Join us! One Earth launches its 13th festival season by sharing reel stories that speak to the real change we can make for our planet when we're united together.

• Enjoy the beautiful, state-of-the art LEED Platinum Radio Flyer worldwide headquarters (a Certified B Corporation)

• Chance to watch the Emmy-winning short film "Taking Flight"

• Enjoy a toast from the amazing filmmakers behind the 2024 One Earth Film Fest film lineup

• See the Young Filmmakers Contest post-graduate winning film “My Brand New Car” as part of a short program beginning promptly at 7 p.m.

• Enter the raffle to win a Radio Flyer Electric Bicycle and other terrific, sustainable prizes

Scholarship and financial assistance awarded to enrolled students and community members with hardship. Applicants can email natasha@oneearthcollective.org to be added to the wait list.

*Please consider taking CTA or carpooling to this event. The closest Metra stop is Mars on the Milwaukee District West Line. Busses run along Grand Ave. and Fullerton Ave. #65 stops close by, for instance. For carpoolers and drivers, Radio Flyer has ample parking space available upon entering the front gate located on Natchez.

In Person Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-earth-film-fest-opening-launch-party-radio-flyer-headquarters-tickets-861884007267

Virtual Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/one-earth-film-fest-opening-launch-party-virtual-event-tickets-862522246257

Do you seek to understand the impacts of climate change on our community? Do you worry about your family's or community's health in the face of increased flooding, heat, air pollution, etc.?

We invite you to a free presentation on February 27 (6-7:30 pm via Zoom) "Climate Change on Chicago's Greater West Side: Floods, Air Pollution, Extreme Heat & More." 

Our presenter is University of Michigan-based climatologist, Omar Gates, who will help us understand how climate change is already impacting us, how it will impact us in the future, and how we can adapt to our new reality.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE: bit.ly/gws-climatechange

From the Village of Oak Park:

Learn from experts about designing for greater building energy performance—and the financial and technical assistance programs offered for commercial and residential new construction and major renovations. All are welcome!

This workshop is for anyone interested in transitioning their building away from natural gas, and towards a fully electrified building.

Event Details:

• Oak Park examples of all-electric building renovations and construction

• Com Ed's Electric Homes, Affordable Housing, and Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency programs

• Technical assistance from the Illinois Green Building Hub

• Financing projects using the C-PACE program

Register: https://www.sustainoakpark.com/event-details/pathways-to-creating-an-all-electric-building/form

From the Village of Oak Park:

Learn from experts about designing for greater building energy performance—and the financial and technical assistance programs offered for commercial and residential new construction and major renovations. All are welcome!

This workshop is for anyone interested in transitioning their building away from natural gas, and towards a fully electrified building.

Register: https://www.sustainoakpark.com/event-details/pathways-to-creating-an-all-electric-building/form

From One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest:

The Earth needs a makeover and these young filmmakers will provide their tips on the best ways to improve the health of the planet. Adam Joel of Aggressively Compassionate will host the Global Contest Awards Celebration, where you can meet these young filmmakers in person or online and see their extraordinary films.

• Film details forthcoming

• Doors open 11 a.m. for check-in/registration

• Program begins promptly at 11:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time

• Program ends 1 p.m. Central Daylight Time

• Free popcorn

• Free beverage

Register in person: https://oneearthyfcawardsinperson.eventbrite.com

Register online: https://oneearthyfcawardsvirtual.eventbrite.com

Since 2013, the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest has awarded over 100 prizes to short environmental films from youth age 25 down to 3rd grade. A jury of 31 environmental and film professionals selected the final, top films from among 403 submissions around the world in this first year as a global, rather than national contest. Each film is 1 to 8 minutes long and ranges from animation to live action to documentary.

Thank you to our illustrious jury: Deborah Adelman, Felice Bassuk, Amy Brinkman, Kathleen Brennan, Laurie Casey, Hussain Currimbhoy, Lisa Daleiden-Brugman, Steve Cohen, Layla Dade, Mary Ford, Sophia Fowler, Monica Fox, Paula Froehle, Bill Gee, Jim Gill, Kathryn Hempel, Patrick Thomas Keen, Adrija Kundu, Angelo Lavel, William Kim Lyons, Jennifer Maiotti, Jonathan Moeller, Julie Moller, Elaine Petkovsek, James Rohn, Vicky Solano, Jessie Wahlers, Karen Weigert, Risé Sanders-Weir, Marc Wellin, and Gary Wilson.

