North Texas

You can toss used or discarded paper into curbside recycling bins to keep it out of the landfill. But most people want their sensitive documents shredded first. Some cities and businesses offer free paper shredding events. Unfortunately, those events are typically held only a few times a year.

Fort Worth lacks a climate action plan while Dallas leads in detailed planning. Fort Worth's environmental efforts focus on urban forestry and open space. The city is poised to join a regional climate action plan, but it faces criticism for not addressing climate change explicitly and lacks an environmental justice strategy.

North Texans face extreme heat, with consecutive days over 100 degrees and a high heat index. This relentless heat impacts daily life, mental health, and the environment, leading to anxiety, grief, and health risks. Coping strategies include mindfulness, self-expression, and seeking climate-aware therapy to address these challenges.

Texas is advancing the discharge of produced water from oil and gas drilling into waterways, despite lacking comprehensive risk assessments and regulation for all contaminants. Researchers express concerns over potential health and environmental impacts, emphasizing the need for more scientific data before proceeding with permits for this unproven practice.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department wants to buy Fairfield Lake State Park from Todd Interests, a Dallas developer building a gated community there. Despite $125 million available for state park purchases, Todd refuses to sell, citing property rights concerns and environmental damage from ongoing development.

Coyotes, common in Texas, pose occasional threats to pets. Experts advise against feeding them and recommend "hazing" to discourage interaction. These adaptable creatures, likened to "song dogs," coexist through sustainable practices, despite historical eradication efforts and cultural misconceptions. Relocation is largely illegal, highlighting the need for human adaptation.

A minority-owned neighborhood in southern Dallas took a moment to celebrate after an asphalt batch plant closed down in June. But following the victory, now residents of Joppa — pronounced Joppy by locals — are facing down another polluting foe.

On July 26, a judge declined to halt Arlington’s new gas well permits issuance, despite allegations from Liveable Arlington and residents that the city violated ordinances. Arlington issued permits to Total Energies. The case, challenging the city’s permitting process, is expected to proceed to appeals court.

Two days in Southeast Texas’ Big Thicket provided a rare escape from urban noise, highlighting the pervasive effects of human-generated noise pollution. Research indicates such noise harms health and wildlife, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural quiet. Places like Lennox Woods offer peaceful retreats, underscoring the need for advocacy.

The 30th Solar Car Challenge, meant to end in Los Angeles County, was canceled in El Paso due to COVID-19, with 14 staff and team members testing positive. Despite the early end, awards were based on three days of racing, offering valuable experiences to participants.