Gardening with native plants is gaining in popularity, but it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all of the information that is available.

In the Chicago region, . Local garden centers and nurseries report rising demand, with some Chicago-area businesses seeing native plant sales nearly double in recent years.

Online communities dedicated to native plants in northern Illinois have also grown quickly, with thousands of gardeners sharing tips and plant swaps. Landscaping companies that specialize in native gardens report increased requests for prairie-style yards and pollinator gardens as more homeowners look for alternatives to traditional turf lawns. 

Native gardening has become part of a broader shift toward gardening practices that work with local ecosystems rather than against them. And the good news is that getting started doesn’t have to be complicated.

We’re collaborating with our friends at the Chicago ���ϲ����� to help you get started on native gardening in your own home and to spread the word on its benefits throughout your local community!

What are native plants?

are plants that have existed in a region prior to European settlement. These plants have evolved for thousands of years as integral parts of local ecosystems and habitats.

When people think of native plants in the Chicago region, prairie flowers are often the first to come to mind. One well-known example is purple coneflower, which has large daisy-like petals in shades of pinkish purple that droop slightly around a spiky, orange-brown center cone. These flowers stand tall on sturdy stems and bloom through much of the summer. Another common prairie plant is black-eyed Susan, a bright yellow flower with a dark brown center that looks almost like a tiny sunflower.

Grasses are also a huge part of our native landscape. Big bluestem, sometimes called “turkey foot” because of the shape of its seed heads, can grow six to eight feet tall. In late summer and fall, the tops turn a soft purplish bronze. Little bluestem is shorter but just as beautiful—its thin blue-green blades turn coppery orange in the fall, adding warm color to fields and gardens.

Together, these plants create landscapes that are colorful, dynamic, and full of life. They may look different from the ornamental plants often found in traditional gardens, but they are uniquely suited to the Chicagoland environment. When you start noticing them, you’ll see that they bring their own kind of beauty to parks, prairies, and backyards throughout the region.

What are the benefits of planting native plants?

Because native plants have evolved to live healthy lives in local conditions, they generally thrive in this environment and are lower maintenance than many non-native plants, making them well-suited for our gardens. It is a common misconception, however, that these plants require no care; any garden will need some level of care and every landscape will require stewardship.

Native plants also provide food and shelter to local wildlife. They act as a source of pollen and nectar for local insect populations, yes, but many native plants (including trees and shrubs) are also host plants for insect larvae as they complete their life cycles. Others provide for insects in their hollow stems, and many birds and mammals rely on the seeds of native plants for food (particularly in the winter).

The natural beauty—and durability, in particular—of native plants makes them beyond valuable to their ecosystems, with even European horticulturalists praising their quality and significance.

Native plants are making a comeback with us now, too—and now you can become part of the movement to solve challenges in our landscape with the ones nature designed for us thousands of years ago!

How do I source native plants?

While native plants are growing in popularity, it can still be tricky to find them as a home gardener.

The best source is local native plant sales. The posts a schedule of plant sales, so it is easy to find one in your area. Native plant sales will often sell plants well below other retail sellers.

For retail purchases, it is best to use that have ethical practices and do not use pesticides and other chemicals on the plants.

Avoid big box stores, as they often use chemicals that can harm pollinating insects.

How do I add native plants to my garden?

Start small. Don’t try to do much right away or you will become overwhelmed. Assess the light, soil, and moisture conditions in your garden and research the plants that have adapted to those conditions. is a great resource for searching and filtering based on site conditions. offers detailed information about plants native to Illinois.

A rule of thumb is to try to have three different species of plants blooming per season, but don’t worry if your space is small and won’t allow that. Every little bit of habitat and beauty you can add is a step in a healthier direction!

The first two years are the most important to a new garden or a new plant being added to the garden. While many native plants are considered to be drought tolerant, they require adequate watering while establishing themselves in the first two years. It is also important to minimize the presence of weeds and aggressive neighboring plants while new plants are establishing their root systems and crowns so that the new plants are not deprived of light and other resources.

Can I have a container garden with native plants?

Yes! Many city residents do not have access to greenspaces in which they can garden other than their balconies and porches. .

���ϲ����� Resilient Design, LLC

is a garden and landscape design, installation, and stewardship firm in Chicago that creates natural gardens and landscapes for the built environment using sustainable methodologies informed equally by horticulture and ecology.

Resilient Design is a .

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

Chris Baran, Founder of Resilient Design. Chris has a background in sustainable landscapes and teaches Perennial Plant Communities in the Horticulture School at the College of DuPage. He regularly speaks to professional organizations, non-profits, and garden groups about native plants, perennial garden design, and garden stewardship.

Price is often the primary factor in purchasing decisions for many American consumers. While considerations such as product quality, long-term value, and environmental impact have become more important over time, cost ultimately determines whether a product is affordable and widely adopted.

Sustainably produced or responsibly sourced alternatives to everyday goods often cost more than conventional options. For many consumers, this difference can feel discouraging and raises a common question: is sustainability only accessible to those with higher incomes? When a reusable household product costs significantly more than a disposable alternative, the value of that investment is not always immediately clear.

What is discussed less often are the broader benefits of purchasing sustainable products. Beyond their environmental impact, these products are frequently associated with stronger labor standards, more transparent supply chains, and longer-term economic benefits. Their higher price reflects factors beyond simple markup, and their value extends beyond the point of purchase.

Before considering why these products may be worth the cost, it is important to understand why sustainably produced goods are often priced higher to begin with.

The Materials: What You’re Really Paying For

Sustainable Sourcing

Eco-friendly manufacturing practices start at the source. When businesses mark their eco-friendly products as “sustainably sourced”, it signals to the consumer that the product was made with environmental, social, and ethical protections in mind. It generally prioritizes plant-based, biodegradable products over petroleum-based ones.

The process of sustainable manufacturing often starts on the farm. The growing methods for products like wheat, corn, cotton, and soybeans can have a dramatic impact on the immediate environment; eco-friendly products will opt for those that reduce that impact as much as possible.

More sustainable farming methods involve using fewer pesticides and fertilizers, meaning less environmental damage and a safer farming process. But it also takes longer to grow and, without heavy-duty protection from insects, animals, and a plethora of plant diseases, often produces lower yields. That means the cost to produce it is higher and is often reflected in the final price of products that use them.

Sustainable Packaging

Then there’s the materials used for packaging. Eco-friendly packaging often uses recycled or reusable materials like paper, cardboard, compostable bioplastics, and PET or HDPE plastics, but the recycling process isn’t cheap. It involves collection (sometimes from far distances), transportation, sorting, processing, and labor. The machinery is expensive, and the process is sensitive to contamination—meaning a whole batch of recyclable material can be lost if something goes wrong. This process is more complicated than simply sourcing virgin papers and plastics, which are often the cheapest options and whose price does not currently reflect their negative externalities on the planet.

Ultimately, you’re paying for a cleaner, safer supply chain from start to finish. It just costs a little more to make it that way.

Ethical Labor and Quality Manufacturing

Another key reason for the higher cost of sustainable products lies in how they’re manufactured—and by whom. Ethical manufacturing practices will generally involve fair pay, safe working conditions, and labor protections that aren’t always prioritized in conventional product manufacturing. Businesses that produce sustainable products often commit to values like fair trade, transparency, and workplace safety — all of which come with a price tag.

Then there are the certifications. Think USDA Organic, Fair Trade, OEKO-TEX, and more. These certifications often require rigorous audits, traceability, and compliance with strict production standards. While they help consumers trust a product’s sustainability claims, they also add costs for businesses, which may be reflected in the final product price.

Still, eco-friendly products worth the extra costs often come with the peace of mind that no shortcuts were taken to bring them to market.

The Demand Problem: Why Less Popular Means More Expensive

Economies of scale play a huge role in product pricing. Simply put: the more of something you make, the cheaper it becomes to produce each item. Unfortunately, for a long time, eco-friendly products were considered niche — purchased primarily by a small subset of consumers willing to pay a premium for sustainability.

In the past, low demand stemmed from multiple factors: limited awareness of environmental issues, lack of availability in mainstream stores, higher price points, and skepticism about whether "green" products were truly better. Many consumers prioritized convenience and cost, gravitating toward readily available, low-cost alternatives — like single-use plastics and fast fashion — that were produced at massive scales with few regulations.

Plastic and single-use products exploded in popularity during the mid-20th century because they were cheap, easy to produce, and marketed as modern conveniences. Their demand skyrocketed, which allowed manufacturers to invest in infrastructure and scale operations, further lowering costs and making these items even more accessible. Meanwhile, sustainable alternatives remained on the fringes, lacking the volume and investment needed to compete on price.

But here’s the good news: that’s starting to change.

In recent years, consumer demand for sustainable products has been steadily increasing, driven by growing climate awareness, environmental activism, and transparency in brand practices. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, are pushing for change — seeking out ethical, eco-conscious brands and using their purchasing power to make a difference. Social media trends like , long-form media like , and traditional education have played a huge role in shifting public perception and behavior.

As more consumers prioritize sustainability, manufacturers are responding by expanding eco-friendly product lines and investing in better materials, practices, and technologies. This growing demand enables producers to scale up operations, reducing per-unit costs and making sustainable products more competitive with conventional ones.

It’s a classic case of supply following demand — and the more we ask for eco-friendly products, the more affordable and widespread they’ll become.

How It Benefits the Consumer: Longevity and Value

The question of value is central to the discussion of sustainable products. Are eco-friendly alternatives worth their higher upfront cost? And do they end up paying for themselves over time?

Consider Swedish dish cloths, which are considered a reusable replacement for disposable paper towels. They retail for $2.50 - $8 each, depending on where you shop. While this price may initially seem high, each cloth can replace hundreds of paper towels. Over time, this single purchase both reduces waste and lowers overall household spending.

Clothing provides another clear example.. In contrast, brands such as Patagonia focus on durability and longevity, offering products designed to last for years and, in many cases, repair programs to extend their lifespan. Although the upfront cost is higher, the cost per wear is significantly lower over time.

Reusable water bottles from brands like Hydro Flask and S’well have similarly demonstrated their value. A stainless steel bottle may cost $30 or more, but it replaces hundreds of single-use plastic bottles, dramatically reduces your exposure to microplastics while drinking, and offers practical benefits such as temperature retention and durability.

In the personal care category, companies like By Humankind and Rustic Strength offer products in refillable or compostable packaging. These options reduce plastic waste, last longer than many conventional alternatives, and allow consumers to save money through refills rather than repeated container purchases. Chicago ���ϲ����� Co-Founder, Katherine Tellock, recently analyzed her eco-friendly swaps and determined that by switching from a mid-tier disposable plastic razor to a stainless steel safety razor, she has saved roughly $95 over the last 5 years, and enjoyed a better product experience. By switching from disposable dryer sheets to reusable wool dryer balls, she enjoys a natural, plastic-free alternative and may never need to spend money on a replacement again.

Home goods such as Stasher bags—reusable silicone alternatives to plastic sandwich bags—also provide long-term savings. Though priced higher upfront, they are durable, dishwasher safe, and eliminate the need for frequent replacement of disposable bags.

Across the board, sustainable products consistently deliver higher quality, longer lifespans, and fewer replacements, resulting in measurable cost savings over time. They also help raise industry standards by demonstrating that ethical production and sustainability can coexist with performance and convenience. As these durable products replace disposable or short-lived alternatives, consumers often find themselves shopping less frequently. This reduced need for constant replacement saves time and limits exposure to impulse purchases and unnecessary spending.

Taken together, eco-friendly products represent a practical investment—not only in environmental responsibility, but also in long-term financial value and everyday efficiency.

The Future: Making Sustainability More Accessible

How, then, can the cost of sustainable products be reduced?

First, increased consumer demand plays a critical role. Each purchase of an eco-friendly product signals to manufacturers and retailers that sustainability is a priority worth continued investment. As demand grows, production scales, efficiency improves, and costs decline.

Government incentives are also an important driver. Policies that support environmentally responsible businesses, subsidize sustainable agriculture, and encourage cleaner manufacturing practices can reduce costs for producers and, in turn, consumers. While political priorities may change over time, broader momentum toward sustainability continues to build.

Finally, technological innovation is a key factor. Advances in recycling systems, regenerative agriculture, biodegradable materials, and supply chain transparency are steadily lowering the cost of sustainable production. As these technologies mature and become more widely adopted, eco-friendly products are likely to become increasingly affordable.

The Ultimate Value of Sustainable Products

Eco-friendly products often cost more because they reflect the true costs of responsible production, including fair labor practices, higher-quality materials, transparent supply chains, and environmentally responsible manufacturing. In return, they typically offer better performance, longer lifespans, and measurable benefits beyond the point of purchase.

Although sustainable products are often priced at a premium, they deliver value for the environment, for workers, and for consumers. As demand continues to grow, these products are likely to become more affordable, more accessible, and more widely adopted.

When considering whether eco-friendly products are worth the added cost, it is worth recognizing that the investment supports products that are better made, more durable, and more aligned with long-term environmental and social goals. To find a list of sustainable shops and services in the Chicagoland area, please check out our Sustainable Shops page.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����

In August, with the goal of creating the largest pollution monitoring system in the U.S. The initiative is led by the city in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago and the Chicago Public Health Department, supported by government and private grants.

Officials noted the sensors will not be used to enforce better air quality standards for now, but guide planning, zoning, industrial siting, and public health protections in the future—particularly in neighborhoods on the Far South, Southwest, and West Sides.

These areas of Chicago have long struggled with air pollution driven by traffic, industrial facilities, and regional smoke events like wildfires, leading to disproportionately worse air quality and health impacts than for other parts of the city.

The Clarity sensors are more advanced than standard low-cost devices, allowing more granular, real-time mapping of particulate matter and other pollutants. Over time, this data will better reveal pollution hotspots, track trends, and provide evidence to push for stronger community safeguards. Officials hope the publicly available data will empower residents and improve decision-making on industrial permitting, urban planning, and environmental justice policies.

Advocacy for safer, cleaner air runs deep in Chicago communities, notably in the neighborhoods on the South and West sides that experience the impacts of air pollution the most. Some residents in McKinley Park, in response to such impact, formed the , centralizing the community’s environmental reformation efforts for a safer, healthier city.

On the Ground: Neighbors for Environmental Justice (N4EJ)

A clip from N4EJ’s recent Community Forum

N4EJ works to make Chicago’s neighborhoods healthier by challenging polluters and pushing for stronger protections. They were founded in response to the MAT Asphalt plant constructed in McKinley Park and continue to organize residents to report odors and pollution. The group engages in legal and policy advocacy to strengthen environmental enforcement, and publishes reports highlighting gaps in city oversight. N4EJ also partners with other grassroots groups through the Chicago Environmental Justice Network to fight environmental racism and advance cleaner, safer development citywide.