From Oak Park Public Library:

Come join Citizens Utility Board (CUB) as they dive into ways renters and homeowners can access energy efficiency and cost saving programs. During this presentation, you will learn about building decarbonization, the benefits of building electrification. You'll also hear about new tax credits and rebates available for the purchase of heat pumps and induction stoves as well as other free programs designed to save you energy and money! This event is being co-hosted with the Village of Oak Park.

Register: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/home-decarbonization-101-smart-home-energy-improvements-and-programs

Green Landscape Technology (GLT) Working Group + C4 Community Resilience planning initiative:

Environmental impacts of gas-powered landscape technology (lawn mowers, leaf blowers, etc.) include the following equivalent: “One hour of lawn mower use is equal to driving a typical mid-size car 300 miles, while using a leaf blower for one hour is the same as driving 1100 miles.”

A Green Landscape Technology Virtual Town Hall will take place Thursday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. CDT, online virtually. This event is brought to you by Green Landscape Technology (GLT) Working Group in collaboration with C4 Community Resilience planning initiative (area residents are asked to fill out the survey below).

Register: https://www.bigmarker.com/urban-efficiency-group-llc/Test-Webinar-Electrifying-the-Landscape-Industry?show_live_page=true

From Oak Park Public Library:

Learn about the benefits of EVs and find out how some common myths about EVs are not telling the full story. The Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability's Community Outreach Coordinator Kate Carney will discuss the basics of electric vehicles (EV). A Q&A session will follow. 

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/event/virtual-sustainability-home-basics-and-benefits-electric-vehicles

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

The electric car has come of age and is no longer for the early adopter. Electric vehicles are a key component in the fight against climate change. Now, federal and state programs are making them a more accessible option for consumers. Join us for a free Lunch & Learn webinar as we discuss the basics of electric vehicles, what tools and options consumers have to make the shift, as well as understanding the new tax rebates, incentives and other benefits.

Register here: https://fpdcc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtde-sqD4jGdVYU5x7z5x982hDKzgOrg_L.

IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY for INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

From One Earth Film Fest:

Tickets in person at Pilot Project Brewing: https://powerlandspilot.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CST
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, find best seats and get refreshments.
VIEW & BREW [North]
Pilot Project Brewing
2140 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL
Admission $25 includes an award-winning film, One Earth Film Fest-curated programming, one beverage, and a popcorn bar with fun toppings. Tickets required, seating is limited.
(A special creative menu with healthy, delicious fare and assorted beverages will be available to purchase separately.)

Tickets in person at Oak Park Public Library: https://powerlandsoakparklibrary.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St., Veterans’ Room
Oak Park, IL [W Suburbs]
Doors open 30 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Tickets virtually: https://powerlandsvirtual.eventbrite.com

VIRTUAL: Wednesday, March 8, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Central Standard Time

Tickets available to North American viewers only. Virtual watch party “doors” open 15 minutes before start time.

Ivey Camille Manybeads Tso/2022/77 min/Energy, Environmental & Social Justice, People & Culture, Historical Perspectives

CHICAGO-AREA PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: A young Navajo filmmaker investigates displacement of Indigenous people and devastation of the environment caused by the same chemical companies that have exploited the land where she was born. On this personal and political journey she learns from Indigenous activists across three continents.

AWARDS: 1) 2022 Rigoberta Menchú Grand. 2) 2022 Best Feature, American Documentary & Animation Film Festival (AmDocs). 3) Red Nation International Film Festival. 4) Best Feature, American Indian Film Festival. 5) Best Director/Inspiration Award, Fist Up Film Festival. 6) Best Cinematography, Tacoma Film Festival. 7) Best Environmental Film, Arizona International Film Festival.

"PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language.

Post-film discussion will be streamed to virtual watch party and in person to Pilot Project Brewing and Oak Park Library.

Facilitator:

• Reesheda Graham Washington, Principal, RGW Consulting & The Blackberry Collection

Panelist:

• Ivey-Camille Manybeads Tso, Director Powerlands

The 6-minute film “Vandals” by Suzie Kang, April Chang, and Emily Wong will screen prior to the feature film. “Vandals” won the top post-grad prize in the 2020 One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.

