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What Happens When Artists and Climate Scientists Meet?

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What Happens When Artists and Climate Scientists Meet?

Third Coast Disrupted: Artists + Scientists on Climate is an exhibition of new artworks culminating a yearlong conversation between artists and scientists centered on climate change impacts and solutions in the Chicago region.

Through science-inspired sculpture, painting, collage and more, the artworks examine local impact—happening here and now—ranging from extreme heat to flooding to habitat loss and more. They also shine light on local solutions underway, like “cool roofs,” nature-based approaches to slowing stormwater, and backyard habitat restoration. Some imagine future possibilities.

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Treading Toward Equity: A Conversation with Ana Garcia Doyle

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Treading Toward Equity: A Conversation with Ana Garcia Doyle

"Those who have fewer resources often take the brunt of environmental degradation and pollution, but their voices and faces are now being heard and understood and seen. At long last, people are recognizing that the crucial focus of our environmental movement cannot be LED bulbs and recycling but breathable air and drinkable water. What we say about the environment must be placed in a context of justice, of anti-racism. The environmental movement in its best and broadest sense is about justice."

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Slipping on the Climate Crisis While Contending with the Covid Crisis

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Slipping on the Climate Crisis While Contending with the Covid Crisis

A few weeks after much of the world locked down to slow the spread of the coronavirus, the environmental picture looked pretty rosy. Automobile traffic plummeted, causing a big drop in emissions, and images from NASA showed a dramatic drop in air pollution.

For environmentalists everywhere, this was good news. Sadly, it was too good to last.

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Prevent Flooding: How to Make Your Home and Garden 'Rain-Ready'

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Prevent Flooding: How to Make Your Home and Garden 'Rain-Ready'

No, it’s not your imagination. The Chicago area is being lashed by heavier rains more often than in the past. On average, today’s rain storms are 37% more powerful than they were in 1958.

Many homes in the Chicago area take on water in the basement. Unless there is sewer backup, much of the problem is seepage from over-saturated soil near the foundation or rainwater that finds other ways into a home.

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Invest 1 Hour to Save Money & Energy All Year Long

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Invest 1 Hour to Save Money & Energy All Year Long

What if someone told you they would give you over $100 worth of LED light bulbs, install them without charge, each bulb would last 22 years, and this would save you over $100 annually on your electric bill, as well as 900 kilowatt hours of electricity each year?

You would say, “I’ll take it.” Right?

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Park District Will Get $100,000 IF 1,000 Residents Take Sustainability Pledge

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Park District Will Get $100,000 IF 1,000 Residents Take Sustainability Pledge

Green Mountain Energy (GME) Sun Club is partnering with the Park District of Oak Park to provide $100,000 for solar panels, rain harvesting, tea composting and bees at the Oak Park Conservatory.

To secure these funds, the Park District needs your help. Click on the link below to identify actions you and your family will take to help make our community more sustainable and contribute to the overall health of Mother Earth.

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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!

Chicago Joins National March for the Ocean

Chicago Joins National March for the Ocean

During the weekend following World Oceans Day on Friday, June 8, over 140 organizations, including the local Illinois Ocean Coalition, are converging across the country to “March for the Ocean,” to highlight the importance of clean water in our rivers, lakes, and oceans.

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Take Action for Clean Air, Public Transit, and Wildlife

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Take Action for Clean Air, Public Transit, and Wildlife

Since 1975, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has promoted sound environmental laws and policies in Illinois. More than 80 affiliate organizations across the state collaborate through the IEC to create policies that protect Illinois’ air, water, and natural areas. IEC is the only organization that provides regular updates on the issues affecting the environment at the state level. We encourage Green Community Connections readers to sign up for the updates at the IEC website: https://ilenviro.org

Montel the Sea Turtle Survives Hurricane Irma

Montel the Sea Turtle Survives Hurricane Irma

You may remember a story we told you in May, about a 170-pound green sea turtle named Montel. He was the victim of a series of accidents involving a fishing line, a shark, and boat before he was rescued by The Turtle Hospital in Marathon, Florida. Missing his front left flipper, part of his front right flipper, and his right eye, Montel soldiered on after treatment but was never released because his chance of survival in the ocean was minimal.