BIOCIDES: A NO-BRAINER, REALLY…
By Summer Spillman
It is ironic to think that man might determine his own future by something so seemingly trivial as the choice of an insect spray." ~Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
Burgeoning Spring…what a wonderful world to wake up to. Those lime green shoots peeking up through the brown blanket of leaf litter. The promise of renewal and a continuation of the incredible cycle of life. Nature is so beautiful, so perfect, and so worth preserving. How did this cycle of environmental destruction begin?
Many blame the greed of money or other such material possessions. What I am seeing is a separation of society from nature. Long ago the peoples of earth understood its language because they realized that they were a part of its beauty. They lived amongst the trees and creatures understanding their places in the world. Without city lights, the sky was a wonderland of wisdom that spoke to its observers. It wasn´t magic, but reality. For some, this world still exists. For others, it isn´t considered at all…Merely observed from afar as an impossibility.
The world appears to be embracing the ´Going Green´ trend. But is the trend sincere? Having lived the majority of my life in Texas, I didn´t get a lot of exposure to ´Green´ policies of any kind. Most people around here aren´t environmentalists, especially in the corporate sect. I had always heard about how things were different in other parts of the country, especially in the Northwest areas of the U.S. such as Northern California, Washington, and Oregon. When I finally decided to take a trip, this time to Eugene, Oregon, known as the hippy capital of the world, I was expecting a wonderfully environmentally conscious populace that practiced what they preached, especially where nature was concerned. After all, these areas boast some of the most amazing forests on the globe. There is no other place like them, as they are unique to this part of the map.
The first stop I made in Eugene was to grab a bite to eat at a local mall, where I picked up a copy of their local entertainment newspaper. Lo and behold, the first thing I see is a cover story on the local lakes and rivers…how they are so polluted with runoff pesticides and also mercury (from local mining) that the locals were advised not to swim in them. I was dumbfounded within a matter of minutes of my arrival to this ´Green Mecca.´
While some of us are aware of the dangers of pesticides, I must say that there is a lack of education on the matter to those who aren´t specifically looking for it. And for those of us who do search out the information, we see a lot of death and destruction, we see lives, including each of our own, exposed to hazardous chemicals of which we don´t even yet know the repercussions. Do you know any really sick people, who don´t know why they are sick? It is certainly something to wrap your brain around. Get that mind going, allow it to seek answers in perhaps unusual places…
NO STRANGER TO DANGER
Now I can go on and on about the dangers of using pesticides. Cancers, all kinds of illnesses in humans, plants and animals, destruction of ecosystems, basically, the destruction of life. That sums it up pretty well.
If a chemical can kill insects and plants, (which can be very difficult to accomplish if you have ever tried to rid your house of cockroaches. Those guys can seemingly live through anything!) why expose your extremely porous skin, your lungs, your entire body to them? Imagine trying to kill an entire crop of ´pests´. Actually, please don´t imagine that…ever mindful of the law of attraction. So if these chemicals, being used everyday, can kill these guys, what on earth are they doing to you?
Environmental concerns are not limited to greater ecosystems, but include the health of the human species. This is another good example of humans living the illusion of a separation from nature. So many make the assumption that saving the environment is solely about the animals and trees.
A wonderful woman who helped spawn the environmental movement itself, Rachel Carson, wrote a powerful book in 1962, that amazingly and sadly, still has relevance to today´s pesticide situation.
The book is called Silent Spring, and while was not required reading in my college´s Environmental Biology class, was highly recommended. I wish it had been required reading in high school. The book is chock-full of incidents resulted from the usage of pesticides in America that I would almost rather not know. You can simply take the book, open a random page, read a random paragraph and think, wow…. I can´t believe that our society has somehow been left behind in the dark ages. We certainly weren´t hit with a ´ smart stick´, were we?
The copy I have begins with an introduction by Al Gore. He states that, " Since the publication of Silent Spring, pesticide use on farms alone has doubled to 1.1 billion tons a year and production of these dangerous chemicals has increased by 400 percent. We have banned certain pesticides at home, but we still produce them and export them to other countries. This not only involves a readiness to profit by selling others a hazard we will not accept for ourselves; it also reflects an elemental failure to comprehend that the laws of science do not observe the boundaries of politics. Poisoning the food chain anywhere ultimately poisons the food chain everywhere."
