GCC is BUILDing a Brighter Future for At-Risk Kids in Chicago

GCC is BUILDing a Brighter Future for At-Risk Kids in Chicago

This summer, GCC’s “I Can Fly” mentoring and garden education program is returning, bigger and better than before in the Austin neighborhood. The program has a new name and new energy, thanks to new funding and a stronger partnership with Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD), an organization that has been serving at-risk youth in Chicago’s most challenging neighborhoods for 50 years. Their mission is “...to engage at risk youth in schools and on the streets to help them realize their potential and contribute to our communities.”

The Climate Food Fight: Victory Gardens for a Warming World

The Climate Food Fight: Victory Gardens for a Warming World

Can we fight climate change with a tomato? We’ve fought with food once before. . . and we’re not talking about in the cafeteria.

Today, a new round of Climate Victory Gardens are popping up across the country to address our climate crisis, according to Jillian Semaan, food campaigns director at Green America, a national nonprofit that is leading the charge.

Indoor Winter Farmers' Markets Begin

Indoor Winter Farmers' Markets Begin

Grace Lutheran Church and School in River Forest is co-hosting one of Faith in Place’s itinerant indoor Winter Farmers Markets from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, November 10. The market is free and open to the public. These markets move from one location to another each weekend to provide more communities with access to local foods and give vendors the chance to meet new customers.

At a time of year when most summer farmers markets have closed for the season, this market will offer attendees the opportunity to purchase items such as meat, eggs, honey, salsa, jam, bread, pastries, seasonally-available produce, and more.

Think Like a Food Waste Warrior!

Think Like a Food Waste Warrior!

Saving food starts with your mindset. It’s a skill, as well as a passion. Like a muscle, it strengthens as you use it!

We can make a big difference by becoming food waste warriors!  We don’t usually think of food being a major source of greenhouse gases that cause climate change, but according to research published in 2017 in the book, DRAWDOWN, edited by Paul Hawken, “reduced food waste” was ranked as the 3rd most effective of the 80 solutions that could actually reverse global warming.

Add a Green-Themed Activity to Your Block Party

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.

Join Us! 'I Can Fly' Youth Program Graduation & Zero Waste Block Party

Join Us! 'I Can Fly' Youth Program Graduation & Zero Waste Block Party

Green Community Connections was pleased to partner with so many incredible partners for its inaugural I Can Fly Youth Leadership Program this summer. Learn about I Can Fly! See photos from the program, review the program backgrounder, and meet the wonderful partners and supporters who made it all possible.

Submissions Accepted Now for Young Filmmakers Contest

Submissions Accepted Now for Young Filmmakers Contest

Take a peek at our new video encouraging students from grade 3 to college age to enter the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest. In addition to winning cash prizes, all winning films will premiere at the One Earth Film Festival in March 2018. More details here.

Video animation by 2013 contest winner Léa Kichler. Music by Abby Lyons.

Science and the Future of Food

Science and the Future of Food

How will we feed the world amid climate change? And what can we do about the rise in food allergies? Three scientists will address these issues at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, at Argonne National Laboratory, 9700 S. Cass Ave, in Argonne. This event is free and open to the public. A reception will begin at 6 p.m. Register here.

Add Green to Your Block Party

Add Green to Your Block Party

Green Events for your block party help build stronger relationships between the people and nature on your block! Host a presentation with Q&A and Show&Tell:

  • Composting & Vermicomposting

  • Butterfly Gardening

  • Edible Gardening

  • Organic Lawn Care