North Texas

Aug 31 2015, JULIE THIBODEAUX

New textbook by DCCCD authors chronicles history of unsustainability in America

Students at Dallas County Community College District will be looking at American History through the lens of sustainability, thanks to a supplemental textbook created by DCCCD staff and faculty.

Aug 30 2015, RITA COOK

Drive Green: 2015 BMW i3 hybrid goes the distance

BMW i3 Range Extender hybrid has a 150-mile range. Photo by Rita Cook.

Aug. 31, 2015

Aug 24 2015, AMY MARTIN

North Texas Wild: Citizen scientists document urban wildlife on iNaturalist

The iNaturalist platform, managed by the California Academy of Sciences, allows citizen scientists to document North Texas urban wildlife. It facilitates wildlife identification, data collection, and public engagement, significantly aiding research and conservation efforts while connecting nature enthusiasts and fostering awareness of local ecology.

Aug 24 2015, Julie Ryan

Local experts say plant native milkweed for monarchs arriving in October

According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are dozens of milkweed species native to the United States, some of which are highly endangered. For monarch butterflies, these are must-have plants because monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweeds. Above, monarchs feast on native milkweeds. Courtesy of National Wildlife Federation

Aug 23 2015, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Austin College in Sherman switches to 100 percent renewable electricity

Austin College, a private liberal arts college in Sherman, is celebrating the achievement of a milestone in environmental progress: 100 percent renewable electricity. Since 2010, the College has steadily increased its purchase of wind-powered electricity.

Aug 17 2015, MINNIE PAYNE

Dallas Urban Farms growing sustainable cash crops on Deep Ellum rooftop

Dallas Urban Farms installed an aeroponic farm on a Deep Ellum rooftop to sustainably grow produce using 90% less water. They partner with City Square and Hilton Anatole to supply fresh produce and food for the homeless, with basil, leafy greens, zucchini, squash, and peppers as initial crops.

Jul 21 2015, Julie Ryan

Texas Sierra Club recognizes green leaders in North Texas

Recipients of the Sierra Club's Lone Star Chapter Awards gather for a group photo on Saturday in Addison. Photo courtesy of John MacFarlane.

July 22, 2015

North Texas environmentalists were among 19 honored by Sierra Club Saturday at Texas’ Lone Star Chapter’s awards. Sierra members from around the state gathered in Addison to acknowledge efforts statewide from both 2013 and 2014.

Jul 20 2015, RITA COOK

Marley Wind Works in Ellis County creates 'wind machines' from repurposed material

Ellis County engineer Mark MacLean founded Marley Wind Works, creating small backyard wind machines from repurposed materials like old bicycles and washers. While not generating electricity, these machines perform tasks like aerating ponds. Inspired by his father's frugality, MacLean designs functional and ornamental machines, including a potential wind-powered phone charger.

Jul 19 2015, JULIE THIBODEAUX

Eco-friendly Gecko Hardware in Dallas seeks community support to stay open

Gecko Hardware is raising money through a GoFundMe campaign to restock inventory after a slow start in 2015 that threatens the business' future. Photos courtesy of Gecko Hardware.

July 20, 2015

Andrea Ridout, owner of Gecko Hardware in Dallas, appealed to the public for help last week.

The eco-friendly hardware store needs more revenue to keep going.

Jul 14 2015, JULIE THIBODEAUX

ACC's bird float misses flight in Fourth parade

Arlington Conservation Council volunteers pose in front of their state bird float. The birds were made from old pizza boxes and magazines. Photos courtesy of Paul Knudsen.

July 14, 2015

Every year, the Arlington Conservation Council trys to top themselves with their creative floats bearing sustainable themes for the Arlington Fourth of July parade.