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Great Taste with Zero Waste: Oak Park Micro Brew Review

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Great Taste with Zero Waste: Oak Park Micro Brew Review

Did you know that the Midwest’s largest zero-waste craft beer festival happens right here in our own backyard?

The Oak Park Micro Brew Review, which started out 12 years ago as a fundraiser for local environmental non-profit Seven Generations Ahead (SGA), has grown in popularity along with the boom in craft brewing and eating locally and sustainably. With nearly 4,000 attendees, 80+ craft brewers, and dozens of vendors, the Micro Brew Review has the potential to leave a huge mess, but SGA founder and executive director Gary Cuneen and his team have developed a formula for events with great taste and zero waste.

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Momentum Grows to Eliminate Plastic Straws & Single-Use Plastics

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Momentum Grows to Eliminate Plastic Straws & Single-Use Plastics

My husband and I were at a restaurant recently and we noticed that there was a handful of paper-wrapped straws on the table. When we looked at one of these packages, we were pleasantly surprised to see that these straws were made from plants (not plastic) and that they were 100% compostable! Since there are 500 million plastic straws used and discarded every day in the United States alone, that’s very good news to see a restaurant that has made the choice to go in a different direction!

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Add a Green-Themed Activity to Your Block Party

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Add a Green-Themed Activity to Your Block Party

Planning a block party in Oak Park for July, Aug or Sept? Check out these green-themed “show & tell” activities offered by Green Community Connections and partners.

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Research Reveals Surprising Solutions for REVERSING Climate Change

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Research Reveals Surprising Solutions for REVERSING Climate Change

Understanding of the importance of reducing food waste is growing. France has recently become the first country to prohibit supermarkets from throwing away food based on its sell-by date. They are required to donate the food to a charity rather than dispose of it.

We may be a long way from mandating food donations nationally, but there is a lot that we can do in our own homes. Within the US, we are responsible in our homes for 43% of the food waste.

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Young Filmmakers Contest Will Thank Local Teachers

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Young Filmmakers Contest Will Thank Local Teachers

Local students took top prizes in the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest at the elementary and middle school levels in both 2018 and 2017. Winning films premiered at the One Earth Film Festival in March at Columbia College along with top films from across the country at high school and college levels. At that time, students were fêted with monetary prizes, certificates, T-shirts, and a reception.

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One Earth Film Fest Will Screen WALL-E at Millennium Park

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One Earth Film Fest Will Screen WALL-E at Millennium Park

Enjoy a warm breeze and the glittering lights of the city at a free, outdoor film in Chicago’s Millennium Park this summer.

One Earth Film Fest will screen the animated film “WALL-E” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 31, in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. This collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events is part of the Millennium Park Summer Film Series.

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It's Time to Plan a Green Event for Your Block Party!

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It's Time to Plan a Green Event for Your Block Party!

Spring has sprung, the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.

Host a green show & tell event at your block party to explore ways we can do our part to support Mother Nature. You can choose from one of the following topics offered by Green Community Connections and friends or design your own event.

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Sustainababble: a Podcast with a British Sense of Humor

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Sustainababble: a Podcast with a British Sense of Humor

Dave and Ol are two Brits who work for environmental charities. Each week, they digest the latest environmental news stories, speak with experts, and spout their own opinions in their 30- to 40-minute, light comedy podcast, Sustainababble, which has as its motto: “Trying to be cheery in the face of impending ecological disaster.” Blimey.

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Oak Park Earth Fest 2018

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Oak Park Earth Fest 2018

Fun for the whole family awaits at the 2018 Earth Fest, including a wide range of activities for kids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Village of Oak Park Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. Engage with more than 50 vendors and organizations who will provide hands-on activities, environmental services information, free samples and green goods for sale. Take a tour of the LEED Gold-certified Public Works facility, and check out the beehives on the building’s green roof.

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Recycling Extravaganza

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Recycling Extravaganza

This is a drive up/drop-off event to reuse/recycle items not accepted in the curbside collection. Clean out your basement, garage, and drop off items for recycling rather than sending them to landfill. The Epilepsy Foundation will be collecting clothing, shoes, and household items.

For a detailed list of accepted items and for information on the Electronic Collection Program, go here. For volunteer opportunities, contact julie@4moller.com.