Most recently, N4EJ is working toward passing the , which will strengthen the zoning review process for high-pollution industries and require them to thoroughly assess their impacts on vulnerable communities. Chicago ���ϲ����� is supporting this effort as one of its key policy priorities, as you may have seen on social media. It has passed in City Council, but the ordinance is now with the Chicago Zoning Committee for further review and approval.

Years prior to the City of Chicago’s efforts, N4EJ set up a community-based air monitoring system with PurpleAir sensors,. 

Chicago ���ϲ����� sat down with Alfredo Romo, Co-Founder and Executive Director of N4EJ, to dive deeper into their on-the-ground efforts to install the air pollution sensors, and what residents can do to stay informed and active on the subject.

A Conversation With N4EJ

Q: What motivated N4EJ to begin installing your own air monitors in Chicago? Was there a particular incident, health concern, or lack of data that triggered it?

A: N4EJ started installing air monitors in McKinley Park after the MAT Asphalt facility suddenly showed up across the street from a park, right next to the National Latino Education Institute. We wanted to be able to gauge the impacts of the facility by getting data from before and after they started operating, so we started installing PurpleAir monitors before they even started producing asphalt.

Unfortunately, there are notable gaps in air monitoring resources in Chicago in the places that need them the most, which was another reason N4EJ started installing PurpleAir monitors in 2018.

Q: How did you select the locations for the first sensors on the southwest side? What factors did you consider?

A: The very first sensors that were installed were meant to measure the impacts of a hot-mix asphalt facility on the places around it. Therefore, it was hyper-local to McKinley Park.

Q: How do the pollution levels you measure compare to citywide or even regional/state/federal levels?

A: We have not yet done any sort of comprehensive data analysis to answer this question, but we do know that PM2.5 levels trend higher in SW Chicago compared to the rest of the city and that Chicago ranks the 13th worst for annual particle pollution compared to other metropolitan areas according to the . 

Q: What kind of sensors are you using? What pollutants do they measure, and are there limitations to what they can measure?

A: They are PurpleAir Flex sensors, and they measure PM2.5 (fine particulate matter), VOCs (stands for volatile organic compounds and refers to a variety of gasses that can be harmful to human health).

There are limitations to what this sensor can measure because it’s a low cost-sensor that’s built to be accessible. PurpleAir monitors are helpful for measuring hyperlocal conditions that the EPA monitors don’t cover, and the EPA uses data from these monitors in their map for this reason. This particular monitor has been proven to generate reliable readings of PM2.5. There are limitations to the data about VOCs, because the sensor meant to read them is still in an experimental phase and, in general, it’s challenging to measure gases for a variety of different reasons.

Q: What pollutant metrics do you think are most meaningful for residents and why?


A: I think that PM2.5 is an important pollutant to measure because it refers to the many different types of tiny bits of stuff that we breathe that are far too small to see. One PM2.5 particle is approximately 1/100th the size of a strand of human hair. Though these particles can be a combination of many different things, it’s still a good indicator of the presence of unhealthy pollutants. High amounts of PM2.5 can cause both short-term and long-term health effects.

Q: How can residents use the data you provide to advocate for cleaner air or influence local policy?


A: Residents can use the data from these monitors as another way to understand the everyday pollution concerns that we face in heavily affected areas alongside what our senses and bodies tell us. We can take action on days when the readings are high by encouraging sensitive populations to stay indoors and wear masks outside. We can also learn from the trends that we see over time and use this data to engage with local government while we’re advocating for increased protections from current polluting industries and any possible future developments.

Getting Involved: Why it Matters

Clean air isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health necessity. Air pollution has been linked to asthma, heart disease, and other chronic conditions, with long-term exposure causing lasting harm to families and communities.

In Chicago and beyond, these impacts are not felt equally. Low-income, Black, and Hispanic neighborhoods are often located closest to industrial facilities and high-traffic corridors, meaning residents shoulder a disproportionate burden of poor air quality. underscores that in some of these vulnerable communities, the risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be ten times greater than in other neighborhoods within our city.

Vigilance matters: without consistent community action, these inequities will persist. Thanks to efforts from N4EJ, there are ways for residents to get involved easily and contribute to Chicago’s enhanced air quality efforts.

Suggest A Location for Air Pollution Sensors

Have a suggestion for where you want air pollution sensors to go next? that allows anyone to submit suggestions, which will then be forwarded to the City of Chicago’s Department of Public Health. Your input is valued and provides important data for the department to move forward with enacting positive community changes.

Report A Change in Air Quality

Notice a significant change in air quality in your area? Any particularly bad smells? , and .

Learn More about N4EJ and their Work

By engaging in air monitoring, advocacy, and education, groups like Neighbors for Environmental Justice are showing that everyday residents have the power to hold polluters accountable and push for healthier, safer neighborhoods. The City of Chicago’s move to launch its own sensor network reflects and builds on the work that grassroots organizations like N4EJ began years earlier, demonstrating that community-driven solutions can spark citywide change. Protecting our air quality means protecting our future—and everyone has a role to play. To learn more and take action alongside N4EJ, visit their.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����

During Compost Awareness week, it is important to examine how composting fits into the larger environmental picture and also reflect on where we as individuals or companies contribute to conservation in this way. Below is an article written by our friends at that takes a closer look at how we can create a circular economy for food and food waste.

The Environment We’re Working With

Our society is largely based on a linear economic model as opposed to a circular model. A linear economy follows a “take, make, waste,” principle: coined by Dr. Taylor Brydges, a research principal and author at the, “take, make, waste” is how we traditionally treat resources in our economy. We take from the earth, create products, and then waste what we no longer need.

The foundations of the linear economy originated from the Industrial Revolution, a time when raw materials and resources were considered to be endlessly abundant. Of course the idea that our raw materials here on earth are limitless is understood, on a societal level, to be a detrimental philosophy to our world community. So why does the majority of society still function under an economic model based on taking, making, and wasting?

One can argue many positive and negative factors that come from the Industrial Revolution, as countries were transformed and citizens lifted out of poverty; yet, despite time passing and technology advancing we still operate in an economic model developed nearly 200 years ago.

Now that resources are recognized as far more finite than originally imagined, a new circular economic system proves more appropriate than an old linear model– a new model that The Urban Canopy upholds at our core.

The Urban Canopy: Who We Are

Founded in 2011, The Urban Canopy is pioneering the local food cycle to create a more sustainable and equitable food system in Chicago. Our unique structure is designed around a circular economic model congruent with what we call the urban food cycle. We have a farm in the Auburn Greshman neighborhood, participate at many , offer at-home deliveries of a local unified community sourced agriculture box (), process and distribute food before it is composted, and offer a residential and commercial compost hauling and a soil program. 

One of the foundational pillars of our structure is circular economics. Also known as circularity, circular economics is a system wherein resource production and consumption involves recycling, reusing, and sharing as much existing materials as possible, minimizing carbon emissions and consumption of materials. It is, as describes it “an industrial economy that is restorative or regenerative by value and design.” So, when faced with a powerful economic model that is contrary to the most sustainable use of our resources, how do we incorporate something like a circular economy into our own lives?

One way is to focus on how we use food and what the cycle of food looks like, especially in an urban setting like Chicago. The Urban Canopy takes pride in the work we do by collecting organic waste materials throughout the city and surrounding suburbs, transferring that material to be processed and then returning that processed material to our members and partners. While composting is a small but critical component of the . The Food Recovery Hierarchy is an  inverted pyramid that demonstrates the most useful food-related actions for creating benefits not only to the environment, but the economy, as well as maximizing the use of food calories and nutrients.

What The Food Recovery Hierarchy Is And How It Works

At the top, is “source reduction,” or reducing food waste right at the source. One can prevent food waste by creating a grocery list, inventorying supplies, using portion control, and buying less. Thinking of your kitchen this way can not only create less waste but help you save on your grocery bill. 

The second level, “feeding hungry people,” is recovering the nutritional value of food for people in need. Rather than throwing away excess food or even making food for people in need (which is a noble act but does not solve food waste) the principle is to take extra food that was made for one purpose and give it to those in need.

Third on the hierarchy is “feeding animals”. Using what might not be extra food  for people to create animal feed is another great way to repurpose food waste. For example, instead of throwing away halloween Jack-o-lanterns, the Urban Canopy collects these and feeds them to pigs!  Chickens and pigs are always thankful for some table scraps, but this can be accomplished at a larger scale, too. Food generated in commercial food facilities that is not fit for human consumption can be transitioned to food for animal consumption.

Further down the pyramid is “industrial uses.” One example of this is rendering animal by-products into fats and proteins that are used in the manufacturing of products like animal feed, fertilizers, paint and cosmetics as well. These rendered products can be taken into the energy sector, as well, to convert materials like kitchen grease into or RNG. Check out the folks at the in Chicago to see more of this in action.

Finally, we have arrived at “composting.” Composting is the process by which compostable matter is broken down aerobically or anaerobically into a usable nutrient rich soil amendment. If you are unable to tackle any other steps of the Food Recovery Hierarchy, composting is the final line of defense against food waste, allowing biomatter to return to the earth and sustain other forms of life by nature’s intended process.

Below composting is the dreaded “landfill.” Avoiding putting food waste in a landfill is crucial. One should note how one of these practices quickly drops to avoid at all costs on the lowest level of the Food Recovery Hierarchy. The Illinois EPAs estimates that Illinois landfills have a cumulative life expectancy of . This is one major reason to participate in a circular economy.

Ways You Can Participate In The Circular Economy

A circular economy dictates that all waste becomes a resource for some other means. To replicate a circular economy at home:

• Try keeping your single use plastic use to a minimum.

• Ask yourself if you or a friend might be able to repair something instead of throwing it away.

• Break away from linear thinking and spend a little more on a higher quality appliance that can last longer, or not upgrading your phone to each newest model.

• Try donating old clothing to charity and just generally making less purchases overall. Ask yourself: do you really need that item? Maybe keep it in your cart for a few days before actually purchasing just to make sure you truly need it.

•  If you have the space and time, try gardening! 

• Whenever possible, use public transportation and adjust your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter.

• Lastly consider a “climatarian diet” that aims to reduce consumption of high carbon footprint food such as red meat.

Of course supporting businesses locally and globally that follow a circular economic model is another way to break free from linear consumption. To reverse the effects of climate change, there will need to be major industry and government overhauls examining their participation in global economies. But that doesn’t mean that the individual does not matter.

The more people who practice the principles of a circular economy, the better. Ideally someone can become a member of Urban Canopy, receive food grown on our farm from our LUCSA box or from farmers markets we attend, put whatever food waste they create in our compost bucket that is then returned as a finished compost soil to not only our farm, but back to our members' gardens and house plants thus beginning the cycle again.

To find out more about the Urban Canopy’s composting services and CSA options, .

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Compost Club Co-Lead, The Urban Canopy

On January 3, 2025, the City of Chicago, including facilities like the O’Hare and Midway Airports and the Harold Washington Library. The initiative will reduce Chicago’s carbon emissions by 290,000 metric tons annually, or the equivalent of removing 62,000 cars from the road.

Where the energy comes from: 70% of the renewable energy is generated by the Double Black Diamond solar project in Southern Illinois. The other 30% is procured using renewable energy credits (RECs).

Chicago is the first of the United States’ major cities to lay claim to this achievement, but how much of it is real progress by environmental standards? We explore the exact meaning behind Chicago’s 100% renewable energy figure and how it builds on Chicago’s sustainability objectives.

Is all of Chicago being powered by renewables?

100% of municipal buildings under the City of Chicago’s jurisdiction, including libraries, police stations, and city hall, are powered by renewable energy. This does not include facilities like Chicago’s 7,000+ restaurants or 1.3 million housing units.

Where is Chicago getting the renewable energy from?

70% of the energy powering Chicago’s municipal buildings comes from the in central Illinois. The solar project began in 2017 under former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and each mayor since has collaborated with local project developers and energy suppliers to strike a deal where about half of the solar project’s energy is purchased by the city.

The relationship with Double Black Diamond Solar brings more than just environmental benefits to Chicago and Illinois residents. , offering work opportunities during the construction of the project and engaging organizations like Chicago Women in Trades to offer free job training to women in construction and welding.

As far as the environmental benefits, however, claiming that 70% of Chicago’s facilities are directly powered by renewable energy can be misleading to those unfamiliar with the energy market. The energy from Double Black Diamond Solar does not go directly into the city, but is acquired through a Power Purchase Agreement.

What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)?

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are financial contracts between a customer and energy supplier. For an agreed-upon period at a fixed price, the customer will purchase the electric output of the solar farm while the solar developer handles operations and maintenance of the site.

Why PPAs are beneficial: price fluctuations in the energy market happen very frequently, which can pose risks for customers and energy suppliers alike. By entering a PPA structure, customers—like the City of Chicago—incur cost savings compared to traditional utility rates, and do not have to pay upfront capital costs to before reaping the benefits of the renewable energy project.

What PPAs don’t do: because PPAs are financial agreements, they do not physically dictate where energy is directed. The power is delivered to the broad electric grid based on demand. It is impossible to tell if the lights in Chicago, at any given time, are being powered by renewable energy, because once energy is generated—from coal, natural gas, solar or wind—it is all delivered to the grid in the same capacity.

What’s the alternative to a PPA? Realistically, PPAs are the only way large cities and corporations are able to utilize power generated by utility-scale energy projects. Our electricity grid is not sophisticated enough, nor would it be structurally efficient, to direct power from a specific energy source to a specific location. The only way the City of Chicago could lay claim to the physical delivery of renewable energy to its facilities would be if all buildings had their own renewable generation systems, like rooftop solar.

The bottom line: To the extent that PPAs financially support the operations and maintenance of clean energy projects and enable clean energy to be delivered to the electric grid, Chicago is doing its part to reduce 70% of its carbon emissions.

The other 30%: how do Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) work?

RECs are not a direct purchase of energy, but rather a certificate giving legal claim to the power generated by a renewable energy source.

The benefit of RECs: RECs can act as a signal to the energy market for increased demand for renewable energy projects. For businesses and other institutions, the main benefit of RECs is they offer the legal ability to claim their power is sourced from renewables. 

What RECs don’t do: Unlike PPAs, renewable energy credits have nothing to do with new renewable power being added to the grid. For every megawatt of power that is added to a utility company’s generation capacity through clean energy projects, an REC is created for purchase. Therefore, having an REC is a claim to clean energy that is already part of the grid, and does not contribute to reduced carbon emissions.

The bottom line: RECs can be controversial because they allow entities to say they are powered by renewables, but they do not physically receive renewable energy nor does the purchase help to actually decarbonize the grid. No renewable energy is generated or financed by the purchase of RECs.

