Chicago Conservation Corps Blog

Jason Hernandez sends this, about a web telecast tomorrow, called Seeing the Green: Bolstering Economic Development Strategies with Environmental Responsibility.

I just wanted to let you know about this telecast being organized by the Economic Development Association, which is part of the US Commerce Department.

Ted Wysocki is President and CEO of Chicago’s Local Economic and Development Council (LEED). He spearheads a lot of great work for projects like the new Chicago Green Exchange, so I figured you might be interested in posting details about the telecast on your website. I absolutely understand its short notice…but I figure your organization would like to hear about it anyway.

The telecast is hosted by Benjamin Erulkar, U.S. deputy assistant secretary of commerce for economic development; Paul Farmer, Executive Director and CEO of the American Planning Association, and Nancy McKeever, Sustainable Energy Program Manager for the California Energy Commission.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 2:30pm EST (1:30pm Central).

WHAT:

-The role of environmental sustainability and its impact on economic development
-How U.S. economic regions can strengthen competitiveness through innovative and green sustainable development strategies
-The costs and benefits of green building as well as how the private sector can successfully invest in and profit from green development projects
-The increasing number of green jobs and how communities can attract these new green industries

The telecast is open to everyone. To register, visit
http://edabroadcast.haverstick.biz/.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR the Chicago Air & Water Show - August 15-17, 2008
1600 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60610

This year we are having our Second Annual Water Bottle Awareness for the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show which shakes up the lake front on August 15-17, 2008 which is the “LARGEST” free show of it’s kind in the United States. It is the city’s second most popular festival. Last year, 2,200,000 people watched the show. Imagine, about 2 million plastic water bottles will be discarded on the beach this year in a two days period.

Worldwide sale of bottled water a year is estimated to be between $50 and $100 billion (US) and increasing approximately 7 to 10 percent annually. In 2004, the US bottled water industry surpassed 6.8 billion gallons of water for that year, an increase of 8.6% over the previous year (Beverage Marketing Corporation, 2005) 22.6 Gallons of bottled water each person in the U.S. consumed in 2006, up 8.4 percent from the previous year.

The consumption of over 150 billion liters of bottled water per year necessitates the use of billions of plastic and glass bottles. Though the materials used are generally recyclable, many of these bottles, particularly those used in developing countries without recycling infrastructure, are discarded rather than recycled, with this trash having a negative effect on the environment. More than a billion Water bottles end up in the state’s landfills each year. (The Associated Press)

The plastic used to package the 6 billion gallons of bottled water sold in the United States somehow end-up clogging landfills and littering the landscape and spreading toxins into ground water. Nine out of 10 plastic bottles end up as litter. That’s 30 million discarded bottles a day. (According to Yes! A Journal of Positive Futures 2004)

Please email us at grace@mgracedesigns.com

Help save the environment. Your help is very much appreciated!
M. Grace Sielaff, C3 Leader

You care. Do Something. We’ll Help. The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Fall 2008 Leadership Training Course. Orientation sessions take place in August, classes begin in September. During the training, you’ll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then you’ll lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources. For more information, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment/C3.

Attend one of the orientations listed below to learn more. For questions or to reserve a seat, please contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Wednesday, August 20 - 7pm - 8pm
6th District Police Station, 7808 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60620

Saturday, August 23 - 10am - 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, August 25 - 12pm - 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Fall 2008 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 9:30am - 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 11. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Hello,

I was looking at the Chicago Conservation Corps website today, and thought that your organization might be interested in participating in or promoting National Park(ing) Day 2008, an annual event, happening in Chicago on September 19th, which celebrates parks in cities by creating temporary parks in public parking spaces. National Park(ing) Day is an all-volunteer event, and any participation is welcome. One can, build his or her own park, help others build parks, or simply visit Park(ing) Day parks throughout the day. Look at www.tpl.org/parkingday for details, a how-to manual, photos and videos, or to connect with participants near you.

