What Dallas Texas Residents Can Do To Make the City More Eco-Friendly
According to reports by NASA, human activities are causing greenhouse gas emissions to accumulate, leading to observable effects on the climate. Scientists predict temperatures will continue to rise for decades and adversely affect lives everywhere. Some of these effects are already occurring, and people are struggling to cope.
According to scientists, America should expect intense heat waves, rising sea-levels, lengthened frost-free seasons, substantive changes in rain patterns leading to droughts and floods, and stronger and more frequent hurricanes.
Fortunately, there are still many ways to reduce the effects of climate change. Businesses, citizens, and governments can all play a part in lowering emissions. A concerted effort from everyone can add up to a considerable impact.
Where Does Dallas Rank?
Dallas ranks quite poorly in terms of pollution levels. In 2019, it was the 17th-most-polluted city in the U.S. The metropolis received an F grade for air quality from the American Lung Association for years. These low rankings result from air pollution from cars, power plants, and other emissions sources.
One of the biggest reasons for the low ranking is Texas’ hot climate and subsequent reliance on air conditioners to stay cool. In the past two decades, Texas has surpassed multiple records for energy consumption and temperature. For example, Dallas experienced 97 outstandingly hot days in summer (days recording over 90 degrees) in 2000; in 2017, that number rose to 106.
More than half of peak Texas summer energy demand comes from residential use, and climate change could increase energy demand by up to 58 percent by 2050. Texas also expects its population to double to 50 million by 2050. This cycle sees rising population and rising temperatures cause more energy use, which increases pollution and drives up temperatures.
What Are People Doing About It?
There are businesses, NGOs, and citizens playing a part in making Dallas more environmentally friendly. They have been working hard to pull the local government to the right side of the issue. The Dallas City Council launched its Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) due to these efforts. The city council came up with a plan to collaborate with advocates, city leaders, and community members. Some objectives include:
- Build more electric vehicle charging stations,
- Fast track the electrification of the city vehicle fleet,
- Encourage the creation of community renewables and microgrids,
- Ensure new buildings are carbon neutral and sustainably constructed,
- Increase energy efficiency in existing buildings,
- Operate a clean, green, and efficient waste system, and
- Generate energy from organic sources.
What About Other Dallas Efforts?
The Dallas City Council has made it mandatory for apartments and condominiums to have recycling services access, and property owners must have a recycling program on-site. The ordinance requires all recycling companies that service these properties to register with the city and report the number of materials processed. This initiative is part of the city’s plan to reduce waste generation and landfill disposal by up to 85 percent by 2040.
The city also wants to rope an estimated 40,000 businesses into the recycling mandate. Companies in Dallas are diverse and produce various waste types, from paper waste to food refuse. Around 2013, China stopped accepting U.S. recyclable materials, forcing city officials to find vendors accepting glass and recycling materials.
How Can People Help?
You may not consume as much energy as the factory down the road, but residential properties still consume a lot of energy collectively. A collective effort from all residents will lead to massive reductions in greenhouse emissions for Dallas. The city has created several inclusive initiatives, and businesses are making an effort to provide greener products and services. Some steps you can take are:
- Recycle and reuse as many products as possible to reduce waste,
- Mind your shopping, eating, and food storage habits to reduce organic waste,
- Switch to a clean electricity provider for Dallas, TX, and
- Reduce thermostat or air conditioner use.
Join the Green Revolution
Residential buildings make up 30–40 percent of greenhouse gas emissions globally. A change in your lifestyle can make an impact on climate change. Join government and business leaders in their commitment to building a sustainable future.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