His quote immediately reminds me of a wonderfully clever professor of mine that got giddy (from the absurdity of it, of course) telling us about how DDT, a pesticide responsible for the death of many raptors (eagles, hawks, etc.) due to the thinning of their eggshells, while banned here in the U.S. of A. is being sold to other countries for their usage. In other words, our government is making money off of the destruction of ´ other people´s backyards´, which really aren´ t other peoples backyards, but ultimately our own. In my opinion, (and hopefully I am not alone in this) this is unacceptable behavior! It actually makes me feel embarrassed to live somewhere where the people allow such atrocities to exist, let alone take control of a society. Certainly, one would have to agree with the logic of Al Gore when he mentions that " Cleaning up politics is essential to cleaning up pollution."
Something that is really interesting about the usage of pesticides, is that even when they seemingly ´work´ or solve the ´ problem´, there are repercussions that are not seen that you wouldn´t even think about. There are thousands of examples of this that include human illnesses of sorts, but here is an example that Rachel Carson used in her book I felt was relevant. She states, " Ragweed, the bane of hay fever sufferers, offers an interesting example of the way efforts to control nature sometimes boomerang. Many of thousands of gallons of chemicals have been discharged along roadsides in the name of ragweed control. But the unfortunate truth is that blanket spraying is resulting in more ragweed, not less. Ragweed is an annual; its seedlings require open soil to become established each year. Our best protection against this plant is therefore the maintenance of dense shrubs. Ferns and other perennial vegetation. Spraying frequently destroys this protective vegetation and creates open, barren areas which the ragweed hastens to fill." Incidences similar to this observation could fill volumes upon volumes.
A CYCLE DOESN´T HAVE TO BE VICIOUS
A friend of mine recently purchased a ´ rose and flower´ insect spray for their garden. I examined the bottle. The label says, ´ GARDEN SAFE´ with a nice, bold green logo. A cute little daisy symbol reads, ´ Insecticide from plants, for plants.´ Hmmm….I thought as I searched for the ingredient listing. Just how ´ safe´ is this stuff?
Well, it contains 0.01% pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are chemicals (some are naturally obtained) that act upon the nervous system of the insect. They are broken down rather quickly in the natural environment. Yes, they are considered to be ´ biodegradable´. And they are used on many foods. The label also says, Canola Oil 1.00% and Inert Ingredients: 98.99%. No indication is made as to what these mysterious inert ingredients may be. Sheesh, this pesticide could have a burger and a milkshake in it for all I know!
Here´s what the EPA has to say about inert ingredients found in pesticides:
" An inert ingredient means any substance (or group of structurally similar substances if designated by the Agency), other than an active ingredient, which is intentionally included in a pesticide product. Inert ingredients play a key role in the effectiveness of a pesticidal product. For example, inert ingredients may serve as a solvent, allowing the pesticide's active ingredient to penetrate a plant's outer surface. In some instances, inert ingredients are added to extend the pesticide product's shelf-life or to protect the pesticide from degradation due to exposure to sunlight. Pesticide products can contain more than one inert ingredient, but federal law does not require that these ingredients be identified by name or percentage on the label. Only the total percentage of inert ingredients is required to be on the pesticide product label….Many consumers are mislead by the term "inert ingredient", believing it to mean "harmless." Since neither federal law nor the regulations define the term "inert" on the basis of toxicity, hazard or risk to humans, non-target species, or the environment, it should not be assumed that all inert ingredients are non-toxic."
http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/inerts/
Quoting the movie ´ Zoolander ´, I think to myself, ´ Am I taking crazy pills?´ So basically the label told me that the bottle contains ´ mystery substance with a side of oil and pyrethrins´.
So what about these pyrethrins, anyways? Well, from what I can tell we don´t rightly know what kind of long-term effects they have. We do know that some forms can break down quickly in the body (thanks to good ol´ Mr. Liver. That guy could use a break, I´m sure.) Other forms do not break down quite so quickly. The exact pyrethin substance used in this insecticide is not mentioned. So other than 1.00% canola oil, we have no idea what exactly is in this bottle! Crazy pills, indeed!