Nathan Tone

2008 Chicago West Nile Virus Public Education and Community Outreach Campaign

West Nile Virus infection (WNV) is an illness conveyed to humans primarily by mosquitoes. In most cases, people infected with WNV either show no symptoms or have very mild flu-like symptoms, called West Nile fever. WNV is an urgent issue that needs to be taken seriously in the Chicagoland area every summer.

In a collaborative effort to assist the Chicago Department of Public Health in its 2008 Public Education and Community Outreach Campaign, the Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) will be distributing brochures and magnets to the public at DOE outreach events this summer. Examples include rain barrel distribution and blue cart recycling events. To ensure that information gets to as many people as possible, DOE welcomes the assistance of interested C3 leaders and trainees that can help distribute information to members of their community or neighborhoods.

If you are interested in assisting, please contact Jerry Attere at 312-744-9136 or jerry.attere@cityofchicago.org to receive brochures and magnets for distribution.

For more information on WNV, go to the Chicago Department of Public Health’s webpage that can be found under the City Departments link at www.cityofchicago.org and look for the West Nile Virus information under the Infectious Disease link.

Department of Environment News and Opportunities - June 2008
- June 7: Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility Open
- June 9-11: NeoCon at Merchandise Mart
- June 13: Bike to Work Day Rally
- June 21: Environmental Resource Event at U.S. Cellular Field
- June 30: Registration Deadline for Solar PowerUp! for Kids
- Alert: Protect yourself and your family from West Nile Virus

Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility Open
- Saturday, June 7, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- 1150 N. North Branch St.

Celebrate summer by ridding your home of unwanted chemicals, paints, and computers. Bring in your old computers, monitors, cell phones and household chemicals this Saturday to the City’s permanent facility at 1150 N. North Branch St., 2 blocks east of the Kennedy at Division St. for proper recycling and disposal. For a complete list of accepted materials, visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment and click on “Household Chemicals & Computer Recycling Facility” on the right-hand column.

NeoCon
- Monday June 9 - Wednesday June 11 at the Merchandise Mart
- Hours: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

At NeoCon® World’s Trade Fair, discover thousands of innovative products and resources for corporate hospitality, healthcare, retail, government, institutional and residential interiors from more than 1,200 showrooms and exhibitors. Stop by the Chicago Center for Green Technology’s booth to learn about their programs and check out green product samples. For more information on NeoCon, visit www.neocon.com.

Bike to Work Day Rally
- Friday, June 13, 7:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
- Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

Riding your bike can help displace more than 238 million gallons of gasoline annually and reduce the amount of volatile pollutants, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide, released by vehicle emissions. Choose the healthy alternative and become a bike commuter. The Bike to Work Day Rally challenges commuters to put down the keys, step off the bus and bike their way to work! Join fellow cyclists, local media celebrities, live bands and the City of Chicago at Daley Plaza for a day full of activities from 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Cyclists will enjoy live music and receive a free continental breakfast and T-shirt while supplies last. For more information, visit www.bikechicago.us or call (312) 744-3315.

Environmental Resource Event
- Saturday, June 21, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- U.S. Cellular Field, 333 W. 35th St.

Be Safe at Home: Exchange household hazards for environmental resources. Participate in the Department of Environment’s second Environmental Resource Event of the year. Take this opportunity to:
- properly dispose of your household hazardous waste
- recycle your old computers, monitors, laptops and cell phones
- keep medicines out of our water system by bringing them for proper disposal
- pick up a free compact fluorescent light bulb (limit one per household)
- drop off your old gas-powered lawn mower and receive a $100 rebate towards an electric or push mower
- reduce your landfill waste by purchasing a $30 outdoor compost bin and reuse rain water by investing in a $40 rain barrel (both are available to Chicago residents only, must pay with check or money order, limit 1 per household)

Questions? Call the Chicago Department of Environment at (312) 744-7606.

