Opinion

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.

The 9th annual Green Source DFW Sustainable Leadership Awards honored North Texas environmental leaders on Zoom. Attendees included awardees like activists Olinka Green and Marsha Jackson, companies Texas Nameplate and Good Faith Energy, and initiatives like Fort Worth's composting program. The keynote address by Moses Boyd emphasized environmental justice.

Six North Texans will be recognized at the 2020 Texas Sierra Club’s Environmental Awards on Oct. 3 via Zoom. Honorees include Bre Jacks, Olinka Green, and Marcus X Russell for Environmental Justice, David Schechter and Robert Wilonsky for Environmental Reporting, and Andrew Brinker for Special Service.

Nominate environmental leaders for DFW's 9th annual 2020 Sustainable Leadership Awards hosted by Green Source DFW and the Memnosyne Institute. Categories include Environmental Science, Conservation Activist, Green Project, and Volunteer of the Year.

Since 1776, the concept of "Real Americans" has evolved amid racial struggles and environmental challenges. Today's battle against racism requires expanding this identity to include all people. Embracing inclusivity and environmental justice exemplifies true American values, urging us to face racism, the real pandemic, with compassion and acceptance.

Do you have a green place that restores you? I go to my neighborhood creek trail, White Rock Trail in north Dallas, as often as I can. Walking  in the fresh air, with the murmur of flowing water and trees stirring in the breeze, brings me back to myself.

Growing up in a dysfunctional family, nature was my refuge, shaping my worldview. Earth Day 1970 revealed the environmental crisis, igniting my activism. I engaged in protests and journalism against nuclear power. Over the decades, my focus evolved, intertwining nature, spirituality, and eco-activism, culminating in community outreach and writing.