IN PERSON AND VIRTUALLY

From One Earth Film Fest:

Tickets in person at Southeast Environmental Task Force: https://noclimatewastelandsetf.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 to 8:45 p.m. Central Standard Time
Southeast Environmental Task Force
13300 S. Baltimore Ave., Chicago,IL [South]

Doors open 60 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, visit with action partners, and get best seats. Refreshments available for purchase. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Tickets in person at McKinley Park Fieldhouse: https://noclimatesheddmckinley.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Central Standard Time
McKinley Park Fieldhouse, 2210 W. Pershing Rd., Chicago [South]
The entrance to the building is located on the opposite side from the parking lot, on the north side, facing into the park. Doors open 60 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, enjoy refreshments, and get best seats. ADA compliant accessible venue. A collaboration of Shedd Aquarium in partnership with Chicago Park District's McKinley Park.

Tickets in person at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church: https://wastelandgoodshepherd.eventbrite.com

IN PERSON: Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Central Standard Time
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church
611 Randolph St., Oak Park, IL [W Suburbs]

Doors open 60 minutes before start time. Arrive early to avoid lines, check in/register, get best seats, and peruse a Green Home Fair focused on food/gardening and affordable/clean home energy in the basement along with refreshments. A collaboration with Oak Park Climate Action Network. ADA compliant accessible venue.

Entrance for those not wishing to use stairs is on NW corner of building. Elevator from entrance to the basement for the Green Fair or to the Sanctuary for the film. A seamless t-coil system transmits signals directly from the microphone to a hearing aid. Please see an on-site volunteer for assistance.

Tickets virtually: https://wastelandnoclimatevirtual.eventbrite.com

VIRTUAL: Tuesday, March 7, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Central Standard Time

Virtual watch party “doors” open 15 minutes before start time.

NO CLIMATE.NO EQUITY. NO DEAL.

Fenell Doremus, Danny Alpert/2022/21 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Climate Change, Energy, Environmental Advocacy

FILM DESCRIPTION: This film follows the grassroots movements in Illinois that led to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. According to the Illinois Government, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts Illinois “on a path toward 100% clean energy [by 2050], invests in training a diverse workforce for the jobs of the future, institutes key ratepayer and residential customer protections, and prioritizes meaningful ethics and transparency reforms. Illinois is the first state in the Midwest to enact legislation to combat the climate crisis and build an economy for the future.” 

WASTELAND: IOWA

Elisa Cambino/2022/28 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health & Environment, Environmental Advocacy, Food & Agriculture

FILM DESCRIPTION: For more than 150 years farmers in Iowa have been raising corn & pigs and the people of Iowa have been drinking untreated water from rivers polluted with nitrogen fertilizers, pesticides and livestock excrement. In a state where Big Ag wields massive power and influence, will the residents and local officials' concerns be heard?

The 5-minute film “Take Action Against Lead” by Lion Eli Birnecker will screen before these feature films. Lion won the top middle school prize in the 2022 One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.

Teens and young adults encouraged to attend these screenings.

Post-film discussion will be streamed to virtual watch party and to in person locations at Southeast Environmental Task Force, McKinley Park and Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Facilitator for Wasteland: Iowa and No Climate. No Equity. No Deal.

Dorie Ellzey Blesoff, Consultant, Coach, Facilitator; Adjunct Faculty, Northwestern University School of Education and Social Policy

Panelists for Wasteland: Iowa:

• Elisa Gambino, Director, Wasteland Iowa

• Emma Schmit, Senior Organizer, Food & Water Watch; Film Subject, Wasteland Iowa

Intro to No Climate. No Equity. No Deal.

• Trevor Tejeda-Gervais, Producer, No Climate. No Equity. No Deal.

Panelists for No Climate. No Equity. No Deal:

• Eduardo Flores, Co-Chair, Clean Power Lake County; Film Subject, No Climate. No Equity. No Deal.

• Delmar Gillus, Chief Operating Officer, Elevate; Film Subject, No Climate. No Equity. No Deal.

• Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Chicago

VIRTUAL WATCH PARTY

From One Earth Film Fest:

Tickets vrtually: https://coalinthegroundvirtual.eventbrite.com

Lucas Sabean, Peter Hutchison/2021/82 min/Health & Environment, Energy, Historical Perspectives

MIDWEST PREMIERE. FILM DESCRIPTION: Uniquely structured upon the personal storytelling of native West Virginians, “Devil Put The Coal In The Ground” is a meditation on the suffering and devastation brought on by the coal industry and its decline. From the realities of a crumbling economy, to the ravages of the opioid epidemic, to the irreparable environmental damage and its tragic impact on human health—the film is a cautionary tale of unfettered corporate power, and an elegy to a vanishing Appalachia.

AWARDS: 1) Audience Award at The Glimmerglass Film Days. 2) 2022 Green Film Festival of San Francisco - JURY AWARD - BEST FEATURE FILM. 3) 2022 Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival - BEST OF FEST. 4) 2022 Queen City Film Festival - BEST APPALACHIAN FEATURE FILM. 5)2022 Vaasa Wildlife Film Festival - AWARD FINALIST.

"PG-13" May contain heavy themes, graphic images or language.

Virtual watch party “doors” open 15 minutes before start time.

Post-film discussion Facilitator:

• Burrell Poe, Program Director, The Goldin Institute

Panelists:

• Peter Hutchison, Director-Producer, Devil Put the Coal in the Ground

• Lucas Sabean, Director-Producer-Editor, Devil Put the Coal in the Ground

• Nancy Moldenhauer, Chair, Michigan City Sustainability Commission; Chair, Michigan City Human Rights Commission; President, Save the Dunes

From One Earth Film Fest:

Watch 3 short films that explore how communities are demanding and winning clean energy projects for the health and well-being of residents.

MIDWEST PREMIERE: El Poder del Pueblo

Ruth Santiago and Jobos Bay/2021/41 min/Energy, Environmental Justice, Health

El Poder del Pueblo features the experiences of Jobos Bay residents in southeastern Puerto Rico. Follow community members as they resist the toxic assault driven by power plants and other extractivist industries in the area. Watch Jobos Bay residents take power into their own hands and confront the environmental racism and injustice they see.

Dangerous Neighbor

Sierra Club/2021/22 min/Energy, Environmental Justice, Health

Dangerous Neighbor chronicles the battle against a polluting coal plant on the south side of Peoria, Illinois. A coalition of environmental groups, including Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Environmental Law and Policy Center, organized to push for cleanup and closure. Their lawsuit succeeded in channeling funds back into the surrounding community.

Community Power Indiana: Beyond the Line

Sam Mirpoorian/2022/3 min/Energy, Environmental Justice, Health

The city of Indianapolis is taking a bet on Clean Transportation. Through a fully bi-partisan effort, IndyGo—the Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation—created the first, and one of the largest, fully electric bus rapid transit (BRT) systems in the nation. It brings faster, more efficient transit, significant infrastructure upgrades, jobs, community benefits and cleaner air.

For general audiences.

Get Free Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-energy-revolution-3-short-films-watch-party-tickets-311862859207

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Susan Lucci, Soulful Facilitator

Panelist:

• Kyra Woods, Policy Advisor, City of Chicago

• Kady McFadden, President, McFadden Strategies, LLC

• Mabette Colon, Film Subject, "El Poder del Pueblo"

Campaign Against the Climate

Mads Ellesøe/2020/58 min/Environmental Advocacy, Historical Perspectives, Energy

FILM DESCRIPTION: The planet's largest oil companies were among the first to detect global warming. Instead of taking action, they launched a campaign that has derailed the fight against climate change. A shocking investigation uncovers what these institutions have done to impede the battle against climate change. Companies fired scientists who spoke out, and public perception was purposely manipulated. As the scale and urgency of the climate crisis are becoming undeniably clear, the impact these actions may have had on the race to save the planet is more startling than ever.

Let Us Breathe

Lizabeth Frohwein, Alisa Gao, Katie Jahns, Alexandria Wilt/15 min/2021/Environmental & Social Justice, Climate Change, Health

FILM DESCRIPTION: Follow the story of two teenagers as they go up against a serial polluter (General Iron scrap metal) moving into their already overly industrialized neighborhood in the southeast side of Chicago. Destiny and Greg show us what it's like to grow up in an area with dangerous air pollution and why they deserve better.