So, is Chicago really powered by 100% renewable energy?

Not entirely. Only the 400+ municipal buildings under the City of Chicago’s jurisdiction are included. And 30% of that energy is not energy at all, but a collection of RECs that allow the city to legally claim it is powered by renewable energy.

What’s important to remember: The electric grid is vastly interconnected, and once power is added to it you can no longer tell what kind of power plant the electricity was sourced from. So even though Chicago cannot say it is physically powered by just renewables, it can claim the next closest thing, which is that 70% of its energy consumption is covered by the purchase of power generated by the Double Black Diamond Solar project.

There’s still work to do: Angela Tovar, Chicago’s Chief Sustainability Officer, has acknowledged that. With a goal to be carbon-free by 2035, Tovar hopes that the purchases will encourage local renewable energy development and allow the city to bridge the REC gap. 

Other resources: To learn more about what the City of Chicago is doing to reduce their carbon footprint and get involved yourself, check out their

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

The start of a new year is the perfect opportunity to embrace positive change. What better way to do so than by committing to eco-friendly habits?

Eco-friendly resolutions aren’t just for the avid environmentalist, either. Most sustainable habits can also contribute to other resolutions you already have planned, including spending less money, making smarter long-term financial decisions, eating healthier, or exploring new places! Sustainability in general is a life-improving practice, and making sustainable resolutions can help you start 2025 off right.

But while you can have a lot of motivation going into a resolution at first, you often need a solid plan to sustain that resolution and follow through.

This guide provides actionable steps to help you integrate sustainable practices into your life in 2025. From replacing single-use items to minimizing food waste, these resolutions are designed to be impactful, achievable, and rewarding.

Which ones will you be taking on in 2025?

Start Replacing All Single-Use Items with Reusables

One of the simplest ways to reduce your environmental footprint is by replacing single-use items with reusable alternatives—making this resolution as impactful as it is obtainable. But there are so many single-use items in the home, and it can be a daunting task to figure out how much to replace, and with what.

1. Begin by taking inventory of disposable items you use daily in your kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Items like plastic bags, paper towels, and disposable razors often go unnoticed but contribute significantly to waste. can help you identify these items even faster.

2. Research reusable alternatives. For instance, swap plastic wrap for beeswax wraps or paper towels for washable cloths. Chances are, for almost any single-use item, there’s a perfectly viable alternative to it that, with proper use and care, can save you money on repeat purchases.

3. Take it slow if you want—you’ve got the whole year! Create a wish list of reusable products to prioritize purchases based on your budget. Transitioning doesn’t have to happen overnight; test and replace items gradually to ensure they meet your daily needs.

4. Consider organizing your home to make reusable items your first resort, and single-use items your last resort. It would be unreasonable to assume you’ll never buy or use paper towels ever again, but if they’re under the sink while your reusable washcloth is conveniently placed out in the open, then the reusable item will always be your first resort.

In the meantime, if you’re still using single-use items and want to see if you can give them a second life, check out the reuse and recycle pages on our website for more ideas!

Slowly Incorporate Meat Alternatives Into Your Diet

Reducing meat consumption is one of the most effective ways to lower your carbon footprint. And thanks to a growing number of Americans choosing plant-based diets over traditional ones, the options are more accessible than ever.

But a change in diet is a big change in your life overall, and it’s important to not only understand the health factors associated with a meatless diet, but also to approach it gradually so your body can handle the adjustment.

1. This resolution can feel all the better when you track how the change is effecting your life. Start by journaling your current meat-eating habits. Track the types of meat you consume (since all types of meat have their own carbon footprint), how often, and the associated costs. If you want to get into the nitty gritty, you can even write down your current blood pressure, cholesterol, and other health factors that can be affected by a meat-based diet. By the end of your journey, you can look back on how you’ve helped the environment, how it’s impacted your health, and how much money you’ve saved!

2. Next, experiment with plant-based alternatives. Begin with one or two meatless meals per week and gradually increase as you discover new recipes and products. Resources like and can help you explore delicious and nutritious options.

3. If you’re dining out, use platforms like to find vegan and vegetarian restaurants in your area. Generally, vegetarian cuisine is much cheaper than traditional meat dishes.

4. To stay motivated, join online communities or local groups focused on plant-based eating. These spaces often share recipes, tips, and support for those transitioning to a more sustainable diet. Consider participating in challenges like "Meatless Mondays" to make the process fun and engaging. Members of our can also provide advice and support!

Power Your Home With Renewable Energy

Transitioning to renewable energy can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while saving money in the long run. While renewable alternatives like rooftop solar aren’t for everyone, the process of finding out if it’s right for you is almost always completely free! Illinois in particular has a fantastic rebate/tax credit program for homeowners interested in solar to help make the financial benefits of renewable energy more obtainable.

1. Start by reviewing your energy bills from the past year to understand your consumption patterns. These bills will also come in handy as they help solar installers provide you with a savings estimate.

2. Use tools like to calculate potential savings from installing solar panels and finding residential solar companies that service your area and could provide a free consultation.

3. Explore renewable energy credit (REC) programs offered by your utility provider. This will help you even better understand the incentives available to you directly through your utility provider, like ComEd does —they provide a breakdown of the Illinois state incentives as well as their own solar calculator for ComEd customers.

4. If installing solar panels isn’t possible, you can still source your electricity from a through your utility company. Community solar allows you to save money on your electric bills using energy produced by large, offsite community solar projects, similar to how you would save on your electric bill if you installed panels on your own property. Chicagoland residents are eligible to source from a number of

5. In addition to the options above, you can work to maximize energy efficiency by changing your energy consumption habits. Our summer energy conservation guide can provide a look into some of these habits that reduce dependency on energy generated by fossil fuels.

Don’t forget to extend your efforts beyond your home! Look into opportunities to implement sustainable practices at work: visit our office sustainability page for more information that can help you encourage your office space to make the switch to renewables.

Run All Your Errands at Local Shops

Supporting local businesses not only strengthens your community, but also reduces the environmental impact of shipping and large-scale production. There are thousands of local shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and retail stores in Chicago that could use your support, and they’ve got products that are often much better quality and more unique than chain store alternatives!

That being said, you’re still likely to end up sacrificing some level of convenience in order to shop at these stores. The steps below will hopefully reduce the extent of that sacrifice, and give you some inspiration for other ways local stores can be a rewarding experience.

1. Begin by analyzing your shopping habits. How often do you visit chain stores, and what do you typically purchase? Chances are, local shops will have all the same items you find yourself regularly purchasing, and writing down what those items are is a great first step in determining where you can shop instead.

2. Next, explore local alternatives using tools like the sustainable local shops and grocery pages on our website. If you prefer to see what’s closest to you in a map format, you can also check out our interactive map. Then, plan your errands strategically to make shopping at local stores more convenient. For example, you may not be able to find groceries and bathroom supplies and clothes all in the same local store, but you can change your shopping cadence to focus on these necessities one at a time, or find locations that are all within a reasonable distance of each other to save time on multiple store visits.

3. Take advantage of local farmers' markets for fresh produce and other goods. These markets often feature items that are not only sustainable but also support local agriculture. Just search the name of your neighborhood and “farmer’s markets”, and see what comes up!

4. Additionally, you can engage with store owners to learn more about the origins of their products and their sustainability practices. Learning about these practices from local store owners can be an eye-opening experience as to how “sustainable” practices at chain stores may not be as environmentally-friendly as they claim.

Switching to local shops may take some adjustment, but the benefits—from fresher products to a smaller carbon footprint—are well worth the effort.

Waste NO Food

Food waste is a major environmental issue, but with mindful habits, you can significantly reduce it, and even aim high by seeing if you can diminish food waste altogether. This is one of the more difficult goals to achieve, and may take a lot of practice, but with the severity of food waste in the United States, it’s also one of the most impactful resolutions you can make in 2025.

1. Start by tracking the types of food you frequently throw away. Are you overbuying perishables or forgetting leftovers in the fridge?

2. Once you identify patterns, adjust your shopping habits. Purchase smaller quantities of perishable items and plan meals that use up ingredients you already have.

3. Make meal planning a weekly ritual to minimize food waste. Use apps like "Too Good To Go" or "Olio" to find surplus food from local stores and restaurants at discounted prices. These apps can help you save money while reducing waste.

4. If you still find yourself with too much excess food, research food donation opportunities at local pantries, shelters, and food banks. There are also around the city where edible food can be dropped off.

5. Composting is another excellent way to ensure that whatever food waste you do produce does not contribute to global warming. Visit the composting page for tips on setting up a home composting system or finding local drop-off locations.

6. For other strategies, check out the EPA’s

Adopting eco-friendly habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By breaking resolutions into manageable steps, you can create lasting change that benefits both the planet and your lifestyle. Whether you’re swapping single-use items for reusables, exploring meat alternatives, or supporting local businesses, every action counts. As you embark on your 2025 sustainability journey, remember that progress is more important than perfection. Together, we can make a significant impact, one resolution at a time.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

It’s no secret that Halloween has a scarier undertone than just vampires, ghouls, zombies and ghosts: it’s also shrouded in plastic-covered candies, decorations, and synthetic costumes that make their way to the garbage after only a single use!

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Chicagoans love Halloween. From the Arts in the Dark parade to the Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns at the Chicago Botanic Garden, to the dozens of decked-out bars and restaurants throwing ghoulish parties throughout October, Halloween makes its yearly mark on Chi-town in the form of non-stop festivities and community gatherings.

But just as Halloween has a special place in Chicago, so does sustainability. Innovative environmental initiatives are a key focus of Chicago’s policies, and .

So with Halloween being one of the most wasteful holidays of the year, what can be done to bridge the gap between the well-meaning fun of a global tradition, and reducing plastic and food waste to mitigate the environmental damage?

This guide will hit on the main tricks (and treats!) you can take advantage of to enjoy Halloween more sustainably this year.

#1 Be Intentional With Plastic-Covered Candies

There’s no avoiding it: in most cases it’s nearly impossible to find plastic-free treats to give out to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. Even the non-sugar alternatives - bat-shaped pretzels, granola bars, toys, etc. - will come in their own orange and purple plastic bags. So unless you’re planning to paint cute jack-o’-lantern faces on enough oranges to feed the neighborhood kids, the plastic problem on Halloween is just plain unavoidable.

The plastic wraps on candies are normally not considered recyclable, either; they are created with mixed materials that vary in terms of recyclability, and are contaminated with food products, anyway. So during the Halloween season, over 600 million pounds of candy will be purchased in the U.S., and the wrappers will make their way to landfills.

Luckily, there are still ways to reduce the amount of candy-related plastic you’re taking on for the Halloween season. Plenty of sweet tooth-driven brands have recognized the need for more eco-friendly candies, too, and offer treats with sustainable packaging that anyone can enjoy.

Go for the candies in paper/foil wrappers and paper boxes! Like:

• Dum Dum Lollipops

• Nerds

• Junior Mints

• Hershey Kisses

• Tootsie Rolls

Find the eco-friendly brands, like:

• Alter Eco, which is currently having a of their truffles through October 27! 

• , which opt for more sustainably sourced ingredients and packaging.

• for some more non-chocolate variety, who use recycled packaging and allergen-friendly ingredients in their candy.

#2 An Easy One: Use Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags

Skip the cute plastic buckets this year, if you haven’t already -- a pillowcase or cloth bag is all you need to collect candy this Halloween. It could also double as a fun way to get creative with the kids this season -- give them some markers and have them customize their bags any way they want, be it an extension of their costume, a holiday-themed favorite, or anything else!

#3 Source Sustainable Halloween Costumes

by @crossroadstrading on Instagram

. This is especially true of kids costumes, which many children grow out of by the next Halloween, and the cycle repeats. An instant fix is to do the obvious: rent, thrift, or DIY your costumes this Halloween!

• - find one of these stores throughout the Chicagoland area for vintage and retro clothing to bring the 80s and 90s back in 2024!

• - with locations in Oak Park, Northhalsted, and Andersonville, find whole rooms dedicated to Halloween costumes, where proceeds go to support LGBTQ+ healthcare.

• Goodwill - Goodwill also tends to have clothing/costume sections dedicated to Halloween this time of season.

• - these stores in Wicker Park and Lincoln Park have trendy clothing items that could work great for a thrifted, but upscale version of classic Halloween costumes! Their Instagram even offers ideas on how to make these styles a reality.

In Chicago you can also find costume swap events throughout the month of October. is a yearly costume swap happening on October 27 this year at The Plant.

Organizations like and also host yearly costume swaps!

#4 Opt for Eco-Friendly Decorations

Synthetic cobwebs, 10-foot tall plastic skeletons, ghost-covered tablecloths, or peel-and-stick plastic bats - just like over - are common Halloween decorations that are completely non-recyclable. Even if you plan to reuse the decorations for next year, take into account how quickly the low quality of the product can turn it into a single-use item. And not to mention, the same cheap decorations every year would get boring real fast.

But luckily, plastic decorations aren’t the only ones out there. Natural, harvest-y, old-time spirit-of-Halloween decorations are the kind of inexpensive, earthly adornments needed to switch things up this Halloween, like with pumpkins, gourds, corn husks and thrifted quilts. Craft makeshift cobwebs with rope, yarn, or twine, paint mason jars with eco-friendly paint and place candles inside, or even make bats out of paper to place around the house.

For larger yard decorations, get crafty with pillowcases, bedsheets, old t-shirts, wires and inflatable balls to hang ghosts or witches on the front porch. Stuff old flannel long sleeves and jeans with newspaper and dried leaves to make a charmingly primitive scarecrow, or make door hangings out of twigs, twine, pinecones and berries.

Using decorations from previous years works just fine, too. But in the decoration department, there’s always plenty of neat, thrifty ways to reduce plastic during the Halloween season.

#5 Properly Dispose of Your Pumpkins

Last year, we dedicated an entire blog to properly preserving and disposing of pumpkins, because with Illinois being the largest producer of pumpkins in the U.S., it also sees an exorbitant amount of pumpkin waste, especially around the Halloween season!

To mitigate the problem, the City of Chicago hosts all around the Chicago metropolitan area to gather pumpkin compost all in one place, and create a fun community atmosphere to do it in. For 2024, the annual Pumpkin Smash will happen on November 9 from 10am - 2pm.

If the Pumpkin Smash doesn’t work out, you can also compost pumpkins yourself in your own backyard, bake them into fall recipes, or donate them to local farms for animal feed!

So, this Halloween season, pick an idea or two from this list to try out. Any effort, big or small to keep a little less plastic and food waste out of landfills is an effort worth making.

Halloween is one of the best times of the year for a lot of people, and it can still be fun, magical, and even glamorous, without worrying about how it could potentially affect the environment!