Skimming the back of the label (which, by the way, you have to peel off in order to read. I wonder how many people actually peel it off) it reads, " Hazards to Humans and Domestic Animals*CAUTION. Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. *This product is toxic to fish. Do not apply directly to water. Do not contaminate water when disposing of equipment wash waters or rinsate."
But you can eat fruits and veggies covered in it? Insanity, I say! Also, I have read from too many sources to count that this material is very toxic to honey bees. Honey bees…they are the ones who help keep life going!
We don´t know what´s in it, what we do know about it doesn´t sound so grand, so therefore we have no idea what repercussions its usage may have. Needless to say, but I´ll say it anyway, I will not be using this product in my garden. That´s my version of Garden Safe.
So what is acceptable to use? Well, here are a few ideas, although this is certainly not an all-inclusive list.
For household pests, I would check the information found in the following website.
http://www.eartheasy.com/live_natpest_control.htm
For home garden pests, you will likely need to concoct something specific to the insect you are trying to fend off. There is a decent book I have listed in the recommended reading section.
Natural fertilizers are very easy to come by. Manure and compost actually work! With all of the other items on the market, you would think that composting is obsolete. Wrong! Also, planting legumes will naturally fix nitrogen into the soil. No harm, no foul. Easy, inexpensive, really a no-brainer. And you get to eat beans!
Some great farming tips that I´ve learned about include creating ´ spider huts´. Little thatched, dark huts created just for the safe growth of spiders. And they work for free!
Also, kudzu farming is a wonderful method. With the kudzu method, parts of the land in between crops are left to grow wild. Most of the time, insects will attack the local plants. After all, its what they´re adapted for anyways.
There are other methods available. When in doubt, Google it!
Another idea to consider, if you haven´t already. Why not experiment concoct a safe pest deterrent of your own? Eco-Capitalism is growing, and if you are true to your product, a lot of success is possible in this arena.
I had the pleasure of reading an article while on an airplane about a young entrepreneur . The magazine was called American Way and the article was called ´ Dirty Business´, by Chris Warren. Yes, I like to give bibliographies. The entrepreneur´s name is Tom Szaky, and he created a fertilizer called ´ TerraCycle´. He uses a concoction of worm castings that is mixed with H2O and O2 and is then cooked for 48 hours. By-products from this process are used for other products such as potting soil mixes. The product is sold at the same price as regular fertilizer and is contained in used soda bottles. It can be found in Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, and Whole Foods. Warren states that the fertilizer is loaded with microorganisms, and he quotes Szaky saying, "…which assist the garden ecosystem. …One of the big problems people have, especially in America, is they douse their gardens with chemicals, which wipes out all the bugs that live in your garden. But the bugs actually help your garden." By the way, Szaky is making millions from his idea, providing a wonderful example for Green entrepreneurs to follow.
BE THE CHANGE
We can change things. And the way we can do it is by where we put our money. By continuing to purchase and use biocides or food or products that contain them, you are essentially paying someone to poison not only you, but your family, your friends and Mother Nature´s creations. Changing what you put on your garden and lawn, and then furthering change by purchasing foods that are ´ organic´ alone can make a huge difference.
As consumers, we influence the market. Every time you make the choice to do yourself and your environment right by implementing safe agricultural methods, you make a difference. Your voice is heard, whether you realize it or not.
Money´s tight? If you or a friend have access to a little bit of earth, or even if you just have some flower pots available to you, why not grow your own vegetables? They taste better, you know exactly what is being used on them, it attunes you to the cycles of life, and brings a fulfillment that buying foods at the grocery store does not provide, and will save you money.
For too long have we been used as chemical guinea pigs by both the government and the agricultural industry. It is time to take back our personal power, to be healthy and treat ourselves and our planet with the respect that we both deserve. Considering the alternatives, what have we really got to lose by changing our ways? Nothing. And we have everything to lose if we do not change.
COMING FULL CIRCLE
So what is a weed, anyways? Dictionaries tend to describe them as undesirable, unsightly plants. Some environmentalists say that ´ weeds´ are only weeds to those in the pesticide industry. To me weeds are herbs, and each has their own value, even if it not at first apparent. Dandelions, particularly their roots, for instance, have such incredible medicinal value. If you have the time, I encourage you to look up the plants you see growing in your yard and what medicinal value they may have. Perhaps they are growing there for a reason other than to make your yard what may seem ´ unsightly´.
