A conversation with Kelly Clemons of Deep Ellum Urban Gardens on the inspiration for the Urban Gardens project, the goals of the Deep Ellum Urban Garden, and the status of the group's fundraising efforts.
Dallas resident and architect Alicia Quintans knows about living green. In fact she says “I grew up on a farm so a sustainable lifestyle is very familiar. My grandparents were farmers and home-grown produce was available all year round. My family lived in a farmhouse with no central a/c and butane heaters. The house was designed to allow for air flow and we often slept on the screened porch in the summer.”
If you asked interior designer Julie Reynolds what motivates her when thinking green she’ll tell you “If there is any doubt as to why a person would not want to live green they need to review their latest bills from the water company and their electric provider,” she says “It is simply the best way to extend one's income by lowering water and electric use, we immediately see the savings and ultimately will see the changes to our local economy.”
It was like riding a wave. That’s what the rising community energy was like when the tree brouhaha started at White Rock Lake. But out of the tragic destruction of three ancient elms, something wonderful was born – an environmental festival: CommuniTREE by Earth Rhythms on Saturday, September 24 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Bath House Cultural Center.
Urban planner, designer, blogger, and D Magazine columnist Patrick Kennedy discusses the true meaning of livability, the value of the "green" label, sustainable urban living in North Texas, and more.