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) began on Sunday this week in Chicago, the first time it’s been hosted in the city since 1996.

With a whirlwind of changes to the democratic presidential election campaign in just the last four weeks - with President Joe Biden stepping down and passing the baton to Vice President Kamala Harris - all eyes are on the next president-elect to take a stance on some of the most important issues facing Americans today.

While the DNC is held mainly to nominate the democratic candidates for President and Vice President of the United States, and provide support for those candidates, remarks throughout the convention touched on hot-button issues that most Americans base their votes on for the November 5 election.

While not at the forefront of the convention’s biggest highlights, environmental policy and climate change topics were present around the convention as public figures and state and federal leaders demonstrated their support and pride in America’s environmental accomplishments, most recently the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act.

It is more important now than ever for both the Republican and Democratic parties to stand firm in their values and paint a clear moral picture to American citizens of their commitments to conservationism, climate policy, and clean energy, and all eyes were on the DNC this week to demonstrate what those values were for the Democrats.

In case you missed it, here are some of the highlights of the environmental stances portrayed by thought leaders and elected officials at the Democratic National Convention, right up to Kamala Harris’ nomination acceptance speech.

Josh Shapiro comments on fracking in Pennsylvania

While Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro had a speech Thursday night at the DNC, he was questioned earlier in the week in a booth with CBS reporters on the issues of fracking in Pennsylvania. As a swing state in the 2024 election, Pennsylvania is considered a pivotal battleground for both candidates in the coming months. Harris, as of August 23, is leading in the state polls by a narrow 1.8 percentage points.

With the democratic ticket leaning in favor of shifting the U.S. energy mix to a majority of renewable energy sources, it may be difficult for Harris to lead on the issue of energy policy given Pennsylvania’s fracking industry, which stimulates the state’s economy and provides tens of thousands of jobs. Harris has stated she is in support of banning fracking, while Trump aims to defend the practice.

“I’m an all-of-the-above energy governor,” Shapiro told reporters. “We are a net energy exporter, we have been a powerhouse for generations. Not only is it important for jobs and to put food on the table, we take pride in that, Harris said that in 2019. She showed up and a bunch listened and made clear that now she wants to continue natural gas extractions. She wants to continue to help Pennsylvania be a leader when it comes to energy production.”

However, Pennsylvania continues to be weary of Harris’ strong support of banning fracking in the past, and is looking for whether she will find common ground to win a state that could otherwise, potentially, cost her the election.

World’s largest private developer of renewable energy hosts Wednesday night’s Clean Power Happy Hour

Chicago is home to the headquarters of Invenergy, the largest private developer of renewable energy projects in the world. Wednesday night ahead of big speeches like those coming from Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, and vice president-elect Tim Walz, Invenergy hosted a Clean Power Happy Hour inviting DNC attendees to celebrate innovation in energy, as well as the accomplishments of the Inflation Reduction Act, widely known as .

Kelly Speakes-Backman, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs at Invenergy, and Michael Polsky, Founder and CEO, spoke about the Chicago-based company and its strides in ushering in the clean energy transition, especially as U.S. energy demand increases exponentially and requires a more robust portfolio of renewable energy and battery storage to rise up to the challenge.

Celebrity guests like Yvette Nicole Brown, Danai Gurira, Dean Norris, and Iain Armitage, together with The Creative Coalition, made a pit stop at the happy hour before the DNC to show support for environmental efforts and share their favorite environmentalist quotes. 

John Russell, TikTok influencer, advocates for the clean energy economy

John Russell is a social media influencer from West Virginia who shares his journalistic perspective on labor issues and the working class with his 186,000 TikTok followers. In his speech Thursday night, he spoke frankly on his cynicism towards the wealthy, scolding Washington DC for listening “to rich men demanding that we stick with dirty energy at any cost.” He called out Donald Trump for his “handouts” to Big Oil companies, such as in exchange for favorable tax and regulatory decisions.

Ultimately, Russell’s speech implied environmental reform was most important for the working class people who are afflicted by the effects of climate change the most and advocated for policies and political conversations that prioritized their well-being.

U.S. Representative from Florida Maxwell Frost addresses the increase in natural disasters caused by climate change in his state

Born in 1997 Maxwell Frost made history by becoming the first member of Generation Z to serve in the United States Congress at just 25 years old. Fittingly, as a member of a generation that has consistently spoken out against the climate crisis as the most harrowing challenge facing the world today, Frost’s short but powerful speech was entirely focused on climate change and the need to act.

At the Democratic National Convention on Thursday, he proclaimed that the climate crisis was here, and the country needs to act on it now. Referencing the natural disasters such as floods and heat waves he has seen impact his community, Frost urges attendees at the DNC to recognize what Harris will be able to do to combat one of the greatest threats facing humanity.

“...I walked the streets of communities that have been forced to rebuild after hurricane flooding destroyed their homes. I heard the stories of immigrant farm workers made to work horrid conditions exacerbated by this crisis. And I felt the scorching record heat and felt that climate change can sometimes feel like an unstoppable force. But with our movement and with organizing and an administration that cares, we are making progress!”

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland speaks on climate change in her DNC speech

Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary, remarked on Thursday that Kamala Harris would be the best candidate to fight climate change in The White House.

Haaland has a long history of pursuing environmental justice as a former U.S. Representative from New Mexico, and serves in the Department of the Interior while supporting the Green New Deal.

"An American president must lead the world in tackling climate change, we need a president who understands that assignment… Let me go back to the lesson I learned in the desert southwest: we all have a role in protecting our Earth for future generations, so let's all be fierce and let's make Kamala Harris the next President of the United States."

Kamala Harris briefly alludes to climate change in her acceptance speech

In Kamala Harris’ 38-minute acceptance speech for the democratic nomination to become the next President of the United States, she mentions climate change very briefly, and only once, equating it to her domineering theme of “freedom” throughout the speech.

“In this election, many other fundamental freedoms are at stake. The freedom to live safe from gun violence—in our schools, communities, and places of worship. The freedom to love who you love openly and with pride. The freedom to breathe clean air, drink clean water, and live free from the pollution that fuels the climate crisis. And the freedom that unlocks all the others. The freedom to vote.”

. Nonetheless, many believe that Vice President Harris . Especially for voters who are aware of Biden and Harris’ historical progress on climate policy with the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and Harris’ history as a California attorney general combating oil companies.

Takeaways

Those who tuned in to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week looking for deep conversations on climate change were likely disappointed. Instead, speakers at the DNC focused on what the majority of Americans said were the most important issues facing the country, including inflation/prices, immigration, healthcare, jobs, and abortion, in the 2024 general election.

Kamala Harris herself has stayed quiet about her political agenda and the actions she plans to take while in office, likely to avoid doubt or controversy that would hinder her ability to win against Donald Trump in November. She is expected to face these issues head-on in her first presidential debate against Trump on September 10.

While brief, the remarks made by leaders and influencers at the Chicago DNC on climate change were clear, honest, and self-evident. Climate change is not the most hot-button issue of the 2024 election, but voters can be confident that the Democratic Party holds great interest in enacting climate policy and protecting the future of the United States in that regard.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

As summer heats up in Chicago, with more scorching 90-degree days and the looming threat of intense heat waves, striking a balance between energy conservation and personal well-being grows increasingly crucial.

It can be frustrating to see your energy bill skyrocket during the summer months just to stay comfortable in your home. And with not only temperatures rising, , there could be even more at stake than a lack of comfort. 

That is why energy conservation can be crucial during the summer. Reducing your dependency on energy — and being equipped to keep yourself cool without it — will not only be a saving grace to your energy bills, but could keep you safe when the weather starts to get extreme.

Why should I conserve energy?

In the U.S., there is increased interest in shifting the energy industry: emphasis on renewable energy development is becoming more and more important, with solar and wind energy being the fastest-growing technologies in the U.S. market. However, the country still has a long way to go, with almost 80% of the nation’s energy still being generated by fossil fuels.

Why is this important? Because fossil fuel-generated energy still releases greenhouse gasses (GHGs) into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution, climate change, and the generation of ash, contaminated water, and other hazardous waste. 

Energy conservation is also necessary as access to energy becomes more limited and unpredictable. Extreme weather conditions, which are happening more and more often in the U.S. due to climate change, .

In severe heat waves, for example, when people are cranking up the A/C and using more energy than what utilities can supply, these can lead to blackouts. And in the worst scenarios, they can last for days, leaving you vulnerable to the elements and putting your health at risk. 

There is much to be done on a national level to ensure our energy grid is updated, reliable, and renewable enough to prevent these things from happening. But until then, we as energy consumers must do what we can to limit energy use, not just for the environment but for our own health and safety. 

So what should I do to reduce energy use?

There are many easy and simple ways to reduce energy use that won’t cause too much disruption in your day-to-day life. Follow these tips to not only save on your energy bill, but also reduce your dependence on electricity for cooling your home or apartment: 

Unplug appliances that are not in use.

A common but often overlooked perpetrator of excess energy usage isn’t the appliances you are using, but the appliances you’re not. 

Appliances that are not being used but are still plugged into an outlet are drawing power in the form of “vampire energy”, also known as standby energy.

Many devices like your TVs, gaming consoles, desktop monitors, microwaves, or phone and computer chargers continue to siphon energy from the power source it’s plugged into so that it can activate immediately once you turn it on. Some of these devices use much more vampire energy than others, but all together can make up a shocking portion of your overall energy consumption. 

Depending on how many of your devices remain constantly plugged in, vampire energy can make up between 5-25% of your energy bill! So if you’re looking for ways to immediately cut your energy usage, remembering to unplug appliances before you go to work or bed is a great option.

To make the process less tedious, the more devices you have plugged into power strips, the easier and quicker it is to cut off power to multiple vampire energy sources. If not that, then stick to focusing on the bigger, higher-performance devices like TVs and gaming consoles that contribute to this wasted energy the most. 

Make sure your home is insulated and protected from the heat.

Air conditioning is meant to achieve the desired temperature on your thermostat, no matter what the cost. So if your home is not properly insulated, and cool air is escaping at a faster rate than it should, your air conditioning is working overtime to fill in the gaps.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, this could result in. So in the summer months, it’s extremely important to make sure your home or apartment are as insulated as possible.

can be a bit more complicated, and requires hiring a trusted professional to do an inspection of your home and fix poorly insulated areas. If you notice your energy bill is much higher than average, or you notice drafts, fluctuating temperatures, or condensation on the inside of your windows, you may want to consider this option.

Otherwise, there are other things you can do inside the home to make it even more protected from the heat. 

• Make sure you don’t have windows or doors open while the air conditioning is on.

• Avoid using your stove top or oven when you can, as these can generate a tremendous amount of heat, and close your blinds before heading to work so the sunlight doesn’t further warm up your home.

• If your place gets a particularly large amount of natural light, you can also consider getting window film or other window treatments, which block UV rays and reflect heat.
  

All in all, air conditioning is going to make up the majority of your energy consumption this summer. The more you can do to keep heat out of your home, the less A/C you need, and the lower your energy bill will drop.

Additional Tip: Some may think turning off your A/C when you’re not home will result in more energy savings, but this isn’t recommended by HVAC professionals! The humidity building up in your home during that time will make your A/C work extra hard to get back to comfortable temperatures once you turn it back on, and possibly result in even higher energy bills. Instead, decrease the temperature just 7 - 10 degrees before leaving.

Now that the weather’s getting hotter, maybe it’s time to use colder water!

Making the switch to colder water is one of the most energy-efficient decisions you can make in your home or apartment. It takes quite a bit of energy to heat up water, whether it be from your sink, dishwasher, washing machine, shower, or stovetop. 

With washing machines especially,. Many people may hesitate to use this option because it’s “not as effective” at cleaning, but this really only applies with hard-to-get-out stains. Cold water cleans just as well as warm or hot water, while putting less wear and tear on your clothes and keeping them in better condition for longer.

So if you’re going to make the switch to cold water anywhere, washing machines are the top choice. Pair it with air drying your clothes, and on average you’ll reduce .

Washing your hands or dishes in the sink with cold water can be an easy habit to build up over time — but cold showers are a harder sell. There’s nothing more comforting than a hot shower after a long day, but depending on the length and frequency of those showers, your annual energy bill could be exponentially higher as a result. Not to mention that frequent hot showers are shown to have negative side effects, like damaging your skin and .

Now that the weather’s getting hotter, consider turning the shower down a few notches, ending a hot shower with cold water, or try reducing your overall shower time. You’ll feel cooler, more refreshed, and conserve a ton of energy!

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Alongside these energy conservation practices, stay safe from the heat this summer by making sure you’re hydrated, staying in the shade when you can, and eating cooling foods like popsicles or cold fruits and veggies to keep your internal body temperature lower.

There are many factors at play in protecting yourself from the heat. As you think about what you can do to decrease your energy consumption this summer, remember those factors so you can continue to enjoy the outdoors, the comfort of your home — and most importantly — low energy bills!

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

In honor of Earth Day 2024, we’re going to be talking about the environmental risks, goals, and actions you can take related to this year’s theme: “Planet vs. Plastics.”

The EarthDay.org organization, which has been spreading environmental awareness every year since the international holiday’s establishment in 1970, is using this year to .

Not only does the production and disposal of plastics contribute to 3% of all global emissions, , severely endangering the ecosystem and putting human health at risk, too.

Chicago ���ϲ����� supports the removal of plastics and other waste through our Cleanup Club Chicago efforts - a volunteer group that collects litter off the neighborhood streets and parks of Chicago - which aligns with our larger goal of waste reduction, especially when it comes to plastics.

One of the ways we are working on waste reduction is through our affiliation with the , which advocates legislation to reduce the amount of single-use plastics for sale and in production in Illinois.

And while you likely already know about the typical ways to reduce plastic use: carry a tote, don’t drink from plastic water bottles, buy foods with less packaging, we invite you to take it a step further, and try some of these plastic-reducing methods you might not have tried yet! 

1) Shop at these zero waste stores in Chicago

Thrifting is a well-known alternative to wasteful shopping habits. But did you know of these stores in Chicago that are dedicated to creating no-waste, long-lasting alternatives to most unsustainable products?

On our website, we have a resource page dedicated to all the shops in Chicago that are truly zero waste, and are stocked with products that will not only make your plastic reduction journey easier, but a lot more fun!

2) Make the switch to bar soap

You probably already know about this one, but you might be unaware of just how much disposable body wash bottles contribute to plastic pollution.

It is estimated that over two-thirds of Americans use body wash in plastic bottles, which (by an approximation of 6 bottles of body wash per year) amounts to .

As tempting as it is to buy those fancy rhombus-shaped soap bottles at Bath & Body Works, you can help reduce plastic use tremendously by opting for bar soap instead. As long as you’re buying from the right brand, bar soap is just as effective, if not healthier for the body, than liquid hand soap and body wash.