Chicago Solar Powerup! For Kids
- Session 1: July 14- 18; Session 2: July 21-25. Hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
- Registration ends June 30

The Chicago Center for Green Technology wants future scientists, engineers, and designers for the 3rd annual Chicago Solar Powerup! Solar Powerup gives students ages 9-11 the opportunity to design, build, and race model solar cars while learning about renewable energy sources. Students are give instructions in various design factors and then work in teams to build their car. Following testing, these workshops culminate in a series of one-on-one races in a tournament on Daley Plaza on Wednesday, July 30, to determine champions.

Please note: Registration is limited to 20 students per session and will be admitted on a first come, first serve basis. Spots may only be reserved by the receipt of payment ($75, check only) no later than 2 weeks prior to the first class. Before mailing in payment, please call (312) 746-4155 for availability. Limited scholarships are available.

Alert: Protect Yourself and Your Family from West Nile Virus

This information bulletin is an advisory to assist members of the public in taking precautions to minimize their risk of exposure to the West Nile Virus (WNV). WNV infection is an illness conveyed to humans primarily by mosquitoes. In most cases, people infected with WNV either show no symptoms or have very mild flu-like symptoms, called West Nile fever. WNV is an urgent issue that needs to be taken seriously in the Chicagoland area every summer. Since WNV can affect anyone, we ask that the following steps be taken to prevent or minimize any chance of mosquito bites:

Get rid of sources of stagnant or standing water in your backyard or neighborhood, as mosquitoes can reproduce in standing water that exists for more than 4 days.

- Call 3-1-1 immediately to report any stagnant or standing water than needs to be removed - it is important to provide the location and number of days that the water has been there.
- Protect your skin by wearing protective clothing such as long pants, shirts with sleeves, and socks.
- Use insect repellants containing the active ingredient DEET (chemical name, N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide). Products containing DEET are available in various liquids, lotions, and sprays and do not present a health concern as long as the product labels are read and directions are followed. DEET has been approved for use by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA).
- For more information, go to the Chicago Department of Public Health’s webpage that can be found under the City Departments link at www.cityofchicago.org and look for the West Nile Virus information under the Infectious Disease link.

Department of Environment News and Opportunities - May 2008
- May 10: Smart Home Green + Wired
- May 10: Green Your Closets and Drawers
- May 15: Daley Plaza Farmers Market
- May 17: Clean and Green
- May 17-18: Green Festival
- May 17-18: Great Chicago Places and Spaces Tour

Smart Home Green + Wired
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- Museum of Science and Industry, 57th St. and Lake Shore Drive

Check out the Museum of Science and Industry’s 3-story modular sustainable home, learn about the Chicago Green Home Remodeling Series and pick up a free compact fluorescent light bulb, while supplies last. For more information on the Smart Home Green + Wired, visit www.msichicago.org.

Green Your Closet and Drawers
- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Donations accepted at: Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd.; North Park Village Nature Center, 5801 N. Pulaski Rd.; St. Ailbe’s Church, 93rd and Stony Island.

Bring in your used clothes and eyeglasses to be reused by the Lion’s Club and the Salvation Army and receive a green gift, available while supplies last.

Daley Plaza Farmer’s Market
- Thursday, May 15, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.

Fill your produce bags with fresh fruits and vegetables at the first Daley Plaza Farmers Market of the season. For more information, visit www.chicagofarmersmarkets.us

Green Festival
- Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18
- Navy Pier

Come celebrate what’s working in our communities, hear from environmental speakers and check out vendors for the latest in the green movement. Visit the Chicago Department of Environment exhibit to learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint. For more information, visit www.greenfestivals.org.

