open three new venues in Tarrant County: a new Spiral Diner in Arlington and two Fort Worth ventures, Maiden and Dreamboat Donuts and Scoops, offering plant-based fine dining, donuts, and ice cream in early 2023.

The Green Source DFW Awards returns on Dec. 4 at Fort Worth Botanic Garden, marking its in-person comeback. Established in 2012, this gala honors green leaders and will be held in a new venue. Tickets cost $25-$35, with additional options for exploring holiday exhibits.

Sam Kieschnick, a Fort Worth-based urban wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, has inspired many to use iNaturalist, a popular naturalist app. He's made over 100,000 observations, placing him among the top 10 observers worldwide, out of 2.4 million users.