Not only that, but you can easily find unique, high-quality, handcrafted soaps at local markets, and support small businesses in the process.

However, if you can’t resist liquid soaps, reduce the amount of bottles you go through every year by reining in how much soap you use, or bulk-buying liquid soap and refilling your existing dispensers, plastic, glass, or otherwise. If your zero waste shops have the option, you can also get your body wash containers filled in-store. 

3) Grow the cooking staples at home

(Author’s note: it’s easier to grow food outdoors, of course, but since a lot of us live in apartments, the resources below reflect that!)

Unless you readily have access to plastic-free or no packaging at a local farmers’ market for all your grocery trips, chances are you’re still at the mercy of buying fruits and vegetables at your nearest, most convenient grocery store.

Not only is this plastic wrap contributing to plastic pollution, but is also . Trivial expiration dates on packaging and limited flexibility in choosing portion sizes are likely factors in plastic packaging doing even more harm to the environment beyond just being plastic. 

But luckily, there are actually quite a few fruits, vegetables, and herbs that can be successfully grown at home, even in indoor environments. Sometimes there isn’t even a need to go out and buy seeds; vegetables like tomatoes and green onions already have their own plant-able seeds and roots!

and what kind of vegetables you can grow in an indoor environment. in this setting have also become increasingly popular.

4) Use laundry habits that reduce plastic shedding

Acrylic, polyester, nylon, and in general low-quality, unnatural fabrics are all prone to shedding microplastics in the wash, which make their way to the ocean where the wastewater is ultimately dumped. Clothes don’t just contribute to plastic pollution, but detergents do, too. Traditional liquid detergents come in bulky plastic bottles (, despite what advertising might tell you) and detergent pods are balls of plastic that will quickly turn into microplastics in the wash. 

When it comes to clothes, simple laundry habits like washing with cold water, washing your clothes less (as not every item of clothing will need a wash after one use), hang-drying clothes, and using can all help reduce the amount of microplastics going into the ocean. Eliminate the need for fabric softeners in plastic containers by using white vinegar in your washer, and/or wool balls in the dryer instead.

There are also alternatives that bypass microplastics altogether, including liquid detergent when you opt to refill your existing detergent bottles instead of repurchasing, and powder detergents, which are completely plastic-free in substance and packaging.

5) Visit the Reduce Waste Chicago pop-ups!

One of the biggest problems with plastic is that when it can be recycled, traditional waste management facilities are unequipped with the tools to do so. Between that and households tending to skip the necessary steps in responsibly disposing of plastic products, the opportunity to reduce the environmental impact of plastics is sorely missed. 

But in Chicago, there’s an organization dedicated to changing that narrative, and providing a means to an end for these difficult-to-recycle plastics. hosts monthly pop-ups and other eco-inspired events to reuse and repurpose plastics that are otherwise thrown in the trash.

An extensive, detailed list of the kinds of plastics (and other waste) they accept is .

6) Support restaurants who are Shedd Plastic Collaborators (Let’s Shedd Plastic)

Frankly, the most effective way to ensure you’re not using plastic when you go out to eat is to not eat out at all. But who could possibly resist the allure of the hundreds of critically-acclaimed Chicago restaurants that offer a slice of every kind of cuisine imaginable?

The good news is, many of these restaurants are taking the pledge to reduce plastic takeaway packaging. The Shedd Aquarium, with marine animals at heart, , and restaurants are one place to start.

The aquarium has partnerships with restaurants all across the city to do their part in reducing the need for plastics. . Supporting these establishments with your patronage is one of the many ways you can support a larger, systemic shift towards reduced plastics in day-to-day life.

And, if you’re looking to go for the full sustainable restaurant experience, we have a resource dedicated to those restaurants here.

7) Move away from single-use feminine products

Feminine products have had the unfortunate reputation of being inaccessible to all women, , and in some cases,. Which is why it is even more unfortunate to say that single-use feminine products are also terrible for the environment. 

Between the production of single-use, plastic-wrapped, chemical-infused tampons and pads and the often poorly-managed disposal of them, these products contribute significantly to carbon emissions and ocean waste. .

While every woman is different, and has varying levels of comfort with different feminine products, there are not only safer, but more cost-effective alternatives to single-use feminine products that are much better at reducing plastic consumption.

“Sustainable” period product options such as menstrual cups are not only plastic-free, but can last for years, replacing your monthly period expenses with a one-time purchase and offering a safer alternative to the single-use options.

8) Help stop the plastic production before it happens

Sometimes, the best way you can reduce plastic from your own home is to support the people who are taking the fight outside and to the front steps of businesses and legislators who stand to make the most monumental impact.

Show support by signing petitions, like those of the , and donating to organizations that are working hard to stop plastic production and achieve the legislation needed to enact a cleaner, plastic-free future. We also often post opportunities to sign important witness slips for bills that could reduce plastic and ban styrofoam on our .

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

2024 is a special year for cicada season: for the first time in over 200 years, a “double brood” emergence of two extremely large cicada populations, Brood XIII and Brood XIX, will simultaneously rise out of the ground this spring, flooding the Chicagoland area with their signature chorusing. 

Brood XIII will arrive in northern Illinois, while Brood XIX will reach farther into southern Illinois and beyond, with an overlap expected around the north-central area of the state. Expect to start seeing (and definitely hearing) these 1.5-inch long critters as early as late April when the ground begins to warm.

This fascinating natural phenomenon is unique to Chicago, as these two particular broods are the only ones in North America to have a significant presence in Illinois. But seeing as Chicago wasn’t even a city the last time these broods emerged together, it raises questions as to what social or environmental impact — if any — these cicadas will have on the whole of the Chicagoland area. 

Read on to learn more about the effects of cicadas on our natural environment, and how to prepare for the ensuing Cicada Apocalypse of 2024!

The “Cicada Apocalypse”

The last time Brood XIII and Brood XIX emerged at the same time was in 1803, the year of the Louisiana Purchase. The broods are known as “periodic cicadas”, and emerge from the ground in 13-year and 17-year cycles. It is anticipated that around 1.5 million cicadas per acre will emerge in and around the Chicagoland area.

While the cicada populations will be noticeably larger than they have been in the last decade, most people will not fully experience the rare double emergence, as the overlap will only occur in a small section of north-central Illinois.

The cicadas will emerge once — around late April or early May — and remain above ground for about 4-6 weeks.

Anyone who has experienced cicadas before will be met with similar experiences this spring, just to a more noticeable degree.

• Their chorusing, which are their mating calls, will be much louder. 

• More cicada exoskeletons will be noticed on trees.

• Dead cicadas will cover the ground by larger quantities, and contribute to a more pungent odor as they decay.

But they will follow the pattern they always have during their cycles, which is to emerge from the ground, cling to trees for nutrients as they mature, mate, lay eggs on twigs and branches, and the next generation will return to the ground for the next 13-17 years.

The more noteworthy aspect of the double brood emergence is a scientific one: whether or not the cicadas from Brood XIII and Brood XIX will interbreed. Cicadas from the two broods are classified as different species, so scientists and researchers are curious how the next several generations of hybrids will develop as a result. In the short term, it is likely that the offspring will choose one or the other broods and join the 13-year or 17-year cycles.

The Environmental Implications

With billions of cicadas comes a short period of environmental change. Insects of this volume will naturally and noticeably impact plants and wildlife, as well as be influenced by the rapidly changing climate of today. 

Will cicadas of this volume harm the environment?

Luckily, cicadas are not at all dangerous to humans (if you don’t count the constant and annoying noises they make in the dead of night). They are not venomous, do not bite, and will leave you alone unless you look eerily like a tree. They pose no risks to pets or gardens.

They can, however, pose a risk to trees and shrubs. because the wood on twigs is soft enough that the female cicada can carve small, protective burrows to place the eggs in. Many branch tips will wither and die, stunting the tree’s overall growth. The biggest threat is to saplings and newly planted orchards.

However, cicadas can be equally beneficial in providing nutrients to the very same trees. After the mating cycle is complete, the adult cicadas die and fall to the ground, leaving their bodies to decompose into nitrogen — an important nutrient for growing and budding trees.

When the next generation of cicadas hatch and burrow back into the ground, the little holes they dig aerate the ground and provide optimal conditions for water filtration. While the baby insects go on to munch on tree and shrub roots for their own nutrients, this hasn’t been known to be a serious issue, especially to plants that are already matured.

Cicadas, which, tend to provide predators with a surplus of food and nutrients during the 4-6 weeks they’re above ground. Periodic cicadas have such large populations that predators can have their fill of the insects and not make a dent in the overall population. With the incoming double brood emergence, this will only hold more true.

How will climate change impact cicada populations?

While these cicadas have evolved to withstand predators and other threats to their species by sheer volume, it is believed that like all living creatures, the cicadas’ behavior will start to change as the climate does. 

Global warming, for example, may implicate that cicadas will begin emerging from the ground earlier and earlier into the year, if the weather allows for the hastened warming of ground temperatures. If this happens, it may have further implications on the actual length of the cicadas’ cycles, and if they’ll begin to emerge more often or more irregularly. 

If climate change afflicts the habitats of the insects’ existing predators, and predator populations begin to dwindle, the cicada brood sizes may continue to rise to levels we’ve never seen before. The overcorrection of cicada populations may result in them overfeeding on the trees they normally flock to for nutrients and breeding grounds.

How to Prepare

The nice thing about cicadas is that if they’re left alone, they don’t cause much of a disturbance. They are very much a part of North America’s natural environment and will come and go without too much strife…mostly. But if you’re worried about the presence, smells, and especially the noises of these cicadas, here are some tips to prepare you for the impending cicada apocalypse:

1. Don’t try to harm them.

Pesticides are . They are harmless in their own right, so the best case scenario of using pesticides against them is that another animal will come along, eat them, and get sick.

The cicada larvae that move underground will, however, be harmed by pesticides and chemicals sprayed onto lawns. And since they are not in hibernation, but constantly burrowing underground for up to 17 years, killing them prematurely may diminish the benefits of aeration and water filtration. 

2. Protect your growing trees and plants.

If you’re worried about the cicadas damaging your trees or other plants, you can protect them with thin, unobstructed materials like cheese cloth or mesh netting placed over the plant. This will allow beneficial insects to still have access to the plant while preventing the “predatory” insects from pursuing it further.

3. Dispose of dead cicadas responsibly.

You have the option to let dead cicadas decompose back into the ground, but if the smell and sheer volume is getting particularly bad in your area, there’s no harm in disposing of them responsibly.

Try to clean up as fast as possible to avoid lingering smells, using shovels or rakes for your yard and smaller trowels if they start making their way into your gutters. You can dispose of them along with the rest of your trash or in an outdoor compost pile.

4. Invest in some really good earplugs or noise canceling headphones.

Cicadas on a normal year can be surprisingly loud, reaching decibel ranges similar to that of a lawnmower. They can get to noise levels of 90 decibels or higher, . So if you don’t have some already, consider investing in a good pair of earplugs or headphones to protect your ears (and your sanity) this spring. 

5. Most importantly…be on the lookout!

The next time a double emergence between Brood XIII and Brood XIX will happen is in the year 2245…and even the broods by themselves won’t be seen until you’re well over a decade older. So be on the lookout for these fascinating insects while taking a stroll through Grant Park, or take a day trip to Springfield where the suspected overlap of the broods may fall.

Historic events like these are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. And this one is exclusively happening for Chicagoans!

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

Heat pumps are a not-so-new technology, but lately they have skyrocketed into the headlines of must-have home appliances for the financially savvy, eco-conscious homeowner looking to save on electricity costs and lower their carbon footprint. Recent consumer reports even show that given the chance, .

So what is all the buzz about? To keep you in the loop, here is everything you need to know about heat pumps — how they work, and what they can do for you!

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump is a device that can provide both heating and cooling to an indoor space. Using technology similar to air conditioners, a heat pump will absorb heat inside the home and transfer it outside to cool the indoor space, as well as pull heat from the outside and warm up the indoor space.

Most homes have a gas-powered furnace for heating and an electricity-powered air conditioner for cooling. Heat pumps eliminate the need for both of these appliances and are a more versatile system that can run on either electricity or gas if a homeowner wants to factor in their local utility rates and determine the most cost-efficient use of power.

What are the advantages of having a heat pump?

Energy Efficiency

The process by which heat pumps warm and cool a space is by transferring heat, rather than creating it through fuel-burning. As a result, heat pumps take much less time to change the temperature of your home than a furnace, boiler, or electric heater might. Its energy output is also far greater than the energy it takes to power it. 

Cost-Effectiveness

Ultimately the cost-savings of heat pumps vary and are dependent on several factors, like your home’s current heating system, local utility prices, and what fuel you’ll be replacing. But in the long run, heat pumps are seen by many to be the ideal cost-effective option because they decrease your home’s dependency on fossil fuels, which are associated with extremely volatile prices that will only go up each year.

Improved Air Quality

The heat transfer process of heat pumps can be very simple - and the fewer steps you need to transfer air, the less likely it is for common air pollutants to materialize in your home. That, combined with heat pumps’ built-in air filters and purifiers, makes for a home that’s much more enjoyable to breathe in.

Better Climate Control

At the literal flip of a switch, heat pumps can go from heating to cooling and change indoor air temperatures fast. Unlike other technologies, heat pumps can also adjust humidity - they dehumidify as they cool, and they will not remove moisture from the air as they heat. You may never wake up with a dry face in the winter ever again!

It’s an Eco-friendly Alternative

Heat pumps run on electricity, which is of course much better for the environment than burning fossil fuels like natural gas. They also on average use 3-5x less energy than air conditioners, which has a direct impact on your monthly energy bills throughout the year, hot or cold.

Exactly how much better are heat pumps for the environment?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has identified that compared to gas boilers, and possibly much more in clean energy-intensive countries where electricity generation has an even lower carbon footprint. While on an individual scale, this may not seem like a drastic change, the IEA estimates a global transition to heat pumps in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings can reduce global GHG emissions by half a billion tons by 2030.

What obstacles come with heat pumps?

Like most home improvement scenarios, the compatibility between your home and the heat pump of your choice will determine how expensive or difficult it is to install it. If you live in a climate that experiences extremely cold weather (say, -10° F or less) for days at a time, for example, you’ll need to shell out for a more powerful pump or have a backup heating system to go along with it.

It may be more difficult to find a heat pump that’s right for you in older homes, especially if the electrical service needs upgrading. , so extra research may need to go into the compatibility of modern heat pumps with 60-amp or even 100-amp homes. Aside from electrical services, other upgrades that may be required for heat pumps to work with your home may be new pipework, new radiators, or the addition of air ducts if your home doesn’t already have them. 