Great Chicago Places and Spaces Tour
- Saturday, May 17 - Sunday, May 18
- Locations throughout Chicago

Come explore Chicago’s rich heritage in architecture and design during the 10th Annual Great Chicago Places and Spaces celebration. This is a weekend dedicated to architecture and design that offers more than 200 free tours of Chicago and it’s neighborhoods given by prominent architecture, design specialists and community leaders. Most walking tours are outside, please dress accordingly. For more information, visit www.greatchicagoplaces.us.

Mayor Daley’s Clean and Green
- Saturday, May 17
- Locations throughout Chicago

Community groups throughout Chicago can make an immediate difference in their neighborhood by volunteering for Mayor Daley’s Spring Clean & Green Day. For the past 20 years, Chicagoans like yourself have teamed up with community groups and the City of Chicago to help beautify your communities by cleaning up and recycling accumulated litter and trash. The City provides materials. For more information or to register, call 3-1-1.

On behalf of C3 Leader, Sharon Rolek:
Here is another wonderful contact (for CUE: Catholics United for the Environment, and others). Although this event is one of the days of the Green Festival at Navy Pier, you may still be interested. The exact address of the church is 2453 Oak Street, Blue Island 60406, with directions that say “just south and west of intersection of 127th Street and Western Avenue.”

Dear Friends,

I am writing to remind you about the Sunday, May 18 day of prayer for the Healing of the Earth. We are holding this day of prayer at St. Joseph and St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church, on the corner of Greenwood and Oak in Blue Island. The day will begin with a special Mass for the Healing of the Earth at St. Joseph/ St. Aidan’s. We will hold the same service, and a blessing of the Community Garden at St. Clement’s in Harvey.

At 4:00 pm, we will have invited local gardeners and environmental activists to share their thoughts and prayers at St. J and A in Blue Island. We will then walk down to the Cal-Sag Channel to participate in a ritual of prayer and spiritual healing for all the lakes and rivers, air and land in our nation.

We are holding our day of prayer in partnership with the Gardens of Forgiveness, a peace and justice program begun in the wake of 9/11 at New York City’s St. Paul’s Chapel. As part of the service, we will bless the gardens here in our area.

Please feel free to be with us for any of the events on May 18. Please call if you if you would like to volunteer to play a role in the 4:00 service. Our prayers and music for the afternoon service come from the Celtic and Native American Christian tradition.

The Rev. Rod Reinhart
Rector of St. Clement’s Episcopal Church
Harvey IL
Vicar of St. Joseph and St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church
Blue Island IL

Host of FAITH ON THE FRONT LINE
Chicago State University CSU-TV
Diocese of Chicago

2508 Walnut
Blue Island IL 60406
708-528-9862
708-389-0733
revrod@comcast.net

From Shelli Carol, a student at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago:

This quarter, a group of entrepreneurial students, including myself, are working on a business that would allow average homeowners to cleanly, quietly, and easily keep organic, egg-laying chickens in their backyards.

I believe that CCC may be a group particularly interested in this kind of product. Please consider taking our 10-minute survey about it. Click here for survey

If you find the survey interesting, we would certainly appreciate your forwarding it to whomever else you think might find it interesting, and encouraging them to do the same.

Everyone can also feel free to contact me directly with any questions. Thank you for your consideration.

Hello everyone,

As most of you know, I help hotels reduce their environmental impact.

The Renaissance is remodeling and needs to remove 500+ armoires and 700+ night stands from their property. They have worked with the Dept of Housing and have donated 100 pieces of furniture, but they still have a great deal left.

Night stand dimensions: 22″ wide by 22″ deep by 20′’ tall
Armoire dimensions: 42.5″ wide by 22.5″ deep by 84″ tall.
Please note that the armoires are very heavy.

If you are interested in a nice armoire(s) or night stand(s) (see pics at www.flickr.com/photos/25103858@N07/sets/72157604830777461), call Terry Hart, the Director of Engineering, at (312) 795-3352 to set up a pick up date.

Please pass this offer to any parties you think would be interested. It would be optimal if these didn’t end up in the landfill.

