North Texas

Eco-friendly Valentine’s Day gifts support fair trade and sustainability. Options include Dallas Zoo animal adoptions, Kate Weiser's artful chocolates, Valentine's runs, White Rock's vegan candles, Maiden Vegan dining, Bishop Hill floral workshops, and JoyfulCo's Discovery Box, benefiting L.A. wildfire victims.

Toni Thorn of Frisco, inspired by her love for the desert and earth building, attended a four-week residency at the School of Constructive Arts in West Texas. She learned sustainable building techniques, aiming to build an eco-conscious home and start a learning center in DFW.

In Texas, where 93% of land is privately owned, Wildlife in Focus promotes conservation through a photo contest pairing landowners and photographers to document native wildlife. Proceeds fund educational endeavors like Kritters 4 Kids, fostering both preservation efforts and ecotourism on private lands.

A small lizard, endemic to southeastern New Mexico and a few West Texas counties, has been listed as endangered under the ESA after decades of delay, yet without habitat protection. Its survival is threatened by industry opposition and inadequate conservation efforts, sparking debate over its ecological value.

In 2023, Americans consumed nearly 16 billion gallons of bottled water primarily sourced from underground aquifers. Richard’s Rainwater, a Texas company and bottled water outlier, utilizes rainwater captured in Mississippi, distributing 2 million fully recyclable bottles. Founded in the 1990s by Richard Heinichen, the company emphasizes rainwater's purity and sustainability.

In Arlington, Texas, residents grapple with methane emissions from local oil and gas wells. A federal rule requires operators to reduce methane leaks, but as Texas gathers public input for its state plan, concerns about health impacts persist. The rule aims to reduce pollution, but enforcement challenges loom.

It's the final days of holiday shopping, but don't worry! Grab these eco-friendly gifts quickly. Highlights include Coldplay's vinyl made from recycled bottles, Marshall Grain's poinsettia sale, Dreamboat Donuts' vegan treats, and Rooster Home's Texas-themed goodies. Also explore Froggie's toys, White Rock's coffee, and local entertainment options.

The Earth, Wind and Fire Conference, hosted by the Dallas Sierra Club at Brookhaven Campus on March 1, will convene experts on local land, air, and water issues. Topics include Texas's electric grid, DFW’s water supply, and air quality.

Finding ideal gifts for kids and pets is made easier with eco-friendly options like sustainable toys, indoor climbing at Hapik, creative DIY kits, and organic treats. Options include IKEA’s wooden train sets, science kits from KiwiCo, Green Toys, and more. Stores like Sample House provide sustainable choices, and gifts ensure fun and environmental consciousness.

My husband and I put up a screech owl box hoping for owls, but bees moved in instead. Ryan Giesecke from the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers explained that it's common for honeybees to occupy these boxes in Texas. Leaving the bees can be safe if they are out of the way, offering educational and pollination benefits.