North Texas

As Earth Day turns 50, Dallas writer Anna Clark suggests that the current solitude offers an opportunity for reflection on environmental efforts. The pandemic reveals the need for collective action beyond celebrations, pushing for deeper systems change and harnessing Earth Day's momentum to tackle big challenges collaboratively.

In 1970, Denis Hayes, recruited by Senator Gaylord Nelson, organized the first Earth Day. The bipartisan effort catalyzed a global environmental movement, drawing 20 million participants. Hayes, a key environmental advocate, continues to influence the sector through his work and leadership at the Bullitt Foundation.

GSDFW's 50th Earth Day celebration moved online due to coronavirus. Features include interviews with Denis Hayes, local history, and green tips. Highlights cover reflections and Earth Day's evolution, plus digital activities like selfies, a performance by Montopolis, a reading of "The Giving Tree," and a new environmental podcast.

On April 22, 1970, to honor Earth Day, Fort Worth teen Allen Gartner commuted to school on a unicycle instead of his Cadillac. He joined classmates using alternative transport methods. Gartner's effort, captured in a yearbook photo, left a lasting impression, inspiring a lifelong environmental commitment.

Austin's Montopolis performed "The Legend of Big Bend" at the Green Source DFW Awards, blending music, imagery, history, and poetry. The taped performance is now available for viewing. The "Living Coast" show, originally set for March, is postponed to June 15 due to a stay-at-home order.

The first Earth Day in 1970 saw active participation in North Texas, with schools organizing events like recycling drives, speeches, and teaching sessions. Students were engaged in projects raising environmental awareness. Denton and Arlington hosted activities such as teach-ins and symbolic demonstrations against pollution, while Dallas saw significant student participation in environmental efforts.

Here are 20 tips to reduce your environmental footprint: use compostable coffee pods, make eco-friendly cleaning products, start composting, plant native species, grow organic food, reduce meat consumption, filter tap water, fix leaks, install LED lights and insulation, cook at home, buy sustainable products, recycle more, donate items, shop local, use reusable bags, collect rainwater, and drive less.

Lee Kelton, a passionate advocate for green initiatives in North Texas, passed away from leukemia at 80. Known for his vibrant presence, Kelton contributed significantly to various local environmental, cultural, and educational causes, leaving a lasting impact on communities like Oak Cliff, the North Texas Irish Festival, and Twelve Hills Nature Center.

Both the Dallas and Fort Worth zoos, though closed to the public due to Covid-19, continue animal care routines and bolster online engagements. Staffing and financial challenges persist; Dallas Zoo even launched an Emergency Operations Fund. Measures are in place for social distancing, and animals enjoy more freedom during the closure.

"Be Green in Quarantine!" offers eco-friendly tips for home health, food, and gardening during the coronavirus lockdown. It includes advice on eco-friendly cleaners and home air filters, highlights local veg takeouts, gardening tips, and discusses virtual nature education. It also covers event cancellations and postponed eco-festivals.