Thanks,
Hanh Pham, C3 Trainee, Spring 2008

How green is your workplace? The 2008 Bicycle Commuter Challenge is now open to all companies who want to compete to be the most environmentally friendly company in Chicagoland. Sign up now at www.biketraffic.org/commuterchallenge.

Companies competing in the Bicycle Commuter Challenge strive to earn the highest percentage of employees biking for part or all of their trip to work during Bike to Work Week, June 7-13, hosted by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

“Bicycle commuting transforms the atmosphere at work – it boosts the health and energy of employees, encourages team spirit, lowers costs, and builds the organization’s reputation for being green,” said Rob Sadowsky, executive director of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation.

For organizations and companies raring up to compete in the annual Challenge, designated Team Leaders get their office excited about commuting by bike. They recruit co-workers, track team-members’ biking trips, and offer tips on making bicycle commuting easy and fun.

Plus, team leaders distribute discount member cards to participating employees, which provide Bicycle Commuter Challenge participants the same discounts as Chicagoland Bicycle Federation members from May-July.

Participants can bike for all or part of their trip to work. They can also stop for a quick snack and tune up at Bicycle Commuter Stations located around Chicago and at suburban Metra stations.

Teams face off against companies of similar size and type, i.e. public agency, business, non-profit and bicycling-related business. Winning Bicycle Commuter Challenge teams receive fabulous prizes and are honored at a luncheon.

“Public esteem is a big incentive in this competition. It’s a sign of the vitality and vision of the organization when employees compete for health instead of parking spots,” Sadowsky said.

Register your company or organization at www.biketraffic.org/commuterchallenge or by calling (312) 427-3325. Individuals can also register in the Commuter Challenge.

Learn how to ride safely and comfortably to work at www.biketraffic.org/commute.

DePaul University’s Institute for Nature and Culture is hosting an Earth Day event featuring artist Frances Whitehead, architect P.K. “Trish” VanderBeke and artist John Arndt. These three Chicagoans will present their provocative, creative work at the intersection of nature and culture. For more information, contact: Lauren Umek at 773-325-4639 or mailto:lumek@depaul.edu

Thursday, April 24th - 7pm
DePaul University Art Museum
(2350 N. Kenmore Ave, library entrance)

Call for volunteers
- March 27: Resource Center Fundraiser
- April 22: Logan Square Earth Day

Events and opportunities
- March 15: Chicago Green Homes Fair
- March 17: Rogers Park Green Corps ‘Greening Your Home’ Workshop
- March 29: Earth Hour
________________________________________________________________________

Resource Center Fundraiser
- Thursday, March 27 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Caro d’Offay Gallery, 2204 W. North Avenue

The Resource Center is looking for volunteers for its March 27th Fundraiser. The fundraiser will be a cocktail hour/art installation and mingling event. Volunteers are needed for various tasks including front door check-in, food/bar, runner, set-up, and tear-down. If you are interested in lending a hand, email C3 Leader, Emily Rothenberg at recyclingpledge@gmail.com or call (312) 404-0716.

Logan Square Earth Day
- Tuesday, April 22

C3 Teacher, Jaime Yuhas of Kelvyn Park High School is organizing an Earth Day Festival in Logan Square and needs your help advertising (through English and/or Spanish outlets); brainstorming and reaching out to get booths for the festival; and participating on the day of the event (i.e. staffing a table for C3). Please email Jaime at jaime.yuhas@gmail.com if you would like to help or get more information.
________________________________________________________________________

Chicago Green Homes Fair
- Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd.

Come explore how you can create a more environmentally-friendly home for you and your family. Whether you’re planning to remodel or just want to learn what’s new on the green building scene, spend some time meeting vendors and retailers with sustainable products to help you make a greener home. To learn more about green remodeling, attend one of our free classes offered that day:

Historic Chicago Greystone Initiative: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. Learn to make your historic greystone more energy efficient, address indoor air quality and other health issues, and how to incorporate sustainable building materials into home improvement projects.