Created by four student filmmakers from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/campaign-against-the-climate-let-us-breathe-watch-party-tickets-255479996547

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Howard A. Learner, President & Executive Director, Environmental Law & Policy Center

Panelists:

• Gregory Miller, Film Subject, "Let Us Breathe"

• Olivia Knight, Racial Justice Initiative Manager, As You Sow

• Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director for Consumer & Corporate Engagement, Green America

From One Earth Film Fest:

On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air

Tara Eng, Kristen Harrison, Alex Klein, and Alisha Tamarchenko/2021/25 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health, Climate Change, Energy

FILM DESCRIPTION: On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air is an urgent call for justice for Philadelphia's low-income communities. After years of living on the fenceline of the east coast’s largest oil refinery and suffering from several critical health issues – including cancer, asthma, and COPD – residents have come together to stand up to CEOs and fight for their right to breathe.

The Sacrifice Zone: Life in an Industrial Wasteland

Julie Winokur/2020/32 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health, Climate Change

FILM DESCRIPTION: The Ironbound district of Newark, New Jersey, is one of the most toxic neighborhoods in the country. Maria Lopez-Nuñez, a Honduran-American resident there, is waging war for environmental justice. She is part of the Ironbound Community Corporation, one of the country's most effective environmental justice organizations. The Sacrifice Zone follows Maria as she leads a group of activists determined to break the cycle of communities impacted by environmental racism, serving as dumping grounds for our consumer society.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-fenceline-the-sacrifice-zone-watch-party-tickets-254785639707

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Natasha Percival-Rawlins, Senior Consultant, OVP Management Consulting Group Inc.
  
  Panelists:

• Julie Winokur, Director, The Sacrifice Zone

• Carol White, Film Subject, On the Fenceline

• Oboi Reed, Founder, Equiticity

• Olga Bautista, Executive Director, South East Environmental Task Force

From One Earth Film Fest:

In accordance with CDC guidelines for congregate settings, a well-fitting mask is required at this event.

On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air

Tara Eng, Kristen Harrison, Alex Klein, and Alisha Tamarchenko/2021/25 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health, Climate Change, Energy

FILM DESCRIPTION: On the Fenceline: A Fight for Clean Air is an urgent call for justice for Philadelphia's low-income communities. After years of living on the fenceline of the east coast’s largest oil refinery and suffering from several critical health issues – including cancer, asthma, and COPD – residents have come together to stand up to CEOs and fight for their right to breathe.

The Sacrifice Zone: Life in an Industrial Wasteland

Julie Winokur/2020/32 min/Environmental & Social Justice, Health, Climate Change

FILM DESCRIPTION: The Ironbound district of Newark, New Jersey, is one of the most toxic neighborhoods in the country. Maria Lopez-Nuñez, a Honduran-American resident there, is waging war for environmental justice. She is part of the Ironbound Community Corporation, one of the country's most effective environmental justice organizations. The Sacrifice Zone follows Maria as she leads a group of activists determined to break the cycle of communities impacted by environmental racism, serving as dumping grounds for our consumer society.

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/on-the-fenceline-the-sacrifice-zone-euclid-ave-united-methodist-tickets-259392519007

Post-film discussion with Facilitator:

• Natasha Percival-Rawlins, Senior Consultant, OVP Management Consulting Group Inc.
  
  Panelists:

• Julie Winokur, Director, The Sacrifice Zone

• Carol White, Film Subject, On the Fenceline

• Oboi Reed, Founder, Equiticity

• Olga Bautista, Executive Director, South East Environmental Task Force

From Center for Strategic and International Studies:

Please join CSIS on February 23 for a discussion on Sustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean Energy which aims to improve access to affordable, modern, and reliable energy, energy efficiency, and investments in energy infrastructure.