How much is a heat pump ultimately going to cost?

The cost of heat pumps varies based on size, efficiency, and model, which are influenced by the square footage of your home, the type of energy generation your home can accommodate, and your budget/preferences. Typically a heat pump system will cost $4,000 on the low side, in the US. In Chicago, the average price of a heat pump drops by nearly $3,000 for an average of $2,857.

Most heat pump installations will likely also include costs associated with labor, installation fees, permitting (if your local ordinances require it), what rebates you’re eligible for, and additional construction costs that the installation might require. Ultimately, the best way to know how much a heat pump will cost for you is to receive a quote from a local HVAC company or consult websites like for price estimates. 

If you like to plan out far ahead, also know that a heat pump will need to be replaced every 10-20 years, and you’ll want to hire a professional to do routine maintenance on your heat pump at least once a year.

Do heat pumps come with rebates?

Since the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act, at a federal level, homeowners can . This rebate includes any electric system upgrades that are needed to support a heat pump system, depending on how old the home is. 

For low- and moderate-income households, rebates can cover the installation costs of up to $8,000.

I want to get a heat pump. Where do I start?

Finding and purchasing the right heat pump for you just requires finding the right contractor. Ask around for referrals from your family, neighbors, and local communities (like the ) where you can inquire about a professional who is familiar with the technology and has a good track record for pricing and installations. For extra security, you can do a quick background check on the companies via sources like the , or see if they’re accredited by trade organizations like .

A good rule of thumb is to get quotes from at least three different contractors and to make sure their quotes are specific, including a detailed breakdown of all the factors that went into the pricing.

For our Chicago readers…

Many Chicago homeowners find that heat pumps make sense for them - the winters here are cold enough that a more efficient heating system is a lot more comfortable than traditional ones powered by fossil fuels. Similarly, because Chicagoland summers can rise well into the 80s and 90s, a system that dually accommodates hot weather will save on energy and energy costs.

Whether or not you may need a backup heating source occurs on a case-by-case basis. In particularly cold winters where below-freezing temperatures persist for more than a few days, a backup system may be a necessity. Alternatively, heat pump technology is the most equipped it's ever been for extreme weather conditions, and it will just come down to the brand and model of heat pump you decide to purchase.

If you are a low-income or middle-income earner, the city of Chicago itself may have additional grants for you to help with the cost of heat pumps. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s commitment to reducing citywide carbon emissions has spurred .

Final Thoughts

Heat pumps are a great alternative to your current home heating and cooling systems for many reasons: they improve air quality, are more efficient than traditional HVAC systems, are more cost-effective in the long run, and are significantly more eco-friendly. Upfront costs for a heat pump can seem daunting, but government incentives are increasingly in favor of helping homeowners make the switch.

It’s important to put in a little bit of the groundwork to see if and what kind of heat pump is right for you - each home is different and several factors go into the final price and time commitment of installing one. But more and more people are taking the plunge, and it’ll be worthwhile to see what this new home technology can do for you.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog Manager & SEO Specialist for the Chicago ���ϲ�����.

There’s just something about fall in Chicago: the leaves crunching under your feet, the crisp chill in the air that brings to mind the images of carved pumpkins lounging on porches. A chilly night not cold enough for winter gear, but not warm enough to linger outside, pulls out a desire to grab a pumpkin and start carving.

While pumpkins are a major part of getting into the fall spirit, every year millions of pumpkins get sent to the landfill. This autumn season, making two small changes like learning how to preserve your carved pumpkin with vinegar (instead of bleach) and ensuring you recycle your pumpkin are easy things you can do to make this Halloween a little easier on Mother Earth.

Dust off your Halloween decorations Chicago, and go ahead and dive into that bag of candy we know you already have, as we guide you through how to do both of those things this spooky season.

Why Pumpkins? 

Photo by: /Burst

Thousands of years ago, carved root vegetables and costumes were used to celebrate the end of the harvest and ward off restless and bad spirits in the ancient Celtic pagan festival of Samhain (pronounced Sow-in).  The tradition and when Irish immigrants settled in the U.S. in the early 19th and 20th centuries, their legends came with them.

Irish immigrants have played a critical part in making the City of Chicago what it is today. Root vegetables were the OG pumpkins back in Ireland, but here in the U.S. pumpkins were growing abundantly and were much better suited for carving than the original root vegetables. 

Pumpkins quickly became an economic representation of Halloween, and lucky for us, Illinois has a climate . As of 2021, we harvested twice as many pumpkin acres as other top states!  

Do Not Preserve Your Carved Pumpkin With Bleach, Here’s Why 

Photo by/Unsplash

One of the most common tricks you’ll see around Halloween is to use bleach to ‘preserve your carved pumpkins for longer’. Please don’t do that. 

We understand why you want to preserve your art even though personally, we think decomposing pumpkins makes it all a little bit scarier. One of the best (free) fall activities in Chicago is the pumpkin art walk — the very unofficial sport of roaming various neighborhoods admiring the pumpkin art. Bonus points for a pumpkin spice latte (in your reusable cup of course).

We’ve seen everything from bleach baths to bleach sprays but we’re here to tell you you can still preserve your pumpkin sans bleach. And there are a few reasons you want to:  

• As your pumpkins are sitting outside they’re being visited by local critters of all sorts; bleach is not on their approved diet and can be really harmful for them.

• This also includes stray cats and dogs — pumpkins provide a good source of fiber and water for our pets! 

• Bleached pumpkins cannot be composted and must be sent to the landfill. The couple of pumpkins you have on your stoop might not seem like a big deal but multiply that by a city of millions and then by a country and that’s a lot of unnecessary landfill waste. 

No good right? 

Preserve Your Carved Pumpkin With Vinegar Instead

Photo by /Burst

Here’s the thing, according to the Clorox website, bleach is perfectly safe to use to ‘preserve’ your pumpkins. And that may be true if the proper dilution formulas are followed, but you wouldn’t bleach your food to clean it and there are healthier alternatives to preserve it.

If you don’t have to do it, don’t. 

How To Preserve Your Carved Pumpkins With Vinegar

1. Wash your pumpkins to get any remaining dirt and debris off them.

2. Get a bucket or put a stopper in the sink.

3. Mix 1 part vinegar to 10 parts water.

4. Put the pumpkin in the mixture and let sit for 20-30 minutes.

That’s it! 

Vinegar is a common natural, non-toxic cleaning agent and works well to inhibit and kill some viruses and bacteria. Because of its properties, it also works effectively at killing mold — which is what helps when we want to preserve those carved pumpkins. Most importantly, a pumpkin preserved with vinegar can be composted at the end of its life and is safe for critters to snack on.

No matter what your pumpkin plans are this fall season, there are plenty of ways you can have a spooky season that doesn’t add anything to the landfill. And with that, here are 5 non-spooky ways you can responsibly recycle your pumpkin this year! 

5 Ways To Recycle Your Pumpkins 

Photo by /Burst

1. Eat it

In all the spookiness and pumpkin carving excitement, it’s easy to forget that pumpkins are an edible, ! And we’re not just talking about pumpkin pie. Pumpkins can be used in salads, in soups, in , and so much more. Use the shell for decoration and scoop out the insides to turn it into a puree or other delicious dish. 

2. Donate it 

If you got a little carried away at the pumpkin patch and have too many pumpkins hanging around you can donate them to a local animal farm or sanctuary. matches you with pigs and other pumpkin-eaters to provide a way to keep pumpkins out of landfills while providing a nutritious meal! The only caveat is the pumpkins need to be undecorated and uncarved.

3. Compost it

As long as you didn’t bleach it or add glitter, pumpkins are 100% compostable! If you’re more of a pumpkin painter than a carver, try to use non-toxic food-grade paint (absolutely no acrylics, which are plastic). As of right now, the City of Chicago does not have a municipal composting program, (yet) but there are a variety of ways to get your pumpkin composted.

• Sign up for one of the many private composting services in Chicago and give it a try! 

• Check with a local CSA.

• Check with a community garden near you

• Attend a pumpkin smash (see #5)! 

4. Bury It

Pumpkins are 90% water which means they break down quickly. That makes them bad for landfills but easy to dispose of because you can bury them right in your yard or use them as fertilizer for your other garden plants! 

• Have a pumpkin smash at your house to break your pumpkin into smaller pieces. Dig a shallow hole, put the pumpkin in, cover it up, and put some leaves on top if you have them. Wait for Mother Nature to do her thing. 

• Finish in the oven. Chop it into small pieces and sprinkle it throughout your garden bed. 

• Lastly, put the pumpkin remains in a far corner of your yard and let the critters snack on it. 

Whichever burial option you choose, make sure to remove the seeds unless you want to try your hand at growing your own pumpkin vine next year.

5. Pumpkin SMASH

Inarguably the most fun way of disposing of your pumpkins is through a pumpkin smash. Hosted by Scarce, the Chicago 2023 pumpkin smash is scheduled for The on November 4, 2023 as well in Back of the Yards. After the smash, the pumpkins will be transported to a composting facility diverting hundreds of tons of pumpkins from the landfill! If you’re planning on attending a pumpkin smash, please make sure to clear your pumpkins of candles, glitter, and other types of non-acrylic paint.

No matter what the weather throws at us this Halloween, join the Chicago sustainability crew in keeping the environment a little healthier, a little safer, and a little better prepared for the future by learning how to preserve your carved pumpkins with vinegar and recycling them properly at the end of the season! 

It’s called a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and we have a plethora of options right here in Chicago and the Chicagoland area!

Read on to learn more about what a community-supported agriculture program is, why they’re beneficial for your health and the local economy, and how to choose the right program for you. When you’re finished, head to our local resource page to look at CSA programs serving Chicago!

What Is A Community-Supported Agriculture Program? 

To understand why a local CSA program is so important, we first have to look at the bigger picture. 

Between climate change, advancing technology, decreasing commodity prices, and more, keeping a farm alive . The number of farms in the U.S. has been on for decades. A total of 2 million farms remain in the U.S., of which 89% are small, family farms that supply 18% of the .

A Community-Supported Agriculture program is a newer way of operating that helps preserve local farms by connecting them to the community. The definition of a CSA program is an exchange in which individuals purchase “farm shares” for a specific price in exchange for locally grown produce, meats, and other items.  Investing in a Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is a direct investment in helping local, family-run farms survive and thrive while strengthening local food systems. 

Each CSA program is unique to the farm/group of people running it! Listed on our resource page, we have 24 CSA programs serving Chicago, located throughout Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin — and each one is wonderfully different.

How Does A CSA Work? 

A CSA program is similar to other food delivery services and programs like HelloFresh, Misfit Market, and Imperfect Foods, except that everything comes from local farms!  You receive local produce, meats, or other items after investing in the farm via a seasonal fee or a monthly/seasonal subscription fee. Some CSAs offer delivery, some offer pickup, and some let you choose. 

The most common community-supported agriculture products are seasonal vegetables and local meat, however, CSAs carry a large variety of goods like the following:

• In-season veggies

• Sustainably raised meat

• Composting services

• Eggs

• Fruit

• Flowers

• Herbs

• Jam

• Honey

• Cheese

• Bread

• And even recipes that go with the seasonal produce!

After signing up for a CSA program, you received a wide variety of insanely fresh and always in-season produce (or meats) directly from a local farm. 

Not only are you shopping local, but you’re investing in the local food system by providing an investment in local farms and farmers to help them stay ahead of their needs and continue to operate.

How Do CSA Programs Strengthen Local Food Systems?

The current industrial farming system —  where the majority of us get our store-bought food from, and what contributes to the remaining 79% of food production — isn’t working. 

came around in the 1950s to ensure the American people had reliable, affordable access to food. While it has remained (fairly) affordable for the ‘average’ family many things have changed. 

• We have been disconnected from our food source.

• We have been exposed to high amounts of fertilizers and pesticides (in our food and land). 

• We have destroyed farm economies around the world. 

• We have created a public health crisis via high sugar, high fat, meat-heavy diets. 

• And yet, 12.5% of American households experience food insecurity (about 5 million children).

This industrial, mass system isn’t working.

A Community-Supported Agriculture Program Is An Investment In Local Businesses — And People

If you’ve ever eaten a fresh tomato right off the vine and experienced the explosion of flavor that comes from fresh produce, you know the value of accessing high-quality, fresh food. Joining a CSA program might mean you never need to eat a flash frozen, underripe, flavorless tomato again, but it offers so much more in the way of building a sense of community, developing relationships with people and food, and preserving and expanding the local food system. 

By participating in a CSA program, you’re giving your vote of confidence to the farm and the farmers, in addition to a kind of cash advance to help them deliver on their promise. But you’re not the only one—a community of people is coming together, investing in the farm for the same reasons. 

Because of this shared risk that you and the other members take on, you’re all likely to develop a sense of connection with each other and the farmers. The farmers do the same and because of the personal structure of a CSA program, the CSA program as a whole is able to be more responsible and adaptable to its members’ needs. 

Imagine trying to get in touch with Huntz Tomatoes! 

Even more than the knowledge (and satisfaction) of investing in a local business, the accessibility to local food is a step towards creating a more positive relationship with food itself and with the people who grew it: your neighbors, your friends, and your community. 

A Healthy And Sustainable Local Food System Creates A Healthy Community 

It’s easy to understand the benefits of shopping local and eating local. Although eating local is usually thought of as frequenting locally-owned restaurants, it also includes getting your food locally by supporting local farmers — many of which also provide supplies to local restaurants. Increasing local food production has the potential to and generate $16.5 billion in economic activity, just for the Chicagoland region.

But what does a healthy local food system look like? 

For starters, it looks like knowing where your food is coming from. Most CSAs are growing organic food and using sustainable and practices which is better for the land, and our health, long-term. 

Many of these organizations also offer an educational element such as training programs for youth, recently incarcerated people, and individuals with developmental or physical disabilities in addition to opportunities to volunteer on the farm, hands-on learning at the farm, or conservation education around issues like water and soil protection.

Compared to industrial farming methods, CSAs are not only feeding and educating their communities but protecting the environment. :

• Use fewer chemicals 

• Practice water conservation techniques

• Protects rural-urban farmlands

• Create less soil erosion

• Lower the distance of “” or the emissions associated with getting your food from production to consumption.

• Conserve, protect, and preserve natural resources

• Support conservation efforts

• Use more crop and ecosystem diversity

• Minimizes food packaging and transportation

• Create access to healthy food for all income groups

The positive contribution CSAs provide to your health, the community, and the local economy are clear but as with anything, there are some downsides. 

Pros and Cons of Community-Supported Agriculture Programs

Let’s explore the most common benefits and disadvantages of a community-supported agriculture program. 