Green Home Remodeling Guides - An Overview: 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. This series of guides offers information on how to hire green professionals, paint and remodel kitchens, baths & laundry rooms, and how to salvage and reuse materials. This seminar is for the homeowner looking to create an environmentally-friendly remodel.

For more information on the Fair or other classes offered, call (312) 746-9642 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/Environment. Admission is free and guided tours of the Chicago Center for Green Technology will occur throughout the day.

Rogers Park Green Corps presents Why Green Matters: Simple Things You Can Do to Green Your Home
- Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
- Loyola Park Fieldhouse 2nd Floor, 1230 W. Greenleaf at the Lake

Save money and go green! Affordable do-it-yourself ways to green your home and an introduction to the products available for homeowners and renters alike. This workshop is co-presented by C3 Trainee and Green Corps Action Team member Dane Watkins and Claudia Regojo, owner of Greenmaker Supply.

Earth Hour
- Saturday, March 29, 8:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Chicago and other worldwide cities are participating

On Saturday, March 29, turn out your lights to show your support and commitment toward taking action to combat climate change. Earth Hour started in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and this year cities across the globe, such as Tel Aviv, Bangkok and Copenhagen, are taking action. Join Chicago area residents, businesses, and organizations as they flip the switch. Enjoy the skyline as never before when skyscrapers, landmarks and shops along Michigan Avenue go dark. For more information on Earth Hour, visit www.earthhour.org.

Education and fashion unite to promote a smarter, greener future for Chicago

What: Pivot, Chicago’s first eco-boutique, hosts an open house event to benefit the Academy for Global Citizenship, a new Chicago Public Contract School on the Southwest Side. Opening for Kindergarten and First Grade students in August 2008, the school aims to be a national model for sustainable education by empowering all children to become active world citizens. It will be the only Chicago Public School with a core mission to incorporate environmental and international mindedness into all aspects of their innovative curriculum design.

Five of the school’s sustainability and wellness initiatives will be highlighted at the Pivot event, including an organic garden, solar energy installation, yoga, nutrition education, healthy breakfast and lunch. Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about sustainability and how to support the school’s initiatives. 15% of the evening’s sales will also be donated to the school.

When: Wednesday, February 27, 6 pm to 9 pm
RSVP: pivot@pivotboutique.com or 312.243.4754

Where: Pivot, 1101 West Fulton Market (corner of Fulton Market & Aberdeen)

Kevin Walsh of Chicago Peak Oil recommends The Story of Stuff, calling it “a great animated movie, which can be downloaded for free, that shows the story of resources from extraction, production, distribution, consumption to disposal.”

Chicago Food Policy Advisory Council will host it’s third annual Summit on March 18th at the Chicago Cultural Center. Expect a full day of expert panels, working groups, networking, and a delicious lunch using local and organic ingredients. Discussion areas include: food access, economic and environmental sustainability, local foods procurement, fitness and community health. The Council is a wide open community of food lovers and food activists working on all dimensions of food access and food quality in Chicago. Suggested donation for the day is (just!) $20. Please join us!

Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture says Permaculture is a creative and artful way of living, where people and nature are both preserved and enhanced by thoughtful planning, the careful use of resources, mimicking the patterns found in nature (bio-mimicry) and a respectful approach to life. Thus embraced, these attributes create an environment where all may thrive for untold generations.

An Introductory Seminar is coming up here in Chicago:

Saturday, March 29th - 2:00- 5:00 p.m.
Hosted By: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
1246 West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Chicago

Fee: $50 Door -or- $35 with Pre-registration (by March 26, 2008)
To Register - Call Yoga Center: 773-878-7771 (MC/Visa)
You may call or email the center if you have questions.
The Sivananda Yoga Center is in the early stages of creating a permaculture design for their urban location.