According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity demand is estimated to jump 4% this year alone. The share of the global population with access to reliable and modern electricity differs greatly across continents. According to the World Bank, less than half (46.75%) of the population in Sub-Saharan Africa has access to electricity. In many parts of the developing world, energy supply can sometimes be unreliable and costly. The necessary infrastructure to support an efficient energy grid can be expensive, and countries may lack the political will or public funds to invest in such projects. Inefficient energy sources can stymie economic growth and disrupt daily life. Global energy efficiency, for example, can be improved to increase the rate of reliable energy consumption. Scaling up renewable energy sources as part of the global energy mix and increasing the financial flows for cleaner, low-carbon energy sources in the developing world will also be necessary to make progress on SDG #7.

There is good news—the number of people without access to electricity fell from 1.2 billion globally in 2010 to 759 million in 2019. Despite this encouraging progress, Covid-19 has worsened some of the important electricity gains made in recent years. The Covid-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of reliable and accessible electricity sources, particularly with the delivery of vaccines, ultracold storage, and broader healthcare infrastructure. The most recent SDG #7 report noted that the world is currently not on track to achieve SDG #7, making it especially difficult to reach its ambitious targets by the deadline of 2030 without significant global action and coordination. This event will explore how global stakeholders can accelerate progress on SDG #7 and the types of investment and coordination efforts necessary to sustainably meet growing global energy demand and increase overall accessibility.

Register here: https://csis.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N0c0-60iSKGRFHOhFs19Jw

This event is made possible by generous support from Chevron.

From the City of Chicago:

Ever want everyone to just get on the same page and make meaningful progress on the climate crisis and environmental justice? If you are a Chicago resident, here’s your chance! The City of Chicago’s Office of Sustainability invites you to contribute your ideas as it updates its Climate Action Plan. Please attend one of two virtual Climate Action Plan Town Halls on January 19 and 22 (translated in Spanish and American Sign Language). Submit your thoughts through an online or paper survey offered in five languages. You can also let the City know how you’d spend $100 to improve the livability of your neighborhood. Check out the plan’s Get Involved page to register for the town halls or do the surveys.

The City invites all residents to contribute to this collective brainstorming effort. Your ideas will help inform the final report, which is slated for publication in April. “Joining 96 cities around the world, the City of Chicago will update its Climate Action Plan to reflect the bold action needed to protect and strengthen communities—locally and globally,” announces the City’s website. There are so many benefits of this carbon reduction work, including increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice and improving community health.

With historic investments from the federal government coming in 2022, the City’s plan is to create a toolkit for residents and organizations to make the city greener, cleaner and in better health.

Register here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/climate-action-plan/home/get-involved.html

From the Forest Preserves of Cook County:

Making the transition to a sustainable and low-carbon energy future is an undeniable imperative for the United States to attain clean, affordable, reliable and sustainable energy for all. The 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change has created a strong framework for the governments to move beyond business as usual and to search for a new energy paradigm.

A panel discussion featuring industry leaders will talk about their ambitious goals and bold plans, as well as challenges and successes, to deliver a sustainable energy future that benefits both Cook County residents, the state and the planet.

Panel:

• Vito Greco, Director of Solar Programs for Elevate

• Jamie Meyers, Energy Manager for Cook County Government

• Tom Rohner, Director of Facilities and Fleets for the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Registration Required: Register at https://fpdcc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucuqvrzMrGtBE5m7YIacOaolkqNMYj9-Y.

From the City of Chicago:

Ever want everyone to just get on the same page and make meaningful progress on the climate crisis and environmental justice? If you are a Chicago resident, here’s your chance! The City of Chicago’s Office of Sustainability invites you to contribute your ideas as it updates its Climate Action Plan. Please attend one of two virtual Climate Action Plan Town Halls on January 19 and 22 (translated in Spanish and American Sign Language). Submit your thoughts through an online or paper survey offered in five languages. You can also let the City know how you’d spend $100 to improve the livability of your neighborhood. Check out the plan’s Get Involved page to register for the town halls or do the surveys.

The City invites all residents to contribute to this collective brainstorming effort. Your ideas will help inform the final report, which is slated for publication in April. “Joining 96 cities around the world, the City of Chicago will update its Climate Action Plan to reflect the bold action needed to protect and strengthen communities—locally and globally,” announces the City’s website. There are so many benefits of this carbon reduction work, including increasing household savings, advancing environmental justice and improving community health.

With historic investments from the federal government coming in 2022, the City’s plan is to create a toolkit for residents and organizations to make the city greener, cleaner and in better health.