In my personal gardening experiences, especially when growing vegetables, I have found that if I leave some these ´ weeds´ growing around my fruiting plants, the local insects will eat the ´ weeds´ instead of my veggies. They have been adapted to eat what is grown naturally and locally, so comes as no surprise to me, actually. And the bugs are fun to watch.
One can tap into a fountain of wisdom if they stop to take the time to listen to what their yards and the creatures that dwell within are saying. They may not speak English, Spanish or Swahili, but they speak just the same, and their wisdom when learned can teach the mind to overcome the boundaries placed by modern society. So listen up, buy right, and have some fun in your garden!
REFERENCES AND SUGGESTED READING
Biocides: A No-Brainer, Really… :
Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. 1962, Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, NY. Exert from page 80.
Introduction by Al Gore added in 1994. Al Gore exerts from pages xix and xxii.
Warren, Chris. American Way Magazine. Quotes taken from Article Titled, " Dirty Business". (This mag is found on American Airlines, by the way).
Other Suggested Reading:
Check out the websites listed in the article. You might just like them! All Rights Reserved, Copyright 2008, Everyday Revolution
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EVERYDAY REVOLUTION EVENTS
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SULTAN'S DREAMS at STRATOS
Thursday August 6th
8:30pm
Dallas, TX
Come see the Dancers of Sultan's Dreams perform at Stratos!
Come eat the divine Greek Cuisine of Stratos while you watch the show!
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GIRLSHOW 2009
Presented by
ARTLOVEMAGIC
AUGUST 7th and 8th
The Mokah Lounge, Deep Ellum
"With over 40 visual artists in mediums from painting to sculpey to sandpaper to terrariums, the beautiful Artistas of GirlShow will shake up your ideas of traditional visual art.
In the coming days and weeks I (Melody) will be highlighting some or our artists for a sneak peak of what treats await you at the show.
Remember there will be two shows going on during girlShow weekend. One on Friday, August 7th, which will include a concert series in Mokah Lounge along with 2-4 visual artists. Then there’s the massive girlShow production Saturday, August 8th with over 25 live visual artists performing and over 40 pieces of live art hanging in the gallery." ~Melody Hay
Full BLOG may be read at http://artlovemagic.com
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BELLYDANCE HAFLA at ANCIENT TRADITIONS
Saturday August 8th7:30pm
SCINTILATING BELLYDANCE HAFLA at ANCIENT TRADITIONS Cultural Center in Grand Prairie!!!
You can't miss this show! You will melt in your seat before the BEAUTIFUL Dancers of SULTAN'S DREAMS! They have a wonderful show lined up for you as well as a FANTASTIC RETAIL area filled with Costumes and the GOODS of the LOCAL Community!
Also a snack bar is available if you get hungry! ALL PROCEEDS BENEFIT Ancient Traditions so that they can bring the OLD WAYS to you and keep them alive! HAFLA is $10 for non-members and only $5 for members. All are welcome! For directions and more information about Ancient Traditions, please visit: http://ancient-traditions.org
Please be prepared to ~make noise~ Opa!
BLAMING GRACE With GAYDENLEE and PARALLEL PLAY at JGILLIGANS!
Friday, August 28
9PM
400 E Abram Arlington, TX 76010
Come celebrate the end of the August heat with some cold brews and sweet music!
BLAMING GRACE enters a COMPETITION at THE CURTAIN CLUB!!!
Join Blaming Grace Friday, September 6th, 2009 at
THE BATTLE OF THE BANDS!
Deep Ellum, Dallas, Texas
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EVERYDAY REVOLUTION IS PLANNING
THE HEARTH h)FESTIVAL for 2009!!!
THE SELECTED DATE FOR THE HEARTH FESTIVAL is SEPTEMBER 5th, So Mark Your Calendars!
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DFW Earth/Food/Animal/Green Newsletter and Calendar
July 2, 2009
Easier to read online at:
http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htm
GOOD News
Dogs Save Humans--Again! Some dogs can smell odors given off by humans with bladder cancer and diabetes, researchers say. In some cases, the canines warn of oncoming attacks. Rob Harris, Dog trainer: "Dogs have a highly-developed sense of smell. Their nose is in use every day. We just use that part of their nose to help us identify the odor of cancer."