Benefits of Joining a Local CSA Program

• Fewer trips to the grocery store (or at least the crowded or lacking produce section)

• Access to fresh, preservative/hormone-free produce and foods.

• Access to healthy, high-quality, seasonal produce and foods.

• Access to food grown by farmers, activists, conservationists, and others passionate about feeding their community.

• Food that was raised/grown via sustainable farming methods.

• ‘Guaranteed’ delivery/access to fresh food not always found at the grocery store.

• A lower environmental footprint due to shorter transportation distances, less reliance on and usage of fossil fuels, less packaging, and less environmentally-intensive farming methods.

• Keeping your dollars local by investing in local farmers. 

• Supporting local businesses. 

• Support the additional efforts of the CSA like providing safe spaces for youth, job training, and addressing food insecurity within our communities.

• Preservation and protection of local land and resources.

• Increased education about farming and food production.

• The opportunity to interact and develop relationships with other like-minded people as everyone bands together to support a local farm.

Disadvantages of joining a Local CSA Program

• Variety — you might be in for a lot of one abundant crop, your CSA might surprise you, or you might get a vegetable you’ve never cooked with before. You get what you get.

• You’re ‘limited’ to seasonal produce (vs. the grocery store that offers everything).

• There might be limited options for pickup or delivery or even accessibility issues. 

• Because of the shared risk element, you’re not typically reimbursed if the harvest is low for whatever reason. 

• Commitment — you are financially committed in addition to committing to the time it takes to receive the food and cook it. Your CSA program also might not let you pause deliveries if you’re going to be traveling. 

• There can be requirements for participation.

• The price of joining a CSA.

The cost of joining a CSA is usually the largest barrier to entry. In addition to the price of the program, you’re oftentimes required to pay upfront or commit to a certain price over a determined period of time.

Not all are able to, but it’s important to note that some CSA programs accept and work with nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, or others.  It’s always worth emailing a CSA organization to see if they work with these programs, offer sliding scales, or whether they have any other kind of assistance programs. 

If you’re interested in joining a Chicago CSA program, our resource page has a list of local CSAs that serve the Chicago area. 

If cost is the determining factor that is preventing you from joining, keep in mind many programs offer discounts for volunteering on the farm. Some programs like accept LINK for payment and offer a LINK match program ($25); you can split a box with friends or family to reduce the cost; and it’s always worth getting in contact with the CSA to see if they provide any additional options.

Chicago CSA Programs That Offer Monthly Subscriptions or Smaller Programs

While some Chicago CSA programs require upfront payments for the entire season (remember, to help them front the cost of growing all the delicious food), many programs offer monthly payment options, smaller and shorter packages, and items other than vegetables.

• offers monthly subscriptions for $50 per month for a 12-week program. They also offer a 25% discount for volunteering on their farm.

• offers egg and bread shares for $14 and $16 per month respectively for half shares in addition to a $100 biweekly vegetable share.

• Wild Trillium Farms offers a for $160 for late-season crops.

• Know a flower lover? Wild Trillium also offers a $180 of local flowers, herbs, and grasses from June-October.

• Kings Hill Farm offers a starting at 4 deliveries for $72 (waitlisted).

• ​​Mick Klüg Farm also offers a for $139 per 4-week month for a full season, an extended full season, or a peak season timeline.

• Tomato Mountain Farm offers customized boxes of farm fresh produce, staples, & specialty items, delivered with options to pay as you go that allow you to pause or cancel anytime. Their for 1-2 adults starting at $16 per week.

• Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm was ; they offer small, medium, and large monthly options starting at $68 for ~7.5 pounds plus 1 dozen eggs per month.

• Slagel Family Farm has a available for $85 (minimum 3-month commitment) that gets you an assortment of 5-6 items including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken.

Get Involved in A Chicago CSA Program

Ready to get your hands dirty and grow your knowledge? Many Community-Supported Agriculture programs offer an educational element through hands-on learning and opportunities to volunteer. 

Here’s a quick list of some of the Chicago CSA programs that offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. 

• (Caledonia, IL)

• has a variety of events both paid and free (Ottawa, IL)

• (Albany Park)

• (Back of the Yards)

• offers workshops and farm volunteering opportunities (Sauk Village, IL, Bronzeville)

• (Englewood)

• (Humbolt Park, Ukrainian Village)

There are some amazing people doing fantastic work around Chicago and its border states to bring healthy, accessible, fresh food to all their neighbors. We hope this inspires you to consider joining or getting involved with a CSA program near you! 

If you know of a community-supported agriculture program we left out, feel free to let us know.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Blog and SEO Manager of Chicago ���ϲ�����.

It's officially moving season in Chicago (and it’s time to get that junk out of your trunk) ! 

The moving trucks are out, and the discarded items are everywhere. The thought seems to be that it is much easier (and cheaper) to toss said items to the curb. With the rise of throw-away culture and one-click purchases we are losing the connection with our items.

This loss of connection stared me right in the face when my partner and I decided we were going to hit the road. That meant downsizing from a 1,000 square-foot two-bedroom apartment in Wicker Park (my largest home yet) into a whopping 150 square-foot camper trailer(!). 

An 850 square-foot downsize meant sorting through every single item — including these color changing spoons, an impulse purchase from a few years back. 

These spoons came to be in my possession during a particularly rough Chicago Winter that was dragging my friends and I down. To boost everyone's spirits we decided we were going to have a cereal party. Everyone was to dress in their pajamas, bring their favorite box of cereal, a variety of milks, and we would watch our childhood cartoons. It was a great time, and as great of a memory as it was, these color changing spoons didn’t make the cut for our new life on the road.

A few years prior to the big move, I began my sustainability journey by joining the . A 20+ hour training program that teaches participants about urban environmental challenges, opportunities, principles and skills in five subject areas: water, energy, green space, waste, and community organizing.

It had always been a passion of mine to be an environmentalist, and this was the first step to gaining the tools that I would need to do something about that passion. 

Joining Cleanup Club Chicago and Chicago ���ϲ����� shortly after that, I knew I had found my community. A community of people that cared and did whatever they could to reduce their impact on this earth, to be a steward for the environment and walk as lightly on this planet as possible.

I slowly began to make changes in my life and helped supply the tools and information for others in my circle to do the same. Providing encouragement and support only, because no one is perfect, and it can be difficult to live a zero-waste lifestyle. All you can do is try and offset the things that are wasteful and replace those habits as quickly as possible. 

As it turns out, downsizing and identifying new homes for a large portion of our belongings (in the most sustainable way possible of course), would prove to be my greatest challenge yet. 

Well before this adventure was even confirmed, I began to sort through our things. Once, twice, three times combing through, each time only able to let go of a few items. I had grown attached to these things that I have had for so long, always thinking. “I will use this”, “I will wear it someday”, “This will fit me eventually”, etc. 

Even though I had severely reduced my purchases, I had also started a collection of items that could eventually be recycled or reused. Which, to my partner's irritation, meant I had a bulk of items like glass jars, plastic yogurt cups, plastic silverware (that I had begged the takeout place to not give me but would still wind up in my bag), empty candle containers, ripped clothes and so on. 

Finally, as our plans solidified and the reality set in that we would be able to move into a camper and hit the road, I realized that we would need to get rid of so much more.

The Journey Through Sustainable Decluttering

How do you get rid of an entire apartment worth of items when it requires hours of communication and coordination? Moving sustainably had become our part-time gig. 

Here’s what we did: 

• We sold as many items as possible on Facebook marketplace. It was a lot of coordinating and sorting through spam messages, but we had enough successes to keep us motivated. 

• Once we had exhausted the sales items, the posts began. Each week we would post a new set of images that were cataloged, tracked, and managed in the hopes that someone in our neighborhood would need each item. 

• Next we sorted and grouped our remaining items (things like used/broken electronics, cords, random school supplies, a majority of which I had accumulated from college more than ten years ago). 

• And distributed them to local organizations such as by in North Center, , the City of Chicago Recycling Drop-off Center, Brown Elephant for random leftover items, and for scrap cloth.

Even though it was a lot of work I am extremely grateful that in the city of Chicago we have access to countless resources to sustainably reduce and move. An exhaustive list of resources can be found on the Chicago ���ϲ����� website, our green pages for the city, and in our . Be sure to peruse our many webpages (like the Reuse and Recycle pages) and let us know via the forms at the bottom if there are any additional resources.

These days you can catch me on the road trying to live more responsibly, entering, enjoying, and lightly walking through the communities that have welcomed us along the way. I have become much more conscious of each item that now comes into my possession, aware of the burden of its afterlife. 

Stay tuned for more on how we have been living sustainably from the road. In the meantime, here are 8 tips to help during this move out season.

8 Tips to Sustainably Declutter and Move

1. Plan Ahead

   • The more time you have, the better you will do in reducing waste and staying organized (start eliminating as soon as possible).

2. Donate, Gift, Recycle and Sell 

• Sort your items into piles; keep, donate (recycle/gift) and sell 

• Identify items that your community might want or need

• Utilize your neighborhood Buy Nothing Groups on Facebook (some are called Free Box) 

• List items on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, thredUP or LetGo

3. Source Pre-Used Boxes and Bins

• Source boxes from or your neighborhood Buy Nothing Group

• Post in your Buy Nothing Groups ISO (in search of) plastic bins to store and move your items with, these can in turn become storage for your new home.

4. Use Eco-Friendly Packing Materials

1. Save tissue paper and kraft paper from purchases throughout the year to help with moving.

2. Use cardboard/kraft tape when necessary to secure your boxes.

3. Use dishcloths, towels, blankets, and old clothes to cushion your items (instead of packing peanuts and bubble wrap).

5. Dispose of Chemicals in an Eco-Friendly Way

1. Contact the to dispose of any hazardous materials, their website details what they accept as well as their hours of business.

6. Move as Green as Possible

1. If you are not hiring movers, make as few trips as possible to cut down on fuel emissions.

2. If you are hiring movers, try and hire movers who are committed to green moving practices. Check our list of green moving companies for recommendations.

7. Recycle any Additional Supplies After the Move

1. Save as many boxes as you can to return the favor, post them on BoxDibs or Buy Nothing for someone else to use.

8. Make Your New Home as Green as Possible

• If your home needs a good cleaning look for eco-friendly and plastic free products like .

• Ready to repaint? Head over to for a sustainable recycled paint product.

• Check out local resale shops if you are looking to furnish your new home.

• Identify your neighborhood so you can start composting.

• If you need to hang a picture, saw some wood, or sew new curtains head over to the to borrow some tools.

• When looking to find new favorite spots to eat at in your new neighborhood, find a restaurant on our “Most Sustainable” list.

Moving, packing, and relocating can be stressful, you don’t need the added eco-stress of having to throw away all your stuff. Chicago ���ϲ����� (and so many other organizations) are here to help you sustainably declutter and get rid of all your stuff in a responsible, stress-free way. 

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

, Art Director and Website Manager of Chicago ���ϲ�����.

UIC Grad Student, Environmental Advocate, Cleanup Club Member

This month we sat down with Citlalli Trujillo, a member of the Cleanup Club, graduate student at the UIC School of Public Health, and environmental advocate. She talks to us about her passion for environmental justice and water rights as well as some amazing projects she’s working on with local community groups on the Southwest side.  

Tell us a little about yourself, Citlalli!

Hi, my name is Citlalli Trujillo. I am originally from Lake County. I grew up in different towns such as Fox Lake, Lake Villa, and Round Lake. If you heard of Six Flags, it’s around there! As of 2018, I live in Pilsen, Chicago. 

I hold a bachelor’s in Biochemistry from UIC and currently, I am a graduate student at the pursuing my master’s in Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences with a concentration in Industrial Hygiene. 

I am a research assistant working on two very important environmental projects. The first project I am currently working on is .  I am the community engagement manager working alongside two local artists, and . The project consists of a metal mosaic fence and planter at , a five-acre green space located at the juncture of the South Branch, Sanitary and Ship Canal, and Bubbly Creek. The images on this public artwork and mosaic planter symbolize the bordering communities’ hopes for environmental justice. 

Industrial activity continues to escalate in this section of the river, with no signs of it slowing down. In November 2020, the city approved an Amazon Logistics Facility here, which will add to already heavy diesel truck pollution. In the same month, the city approved Hilco’s plan to build a one million-square-foot Target distribution center at the former site of the Crawford Coal Plant, whose . 

These developments along the river exclude community voices and go against the goals of a Just Transition. Currently, has launched a campaign to deny a city permit to Sims Metals, a metal recycling plant that is located across the river from our proposed artwork site, due to inadequate emission controls. 

We hope to have a positive impact by creating public artwork that will draw attention to Canalport Riverwalk, the goal is to:

• Make this park more accessible to local communities.

• Make the park welcoming to local communities.

• And catalyze the same investments as other parts of the river.

Moreso, we aspire for our artwork to empower the ongoing environmental justice movement on the Southwest Side that other big greens are leading such as and . You can read more about the project at   There will also be a celebration event on June 3, 2023, at the site that is open to the public. You can register or find more information on . 

Another cool project I am involved in is tied to the . In northeastern Illinois, communities are reliant on the Cambrian-Ordovician Aquifer, which is on the verge of collapse.  The City of Chicago has agreed to supply Joliet with treated Lake Michigan water for 100 years, starting in 2030, through a 30-mile-long pipeline for community needs. However, this is just Joliet and does not consider other counties/communities that are to face the effects of a collapsing aquifer.  Furthermore, due to Joliet’s large industrial footprint, a majority of high-quality freshwater will go to warehouses, oil refineries, and chemical companies. 

With a team of great UIC researchers, we developed a sustainable framework to provide water to communities reliant on the collapsing aquifer through water reuse. Chicago currently holds combined sewer water in the Deep Tunnel that waits its turn to get treatment at the 7 different wastewater treatment plants. We can conserve and avoid withdrawing Lake Michigan water beyond our diversionary limit by recycling this water for industrial use. 

Our water infrastructure system has the potential to enhance long-term resilience, introduce a freshwater source, and safeguard the Great Lakes water for human health and sanitation needs. 

for more details. 

How did you get involved with Chicago ���ϲ�����/Cleanup Club? 

I was actively seeking opportunities to engage with environmental issues in Chicago and finding people who had the same passions as I did. While searching for pages/groups on Facebook, I stumbled upon the oh-so-amazing page called Chicago ���ϲ�����! 

Simultaneously, I was also in search of a community involved in cleanup activities, and fortunately, I discovered that Katherine is the organizer of Cleanup Club Chicago as well.

How did you become interested in environmental issues? How did water issues become a focus for you?

My passion for environmental justice came when I joined the at UIC , which was founded by Dr. Rachel Havrelock. The Freshwater Lab introduced me to different types of water issues that happen around the Great Lakes and other waters. Dr. Havrelock’s class consisted of a 5 week internship component. I was chosen to work alongside Dr. Havrelock on a digital storytelling website,  on the infrastructure of the Chicago Area Waterway System. 