Register here: https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/climate-action-plan/home/get-involved.html

Inspire environmental change or action through film. One Earth Film Festival seeks short, 3- to 8-minute environmental films from youth in third grade through age 25 for the Young Filmmakers Contest. Animated films of 45-seconds minimum are also accepted. Rules are more relaxed for those in grade 12 and up, and prizes have expanded. There are four $1,000 top prizes for live action, animation, creativity, and post grad categories, as well as several $500 activism awards. Deadline is Jan.5, 2022. Submission is easy on Film Freeway. Learn more here: https://www.oneearthfilmfest.org/contest-details

From Oak Park Public Library:

Virtual Green Tuesdays in the Village is an annual public educational series on current environmentally sustainable topics and issues specifically relevant to the Village of Oak Park and environs. This year’s theme, trajectory, is based on the dynamic course of sustainability through time, expressed as a function of village policy and individual choices. Our trajectory tells us how accurately we should move along an intended path, as well as what time we should be at what point along the path.

About This Session
‘State of the Environment’ is an annual report of key performance indicators and metrics concerning the state of environmental sustainability of the Village of Oak Park. This year’s report for 2021 presents Oak Park as a complex, dynamical system based on scoping, inventorying and assessing the flux and cyclic processes of energy, climate change, materials, and costs. The 2021 findings are reported relative to baseline metrics in the form of a Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory. The outcomes from this objective and independent analysis are intended to support an informed decision- and policymaking process, prioritized within the municipal budget’s allocation of finite resources.

Michael Iversen, Architect, Planner, Urban Ecologist & Educator
For the past 25 years, Michael Iversen has been actively engaged in academics (teaching, research) and practice (architecture, planning), with applied urban sustainability being the common thread. Over the course of his polymathic career, Mr. Iversen has recognized the need to rethink conceptual and operational sustainability approaches and practices. As such, his focus is on transformational change, so as to support a community’s transition to the next level of urban sustainability. Mr. Iversen is principal of Michael Roy Iversen Urban and Campus Sustainability Consultancy, as well as Adjunct Lecturer Professor with the Department of Urban Planning and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/events/virtual-green-tuesdays-village-state-environment-2021

From PlanIt Green with Seven Generations Ahead:

This session will discuss various municipal and institutional codes and policies that are being instituted in communities across the U.S. as part of climate action and sustainability planning and implementation. You’ll also learn about a recent project by Slipstream and MEEA that supports education and policy analysis related to Building Energy Stretch Codes and Building Performance Standards.

Speakers:

Katie Kaluzny, Associate Director, Illinois Green Alliance

Alison Lindburg, Senior Building Policy Manager, Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance

Jeannette LeZaks, Interim Director of Research and Innovation, Slipstream

Please click below to register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on joining the meeting.

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsd-utqj8tGNEKysRkKR2tu_T-oEXt3ZKB

From the Oak Park Library:

Virtual Green Tuesdays in the Village is an annual public educational series on current environmentally sustainable topics and issues specifically relevant to the Village of Oak Park and environs. This year’s theme, trajectory, is based on the dynamic course of sustainability through time, expressed as a function of village policy and individual choices. Our trajectory tells us how accurately we should move along an intended path, as well as what time we should be at what point along the path.

About This Session
Book author and climate researcher, Susan Subak, will be talking about her recent explorations of low carbon culture in Oak Park and surrounding suburbs. Data-driven, her findings and approach delve into the historical and cultural roots of lower emissions households and communities. In this talk, she will also discuss her recent work finding model households and institutions in Oak Park.

About Susan Subak
An Oak Park native, Susan has worked in the climate field since the late 1980s. She has a Ph.D. from the School of Environmental Science of the University of East Anglia and has worked for UEA, the Stockholm Environment Institute, the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and the US EPA. She has worked as a contract researcher for government agencies in the USA, UK, EU Commission, and the Netherlands on the subject of national greenhouse gas inventory methodologies. Her recent, award-winning book, The Five-Ton Life: Carbon, America and the Culture that May Save Us was published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2018.