Animal Labs Required to Post Data. Animal research facilities will be required to disclose more information online about their experiments. A settlement iwth US Humane Society will require the Agriculture Department to post annual reports from those facilities, including what they call "pain and distress information," on its Web site. The settlement will now be submitted to the federal district court for the District of Columbia for final approval.
Stricter Auto Emissions Granted. The Obama administration granted California permission Tuesday to begin enforcing its stricter auto emissions standards. Under an agreement reached among the governments, industry and environmentalists, the federal government will adopt the California standards and begin enforcing them nationwide in 2012.
ASHRAE Introduces Building Energy Label. The good news is that a prototype label for the ASHRAE Headquarters in Atlanta was recently unveiled. ASHRAE is working with major real estate developers to implement the label prototype this fall with a widespread launch of the full program in 2010. The Building Energy Quotient program, which will be known as Building EQ, will include both asset and operational ratings for all building types. The bad news is that is does not include residential. Click to view image.
BAD News
Silk Soymilk Is No Longer Always Organic. Check Silk cartons before buying as most of their soymilk is no longer organic. This opens the way for genetically modified soybeans to be used.
Silk Uses Neurotoxin in Production. According to The Cornucopia Institute, Silk's Light soymilk, as well as its "Heart Health" soymilk, is made with hexane-extracted soy flour instead of whole soybeans. Hexane is a highly explosive volatile solvent that is a byproduct of gasoline refining and a neurotoxin, which is listed as the main ingredient in these Silk products.
FIRST SUNDAY BUFFET: July 5
After years of a wonderful monthly vegan buffet at Thai Jasmine in Bedford, we moved to a new location in May where the food is equally as good and as abundant plus we have much more space: Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless 76040. Sunday, July 5, 11:30 am - 2 pm and every first Sunday thereafter.
Actually, the current owner, Kim, started the idea of the vegan buffet many years ago when she owned a restaurant on Magnolia in Fort Worth. She not only knows how to put the finishing touches on vegan, she also keeps the food fresh throughout the 2.5 -hour buffet. The June food was fantastic.
Come with your friends and family and sit together or please sit with us. Ask for Terry at the door and they will direct you to an interesting group of folks.
Papaya Garden is on the southwest corner of Airport Freeway (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM 157--which is Collins in North Arlington). It faces Industrial rather than Airport Fwy. First Sunday Vegan Buffet hours are from 11:30 until 2 pm. $9.95. This location will continue into the future every first Sunday.
Questions? Call Terry at 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532.
ORGANIC FARMERS at Saturday Markets
There is a certified organic farmer at the McKinney Market. The market is at Chestnut Square from 8 am until 12 noon. The rest of the market? This is from the rules and regs of the McKinney market, "Vendors shall be subject to inspection of their farm or place of production at any time to assure that at least 60% of their produce is homegrown or their products are homemade." I assume this means the farmer can buy and resell 40% of products at this market.
There is also a certified-organic farmer at the Coppell Farmers Market each Saturday.: Starts at 8 am at the corners of Bethel and South Coppell Roads in Coppell. Coppell does try to limit the produce sold there to farmers who grow their own or bring a neighbors produce. Although I saw produce that were far out of season for North Texas, the head of the organization said the volunteers would try to inspect farms in the future to stop that.
If you know of other certified organic farmers that grace our local farmer's markets, please let me know who, where, when, and what time so I can spread the word.
PHOTOS
Taken by Hubble Space Telescope and supplied by Peggy LaPoint.
Remarking in an article from the Daily Mail, reporter Michael Hanlon writes the photos "illustrate that our universe is not only deeply strange, but also almost impossibly beautiful."
To me... It also shows how insignificant we are and how easy it would be for humans and most animals to cease to exist if we don't take care of the earthship that takes care of us and the other inhabitants of this planet.
Photos online at http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htmQuick RESTAURANT REVIEWS
online for Bliss Raw Care, Hericoh's, Southpaw's Organic Cafe, and Veria Natural Cafe.