During our research, we concluded that depending on where you live along the Chicago River, you have a different relationship to it. On the South Branch/Sanitary & Ship Canal, communities along this part of the river have concentrated industrial sites and high diesel truck activity that contributes to air pollution, limited access to green spaces, and little to no recreation along the river. These communities are majority Latine/Black/immigrants. It is an issue of environmental racism. 

To me, this issue hit close to home. My grandmother migrated to Pilsen from Mexico, which borders the South Branch. My dad and his 5 siblings grew up on 18th Street. My grandmother wasn’t the only family member of mine that migrated to Chicago. Many of my great aunts and uncles did too. I have lots of family on the West and South sides of Chicago, so these issues currently impact my family and current community. I vowed to fight alongside those in the environmental justice community, do my best to uplift their work, and make a positive change. 

Water issues became a focus issue for me because of our on the Chicago River. I grew to care for all water sources and I became interested in point sources of pollution such as: 

• Agriculture

• Runoff

• Dumping of wastes

• PFAS and more

This turned into caring for water by treating it like it has ‘feelings’ or ‘a voice’. Water obviously can’t speak, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t treat it with care like we do other living beings. 

Water gives life to everything. It plays a fundamental role in sustaining life on Earth, nourishing a wide array of organisms and ecosystems. Freshwater is even more important! We rely on it for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, ecosystems, economy, and more. 

Equal access to safe, clean, and affordable water is crucial for human health and well-being. It is important to recognize the finite nature of freshwater.  It is our responsibility to manage it correctly and we can do this by:

• Conserving water.

• Managing it responsibly.

• And holding companies accountable for polluting our waters.

How are you involved with environmental justice in Chicago? What first got you interested in this issue?

I am a member of the (PERRO). Right now, we are fighting to shut down Sims Metal, a metal shredding company alongside the Canalport Riverwalk Park and about 700 feet away from Benito Juarez High School. 

Sims Metals has been in violation of air regulations and faced legal action by the Attorney General. 

• Their emissions capture rate was below 50%, significantly lower than the required threshold of 81%. 

• Data indicates their emission levels are 9X higher than those of General Iron which got shut down in Lincoln Park (the specific concentration of pollutants being emitted by Sims Metals is still uncertain).

• Sims Metals is operating without the necessary permits and is not in compliance with environmental regulations in an area recognized as an environmental justice community by the EPA. 

• It is known that their metal shredding activities generate particulate matter (PM), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metals which are known to have adverse health impacts that may not be apparent right away. 

• Other current health risks associated with Sims Metals' operations are not fully understood at this point.

• There is also significant diesel truck activity occurring on Ashland, Cermak, and Blue Island, all of which intersect near the high school. 

• The presence of a high volume of diesel trucks can further contribute to air pollution and the associated health risks in the community. 

And Sims Metal isn’t the only polluting industry. There are also asphalt plants and railroads that lead to poor air quality.  

Just knowing that people can become ill or develop diseases was enough to get me interested in environmental issues. People can choose to move away, but why do people have to leave their homes and communities because a company doesn’t want to follow regulations put in place?  Children also can’t choose where to live, it’s up to their parents! 

What do you want to do in your career?

I am not sure where I will end up career-wise, but I hope I can leverage my background in science, public health, and community-based research to create sustainable and environmentally friendly communities with employment opportunities that do not create pollution or pose risks to human health. 

I hope my work towards this goal does not displace or negatively impact any residents in their neighborhoods, but rather uplift them and put them first. I hold the hope that through collective efforts and innovative approaches, it will be possible to achieve a future where communities can thrive sustainably while preserving the rights and well-being of all individuals.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering a career in environmental work?

• Get involved locally. Get involved in your community, then expand to join other environmental efforts. You never know what connections you can make in the environmental field. You can share ideas and explore opportunities for collaboration.

• Stay informed! Keep yourself up to date with current environmental issues. Conduct your research carefully, make sure your sources are correct, and get different expert opinions. 

• Recognize that environmental issues intersect with other broader issues like race, infrastructure, and investments into the community. Environmental issues could stem from systematic issues. 

• Help promote environmental education and awareness when you can, and inspire others to take action! 

• Develop a sustainable lifestyle. I understand the statement that one person becoming environmentally friendly won’t have as much of an impact as a company like Amazon. However, by reducing your reliance on single-use items, plastic, conserving water, or eating less meat, you can make a small impact. 

You can find great tips on the Chicago Environmentalist website on how to recycle, become zero-waste, what eco-friendly businesses and restaurants to support and more! 

• Take care of your mental health! It is sad to see how our planet is treated and the impacts it has on human health and other ecosystems. It can take a toll because you feel like the systems we have in place will never change.  That is why it’s important to celebrate the small victories. Find ways to relax whether it’s enjoying time with nature, visiting family, or taking a break from social media. 

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

Citlalii Trujillo, UIC Grad Student, Environmental Advocate

With Bethany Barbouti, Managing Director

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Bethany Barbouti, the very industrious co-founder of Chicago’s first zero waste general store! Bethany and other sustainable entrepreneurs are trailblazing in cities across the US, in hopes of changing the way Americans consume basic goods. She’s recently updated their branding and has some other changes to tell us about!

What is your mission, and how do you want to change our consumption culture?

was started to create change. After witnessing the zero-waste movement in Europe and bulk shopping in the Middle East and Asia, I wished I had the option to shop that way at home. I decided to create a store that would provide a more environmentally conscious way of shopping to Chicago. We only have one planet and it’s being filled with trash! We can and must do a better job of taking care of our home. Our mission is to reduce waste and pollution in our community, to help people re-think the way they shop and consume, and to provide a channel for people to make more environmentally responsible decisions when shopping for household essentials.

We live within a culture of consumption that is based on “throw away”, single-use convenience items and packaging. But what happens to these items when they are thrown “away”? Where is “away”? It has become apparent that “away” is into the land and oceans, taking a huge toll on our planet’s ecosystems and allowing toxins to enter our bodies.

Cleaning up this mess and changing the way business is done is a massive effort that requires major changes in governmental and corporate policy, but it will take communities working together to influence that change. Zero-waste stores along with other environmentally responsible businesses and organizations are actively working to change the narrative and demonstrate that humans can do better, and that people care deeply enough about their impact on the planet to drastically change their habits.   

What exactly is a zero-waste store? How is it different from other stores?

Reducing waste and our overall footprint on the planet is incredibly important, we simply cannot leave a polluted planet full of rubbish for the generations to come. The model of a zero-waste store is based on eliminating waste by refilling containers that already exist, offering goods that are long-lasting, compostable and/or recyclable, package-free, and sustainably produced. Zero-waste stores are different from other stores because:

• There are no goods in plastic packaging.

• Most consumables are offered in bulk.

• You’re encouraged to bring in your own (clean and dry) containers.

• Most items are either package free or in compostable or recyclable packaging. 

What are The Eco Flamingo’s sustainability practices? 

Our sustainable practices:

• Prioritizing local makers and suppliers allows us to participate in a circular economic system and reduces our carbon footprint.

• Working with circular suppliers (those that take back containers and refill them). This enables us to reduce waste both for customers and behind the scenes.

• Carrying goods made of sustainable materials and ingredients. 

• Ensuring the makers and suppliers we work with source materials and ingredients sustainably. 

• Demanding the highest standards for our product line ensuring that all materials are sustainable and sustainably sourced, and that all people involved in production are fairly treated and paid.

• Providing a drop-off point for compost and a variety of hard to recycle items.

• Working with makers and suppliers to help them create circular systems (specifically refill-return programs) for their products.

• In 2022, we facilitated the refilling of 33,286 containers and are set to surpass that number in 2023!

What’s next for The Eco Flamingo?

The next step for The Eco Flamingo is to provide a community center for the sustainably-minded. We have expanded our space into the next-door unit and will soon offer pop up markets (focusing on local farmers, makers, and artists) as well as workshops and classes centered around living more sustainably and self-sufficiency.

is located in Lincoln Square, and can be found on our Local Shops page!

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

Bethany Barbouti, Managing Director, Co-Founder The Eco Flamingo

By Brock Auerbach-Lynn, Board Member & President, Dill Pickle Food Co-Op


Today we sat down with Brock Auerbach-Lynn, Board Member and President of Dill Pickle Co-Op, to learn more about what Dill Pickle does and why it matters!

How was Dill Pickle started, and why?

The Dill Pickle, a full service grocery store in Logan Square, has been providing local and organic groceries to the community for 13 years. As a cooperative (co-op for short), the Dill Pickle has sustainability and concern for the community built right into its DNA. This was the case in 2005, when residents in Logan Square began looking for a way to bring more regular access to local and organic groceries into the neighborhood. Rather than simply hope that a big company or wealthy individual would fill the need, the group of community members banded together and built a collective vision of a grocery store that would embody cooperation and sustainability. They worked tirelessly for four years to build the base of support, raise funds, and establish the vision and policies that in 2009 would become the Dill Pickle. Its original location occupied a cozy storefront on Fullerton Ave.

Fast forward to today and you’ll find Dill Pickle has relocated to a much larger space on Milwaukee Ave at Spaulding (right by the northern entrance to the Logan L stop). From the small group of neighbors, the Dill Pickle has grown to a thriving community of more than 3,500 member-owners and serves the whole community. The Dill Pickle is open for all - it welcomes non-owners and owners alike. 

What exactly is a coop? How is it different from other grocery stores?

Cooperatives are businesses that are democratically controlled and financed, enabling community members to collectively fill local needs. Community members can own a share of the co-op and elect a board of directors to help guide the store’s strategy. We are accountable to the community and have a local-focus built right into our DNA.

What are Dill Pickle's sustainability practices? What are some things you can find at Dill Pickle that you can't find in other grocery stores?

As the Dill Pickle Food Co-op has grown, sustainability continues to be front and center in the products we carry, the store’s operations, and the programs we offer for community members.

Products:

• Local and organic groceries make up the vast majority of food with more than 100 suppliers within 100 miles.

• Zero-waste bulk options enable shoppers the opportunity to avoid packaging when they purchase a wide variety of items from traditional granola and beans to almond butter, vanilla extract, and soap.

• Vegetarian and vegan protein options abound with everything from tofu, to seitan, to Beyond Meat products. Don’t worry, meat, fish, cheese lovers - we also carry a great selection of local, organic, wild-caught, pasture-raised, and grass-fed options for you!

• Natural, organic, and biodynamic wines at great prices fill a whole shopping bay at the Dill Pickle.

Operations and Location:

• Reduced energy use and waste are key to the Dill Pickle. The store was designed with energy efficiency built into all mechanical and lighting systems, while food waste is reduced through composting of organic waste, and food pantry donations.

• Public transit, bike and pedestrian friendly thanks to our amazing location on Milwaukee Ave right by the northern entrance/exit to the Logan L stop. Don’t worry drivers, we also have parking in the back. 

Community Sustainability Programs:

• Community solar program encourages community members to sign up for this amazing state-wide program that supports solar and saves money at no cost. 

• Community composting program encourages community members to sign up for composting collection services that help to reduce waste going to landfills.

• Divvy partnership provides co-op owners with a reduced-cost first year membership to the Chicago bike-sharing service. There’s a Divvy station 2 blocks from the store!

Anything Else You’d like to Share?

We’re proud to carry the torch as the only operating grocery store cooperative in the city (though we’re excited that others are in the process of forming). It has also been great to be recognized by the community with the Chicago Reader’s Best Local Grocer award three years in a row. 

If you are able to drop by Logan Square, you’ll find our doors open from 8am - 9pm everyday. You can also take advantage of our great new cafe space that's perfect for community events - whether that’s a board meeting or game night. For those who can’t make it to the store, we’ve partnered with Mercato to provide grocery delivery across Chicago. 

We’re excited to show you our amazing local produce, meats, fish, and cheeses; our abundant zero-waste items; an impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan protein; and the great community and store that so many have worked to build. We hope you’ll check us out soon!

If you have questions or want to chat sustainability or co-ops, feel free to drop us a line at board@dillpickle.coop.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

Brock Auerbach-Lynn, Board Member, President The Dill Pickle Co-Op

By Katherine Tellock, Co-Founder of Chicago ���ϲ�����

Welcome to our new blog! With the new year, I wanted to kick off the blog with one of our favorite topics: setting Eco Goals. American culture tells us to set New Year’s Resolutions to better ourselves, but what about ways to better the planet by reducing our environmental impact? Every person has some level of control over what they consume and how they consume it, and can make significant reductions in their own environmental footprint over the course of a year. Additionally, personal changes go along with broader activism-- how would it make sense to hold polluting industries accountable when you are still regularly supporting them with your dollars?  

One thing we really believe at Chicago ���ϲ����� is to set yourself up for success in living a more sustainable lifestyle. We push progress over perfection– that is, it is better for most people to make SOME major sustainable changes than for a few people to reach “perfection.” I won’t be able to live in a shack in the woods where I grow all my own food and make all my own clothes anytime soon, and neither will most Americans. But there are still LOADS of changes we can all make to reduce our household’s environmental impact. If you are just getting started, I personally find this to be a good place to start. It doesn’t just take your fossil fuel usage into account- it’s a much more holistic assessment of your greenhouse gas and waste production as well.  Be sure to “Add Details to Improve Accuracy”- it helps you get a better result. In the last 8 years, I have decreased my Eco Footprint by nearly 50%, and I find that having this data to track your progress is really helpful.

But setting Eco Goals isn’t just about changing your personal habits. We’re proponents of the “both/and” mentality - that is, we believe that both personal and political changes are vital to making our culture more sustainable.

Massive policy changes are absolutely needed and large corporations need to be held accountable, but because these things can take years of activism and lobbying, we suggest including them as longer-term goals.

This year, we challenge you to make some lifestyle changes that can reduce your environmental impact in the short term, while also getting more involved in the larger political changes needed to stop climate change. You could pick a particular policy issue and join the campaign to support it, volunteer for a candidate whose platform includes passing environmental legislation, get involved with educating kids (or adults) on sustainability issues, and MANY more options.

To the right (or above, if you’re on your phone) is the spreadsheet I made of my goals for each year. I find this setup helpful because I can phase in each change over time, as opposed to trying to do everything at once.

In many cases, you have to use up the things you already have before you can switch products. Additionally, larger changes, like your transportation mode or household appliances/utilities, will take more time and planning.

If you do decide to make eco goals, be sure to share them in our so we can all learn from each other!

Know Your Power!

- Katherine Tellock

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY

Katherine Tellock, Co-Founder of Chicago ���ϲ�����