Register here: https://oakpark.librarycalendar.com/events/virtual-green-tuesdays-village-climate-exemplar-next-door

From the Illinois Solar Education Association:

Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris tells his story. He is a semi-retired environmental engineer and current DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner with a passion for protecting the environment for future generations. As an environmental advocate, he sees the value of solar energy as part of an environmentally and economically viable solution to America’s energy needs. Additionally, using solar increased his awareness of how he consumes electricity. "My wife Bonnie and I have reduced electrical household demand substantially through energy efficiency and conservation measures. This means the solar equipment will supply much of what we need."

Jeff will take you through the process of going solar at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19, as well as answer any questions you may have. Join us to learn how you, too, can start your solar journey.

The webinars are free and we welcome everyone - please share the good news about solar with your friends and family.

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUude-oqzsjE9dujJrWUYH1YyI0Auh2pLuB

From Oak Park Sustainability and the Field Museum Keller Center

Join us for the first of many opportunities to understand, participate in, and take action on Climate Change and Sustainability in the Village of Oak Park.

Have you wanted to know how you can take action on climate change? Have you been curious about how your local governments are ensuring our community is sustainable and resilient as our climate changes? Want to get involved in our efforts?

This symposium will feature expert professionals and municipal staff who will talk about what climate change means to the Chicago region, and how our government organizations are preparing and supporting the community's concerns and needs. Guest speakers feature:

Elevate

Solar and wind energy expert

Energy Audits (Comed) and Retrofits

Village of Oak Park

Oak Park Park District

Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/virtualoak-park-climate-action-symposium-save-money-and-protect-the-planet-tickets-169677452829

Homeowners Discuss How to Green Your Home

Whether you’re a homeowner just starting your sustainability journey or an experienced DIYer looking for your next project, this webinar will help you find inspiration.

Register for the free webinar

Multiple homeowners will share the lower-cost projects and upgrades they’ve recently made in their Illinois homes that resulted in energy savings — making an impact for the planet and the wallet.

Examples include:

• Window & door replacement for better insulation

• Heat pump heating & cooling system install

• Solar panel install

• Energy efficient appliances

GreenBuilt Home Series: Ask the Expert

This webinar is the perfect starting point if you’re considering an all-electric upgrade for your own home.

Illinois Green Alliance invites you to our free webinar where you will hear from a panel of experts on how to best accomplish green projects in your home.

How to Prioritize Sustainability Projects for an All-Electric Home

Two homeowners share their pathway and project priorities on their journey to all-electric home retrofits.

Register for the free webinar

Illinois Green Alliance invites you to our free webinar covering how to prioritize decarbonization projects in your home and two homeowners that are part of the ComEd all-electric pilot.

Attendees will leave with tips and tools for decarbonizing and reducing your energy bill through an all-electric retrofit. Homeowner Jeff Spaulding prioritized energy efficiency in his retrofit of a Lincoln Square solid masonry 2 flat. The all-electric home was renovated to include ducted heat pump heating and cooling, induction ranges, heat pump range /hot water, and ENERGY STAR® appliances.

The result — a high performing and healthy home that saves on the energy bill and reduces overall environmental impact.

Architect Tom Bassett-Dilley is in the middle of a renovation on his own home to achieve an all-electric, net zero home. Tom will share his top projects and how he prioritized projects over the renovation period.

The program will also include a breakdown of ComEd Rebates and the new ComEd All-Electric Pilot.

With ComEd’s Energy Efficiency Program, builders of new construction single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes and 2-4 flats are eligible to receive $2000 per home in financial incentives for achieving best practice energy efficiency. Meet the Electric Homes New Construction program's energy efficiency requirements including envelope, all-electric HVAC, heat pump water heating, lighting and appliances. Learn about additional clean energy strategies like solar power, electric vehicle charging, smart homes and induction cooking. Visit ComEd.com/ElectricHomes, call 855-433-2700 or email BusinessEE@ComEd.com.

Illinois Solar Education Association presents a new webinar discussing solar for public buildings:

Join them at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 12, to learn about the processes in place for towns and municipalities to invest in solar, as well as the impact using renewable energy has had on operations. Since every installation is a little different, this presentation will feature two speakers - Daniel Hebreard, President of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, and Sarah Grammer, Normal Township Supervisor - and will be moderated by ISEA's Solar Ambassador Jeff Gahris.

Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckc-qqqzgoGdAtn3i0xAzZoWjGtsciKEVB