Quick RECIPES
online for Stuffed Squash, Berry Breakfast or Dessert, Hummus-Veggie Appetizers.
http://dfwnetmall.com/news/x2009-july.htm
=============
Calendar:
July, 2009
=============
Tue, Jul 14 - Dallas Sierra Club Meeting, 7 pm; come early for food. Avarita Williams from the Texas Workforce Commission will provide an overview on green jobs in Texas and their impact on the environment and the economy. The Sierra Club meets at The Center for Spiritual Living, near the northwest corner of Inwood and Spring Valley in north Dallas (see map below). From the Tollway and Spring Valley Road, go west past Inwood Road and the train tracks. Take the next right (north) on International Parkway (called Arborview on older maps). When the road bends to the right, look for the entrance way and Sierra Club signs.
Wed, Jul 15 - General Meeting of the Greater Fort Worth Sierra Club, 7 pm. Brief business meeting followed by speaker Lucy Harrell of Arlington, Texas Certified Nursery Professional and expert on Texas landscapes and organic gardening specialist. Location: Ft Worth Botanic Gardens, Main Garden Center, 817 871-7686, 3220 Botanic Garden Boulevard at University, north of I-30, Fort Worth.
Wed, Jul 15 - Dallas Sierra Club Outings Committee meets at 7:00 pm at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and interested Sierrans are welcome.
Thu, Jul 16 - Sierra Club Night Hike Chisholm Trail. Meet at 7:00 pmin front of the Starbucks/Barnes & Noble (north side of 15th just west of US 75). We will walk 5 miles on a paved path. Bring water. No reservations, just show up. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738.
Sat- Jul 18 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas White Rock Lake outing and potluck picnic. 12 noon -3 pm, Flagpole Hill, 3100 Doran Cr, Dallas. Contact Angelica at 214 577-5840 for more information and for contributions to the potluck.
Sun, Jul 19 - All-vegan, all-you-can-eat buffet from 12 noon until 2 pm. Regularly $9, $1 off for Sierra Club, Dallas Vegetarian Lunch Group and DFW Vegetarian Education Network members.. New Start Veg, (972 243-0507) 2330 Royal Lane, ste 900, Dallas 75229. Just west of I-35 on the south side of Royal. Call for info: James Bisby 469-371-1938.
Sun, Jul 19 - Dallas Trekkers group walks at White Rock Lake at 8 m. Meet at Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas. 972-489-3072 for more information. Small charge.
Thu, Jul 23 - Dallas Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Fretz Recreation Center, Dallas. 7 pm. Free.
Thu, Jul 23 - Arlington Organic Gardening Club Monthly Meeting. Bob Duncan Community Center Garden Room, 2800 S. Center St. in Arlington. 7 pm. Free.
Thu, Jul 24 - Sierra Club Night hike on White Rock Creek Trail. Meet at 7:00 pm at Moss Park on the SE corner of Greenville and Royal. We will walk 5 miles on a paved path. Bring water and bug repellant. No reservations, just show up. Leader: Judy Cato 972-238-5738.
Sun, Jul 26 - Black Vegetarian Society of Texas monthly luncheon at Spiral Diner, Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. 1:30 pm.
Sat, Aug 1, - Fort Worth Vegetarian Society monthly dinner at Spiral Diner, 7 pm. 1314 W Magnolia at 6th, Fort Worth. No reservation necessary; look for FWVS sign.
Sat, Aug 1 - SPCA of Texas' Pet Grief recovery program for those grieving the loss of a beloved companion animal. Meet at 1 pm at the conference room at SPCA of Texas, 2400 Lone Star Drive, Dallas. Free.Sun, Aug 2 - Sustainable Sunday: Vegan Buffet every first Sunday at Papaya Garden, 1201 W. Airport Frwy #100, 817 684-9378, Euless on the corner of Airport Fwy (Hwy 183) and Industrial (FM157 also known as Collins in Arlington). Thai, plant-based, and all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. There are several groups here including DFW Veg Ed and Sierra Club, Larger restaurant means more room for families and other groups Ask for Terry at the door to meet/converse with an interesting group of people. Or sit with your friends and family . Organizer: Terry Jensen 817 545-0140 or 972 251-1532.
NOTE: There will be no Mid-Suburban Sierra Club or Collin County Sierra Club meetings during the summer months. Have a great summer.