Why it Matters
Air pollution happens when tiny liquid and solid particles, called pollutants, are released or photochemical reactions in the air lead to the formation of pollutants, mostly ozone, degrading air quality and posing risks to both human health and the environment. Air quality is measured using the Air Quality Index (AQI), which is used to report the number of key pollutants in the air and potential health impacts.
Good air quality is essential for a healthy community. Increasing levels of air pollution result in increasing scale and severity of health issues, especially on a person’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems. This is particularly true for sensitive populations, such as the elderly, children, and those who have preexisting health conditions. Explore the Air Quality Handbook from the North Central Texas Council of Governments for detailed information, programs, data, and activities.
Eco-Friendly Holiday: Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
Continue your eco-friendly efforts during the holiday season by focusing on what truly matters - memories, love, and laughter. Consider sharing experiences instead of material things, spending time outdoors or enjoying local activities together. One thing we can control during the holidays is the amount of waste we create. Here are some quick tips to keep your celebrations environmentally friendly:
- Gift Giving - Get creative and make your own gifts! Handmade presents are personal, meaningful, and often cost less; plus, they help reduce waste.
- Decorating - Opt for unplugged decorations to save energy.
- Shopping - Bring your own reusable bags when shopping. If you end up with plastic bags, check store recycling programs and return them or reuse them on your next visit.
- Recycling - Check what items your local recycling program accepts and make sure to recycle only the correct materials, such as paper, plastics, glass bottles, and aluminum cans.
Holiday at the Arboretum - Celebrate the holidays and the end of ozone season by spending time with family and friends at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Stroll through stunning holiday displays featuring classic holiday stories/movies.
This festive experience is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and soak in the beauty of the season. For those visiting in the evening, the magic continues at the European-inspired Christmas Village, where you’ll find food, shopping, local vendors, music, and plenty of seasonal cheer!
Christmas Capital of Texas, Grapevine - Kick off holiday fun at the Gaylord Texan Resort, where the magic of the season comes to life! Marvel at over 1.5 million sparkling Christmas lights, tens of thousands of shimmering ornaments, a breathtaking 54-foot rotating Christmas tree, charming gingerbread houses, and so much more festive cheer.
And that’s just the beginning; Grapevine hosts more than 1,400 Christmas events across 40 days, including tree lightings, Santa sightings, shopping, and endless seasonal fun for everyone!
Call to Action
As we celebrate the holidays and reflect on the year, let’s remember that every small action makes a big difference for our planet. Whether it’s reducing waste, choosing energy-efficient decorations, or sharing experiences instead of things, your efforts help create a cleaner, healthier future for North Texas and beyond.
Set a mindful resolution for the new year; commit to one eco-friendly habit and inspire others to do the same. Together, we can make being environmentally friendly a tradition worth keeping!