Opinion

Our 2021 Green Gift Guide highlights Texas-based companies promoting eco-friendly products. It features Austin’s Nada Moo's dairy-free ice cream, Whiski Designs' artsy tees, Circle J Fabrication's firepits, Jank Goodness' vegan BBQ sauce, and more.

The 10th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards is on Nov. 18, 2021, at 6 p.m. via Zoom, honoring North Texas environmental leaders. Keynote by Lance Tahmahkera, Comanche Chief Quanah Parker's descendant.

Spending time in nature doing nothing can rejuvenate the mind and body through mindfulness. Recent outdoor experiences, such as sitting quietly and observing natural surroundings like grasses and butterflies, highlight the benefits. Practicing mindfulness in nature helps individuals focus on the present, enhancing both mental and physical well-being.

Green Source On the Air will highlight women’s contributions to the environmental movement, featuring panelists like Georgeann Moss and Margie Haley. Sponsored by Dallas College, the episode airs on August 19 at 6 p.m., focusing on diverse women protecting the environment and offering sustainable solutions. Join on Zoom for free.

Last call to nominate for the 10th annual GSDFW Sustainable Leadership Awards by Oct. 22, 2021. Categories: Environmental Science and Innovation, Conservation Activist, Green Project or Program, and Coke Buchanan Volunteer of the Year. Virtual awards on Nov. 18, 2021.

A Texas thunderstorm opened a camping trip, but the next day brought clear skies and a volunteer crew of high schoolers cleaning up a local state park. Led by fearless young leader Rilyn and educators like Ashley, they exemplified the next generation of conservationists dedicated to preserving the environment.

Richard Powers’ novel, "The Overstory," gives trees starring roles, blending research with storytelling to emphasize their importance. Through vivid characters and poetic narratives, Powers challenges human exceptionalism and environmental issues. He hopes the book inspires a shift in consciousness about the significance of nonhuman life.

Green Source DFW readers shared their favorite environmental books, including classics and lesser-known works, such as "The Overstory" by Richard Powers. Notable mentions include "Goodbye to a River," "Ecology of Commerce," "Braiding Sweetgrass," "The Vertical Farm," "Walden," "Silent Spring," "Desert Solitaire," and "A Sand County Almanac".

The 2021 Valentine's Green Gift Guide offers eco-friendly gifts like Joel Sartore's Photo Ark prints, dining at sustainable restaurants, EarthX memberships, Galentine Gift Boxes, local grocery products, VegePod kits, Teasom tea service, and Tayst compostable coffee pods, emphasizing sustainable and local options for Valentine's Day gifting.

Community gardens require community involvement and empowerment for success. While location, soil, and experienced gardeners matter, community buy-in is crucial. Initiatives must be locally driven, embracing Asset-Based Community Development. Effective organizing and adaptability, alongside embracing teachable moments on sustainability and social justice, help gardens flourish and support local communities.