Evening Meal and Discussion 5:30 - 8:00
Topic: Spirituality and Permaculture - Exploring the Connection?
Stay into the evening for an open discussion. Share your thoughts.
Suggested Donation for Dinner and Talk: $20

The full 8-day Design Course will follow, in Wisconsin, in May. I’m personally familiar with one of the three course instructors and am looking forward to the Seminar and the Design Course.

From our friends at the Southeast Environmental Task Force:

Recycling: Why? and How?

Join us for our first monthly Environmental Workshop!
This month the topic is RECYCLING. Learn why it is important to recycle and how to recycle most affectively. There will be speakers from the Chicago Department of Environment and the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation; Sharon Rolek, Chicago Conservation Corp Leader will also present her expertise in the area. If you are already a recycler then this is an opportunity for you to ask questions about the process. Be sure that you are recycling in the most effective way possible.

The workshop will take place at:
Southeast Environmental Task Force Office
13300 S. Baltimore
Chicago, IL 60633
Date: Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm

For more information call Jessica Cañas at 773-646-0436

Illinois Rain Garden Initiative
The Illinois Rain Garden Initiative is designed to empower students and communities to confront local flooding concerns, restore native Illinois prairie habitats, and learn about green solutions to storm water management. The Lieutenant Governor’s Office will award 22 grants of $500 each to plant rain gardens. Eligible organizations include public institutions, non-profit groups and schools. * Applications are due February 29.*

http://www.standingupforillinois.org/cleanwater/rg_index.php

Playbook for Green Buildings and Neighborhoods
The Playbook, a web-based resource, provides strategies, tips, and tools that cities and counties can use to take immediate action on climate change through green building, green neighborhoods, and sustainable infrastructure. The Playbook is designed both for communities that are considering making the first steps toward these, and for those who want to take existing efforts to a new level.

http://www.greenplaybook.org/

Illinois Recycling Grants Program
The Illinois Recycling Grants Program helps communities, businesses, and not-for-profit organizations collect and process materials for recycling through both, technical and financial assistance.

http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Recycling/irgp.htm

Illinois Zero Waste Schools Grant Program
The Illinois Zero Waste Schools Grant Program is a funding opportunity for K-12 Illinois schools to implement or expand recycling and waste reduction programs. The purpose of the grant is to assist Illinois schools in achieving zero waste status, thus increasing the amount of solid waste diverted from Illinois landfills. Zero Waste Schools Grant funds may be used to purchase project-related capital equipment such as collection containers, reusable cafeteria utensils, and erasable classroom slates. * **Applications
are due February 15.*

http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Education/ISTEP_Zero_Waste_Schools.htm

Recycling Expansion and Modernization (REM) Program
The REM Program awards matching grants to Illinois organizations and businesses to accomplish recycling market expansion and waste reduction goals, while demonstrating public economic benefits. * **Proposals are reviewed on a rolling basis.*

http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Recycling/Grants/REM_Program.htm

Pro Bono Green Purchasing Assistance from RPN
The Responsible Purchasing Network, at the Center for a New American Dream, is offering pro bono assistance to five state and local governments committed to harnessing institutional procurement as a means of reducing waste, achieving greenhouse gas emissions goals, limiting toxic and hazardous substances, and improving community health. * **Proposals are due March 10*.

http://www.responsiblepurchasing.org/news/news_detail.php?config%5br311%5d%5binstance_uid%5d=92

Attend the Community Bike Programs Forum Saturday, Feb. 9, 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave. The forum will introduce many different types of existing and possible future bicycle programs based in communities and supportive resources in Chicagoland.

The forum presentation is by the Chicagoland Consortium to Support Community Bike Programs and West Town Bikes.

For more information or to RSVP please email sarahm@westtownbikes.org or call Keith at 312-427-3325 ext. 244. Download the flier at http://www.biketraffic.org/docs/pdf/community_bike_programs_forum_flier.pdf