This Web page describes the principles of innovative and responsible treatment of rain water in and around the home garden. The treatments are organized into seven subjects or stations: 1) the green roof, 2) the rain barrels, 3) the porous pavement, 4) the rain gardens, 5) the gravel . . . → Read More: Great Website About Home Rain Water Solutions]]> 168 Elm Ave. – One Drop at a Time

This Web page describes the principles of innovative and responsible treatment of rain water in and around the home garden. The treatments are organized into seven subjects or stations: 1) the green roof, 2) the rain barrels, 3) the porous pavement, 4) the rain gardens, 5) the gravel grass, 6) the cistern, and 7) the bioswale.

These seven stations take you on a virtual tour around the house, explain the rationales of the applied sustainable practices and explore the opportunities that present themselves to combine the beautiful and useful. You will also find information on the clay soils of the pilot project site and their infiltration capacity, how much the runoff quantity was reduced, and thoughts towards the larger cumulative effect and the probable positive impact on the local waterway (in this case Salt Creek).

I submitted two videos to the Convenient Truths: a green video contest.

My first film asks “What can regular people do about global warming? This film takes . . . → Read More: Convenient Truths: A Green Video Contest]]> Channel your inner eco-critic. Seventh Generation, Inc. and TreeHugger.com asked citizens to share their solutions to climate change. Help out our expert judges by watching and rating the submissions.

I submitted two videos to the Convenient Truths: a green video contest.

My first film asks “What can regular people do about global warming? This film takes a look at how average Americans perceive the climate crisis while giving practical, everyday tips toward reducing our Carbon dioxide footprint.”

My second film takes a look at how one business has combined style with sustainability to create solar paneled bags. Its a great way to integrate renewable energy into daily life!

Here are the links…

What Can Regular People Do About Global Warming?

Carrying Power: Solar Energy On The Go

Enjoy!

When the price of head lettuce climbs to $2.50 or more per head and the frigid arctic winds are rattling the windows, you can still enjoy freshly grown produce. And, you don’t even have to leave your home. It doesn’t require long-range transportation from warmer or tropical climes nor energy-intensive greenhouses. . . . → Read More: Sprouting: The Winter Garden]]> Home tip from Living Gently Quarterly:

When the price of head lettuce climbs to $2.50 or more per head and the frigid arctic winds are rattling the windows, you can still enjoy freshly grown produce. And, you don’t even have to leave your home. It doesn’t require long-range transportation from warmer or tropical climes nor energy-intensive greenhouses. What is this wonder? One that has been around for thousands of years: sprouting — the growing of edible plants from seed.

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Friends of the Chicago River board member Grant Crowley has a great offer . . . → Read More: Make Your Own Rainbarrel — FREE BARRELS]]> Here’s a great way to help the River from home – add a rain barrel to your house. Rain barrels help you conserve water, reduce the amount of water going directly to the sewer system and provide water for your garden.

Friends of the Chicago River board member Grant Crowley has a great offer for anyone who is looking to have a rain barrel at their home. Crowley’s Yacht Yard has approximately 25 55-gallon plastic barrels that can be adapted to make rain barrels.

The 55-gallon drums held a non-toxic antifreeze used to winterize boats at the yacht yard. Just rinse and reuse! Grant wants to offer them for FREE to anyone who would like to make a rain barrel. Here is how to make a rain barrel.

CONTACT Grant Crowley. Crowley’s Yacht Yard is located at 3434 E. 95th Street in Chicago. You will need to pick up the barrel yourself.

Recall from C3:

www.civicfootprint.org/ www.h2ouse.org

I strongly recommend checking these out:

www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/ www.energysavers.gov

I also . . . → Read More: DIY Plans for Greening a Space]]> While contemplating project possibilities, the energy and water use audits our C3 class were asked to do for homework came to mind. In trying to find more comprehensive do-it-yourself plans for greening a space I have come across a few resources that may be of help to y’all!

Recall from C3:

www.civicfootprint.org/
www.h2ouse.org

I strongly recommend checking these out:

www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/
www.energysavers.gov

I also picked up some valuable resources this summer working with Rock the Earth and Reverb:

www.reverbrock.org/site/
www.alliancees.org/home.htm
www.urbanoptions.org

Project Proposal Worksheet: Please fill out this form by hand or type it up and submit it to your C3 liason by Friday, June 30.

12 Step Project Process Document: The steps to follow as you work with your C3 liason to plan . . . → Read More: Resources for developing your project]]> Here are some useful resources to keep in mind when you’re developing your project proposal:

Project Proposal Worksheet: Please fill out this form by hand or type it up and submit it to your C3 liason by Friday, June 30.

12 Step Project Process Document: The steps to follow as you work with your C3 liason to plan and implement your project.

Materials Worksheet: This worksheet will help you think about the materials you will need to carry out your project.

Sample Project Checklist: A sample checklist from Chicago Cares that lays out the logistics of running a project.

List of Community Newspapers: As you start thinking about volunteer recruitment and community outreach, you might try contacting your local paper.

Class To Do’s - Self Test and Water Audit homework

Project To Do’s - Contact and meet with potential partners from your asset map. Use the . . . → Read More: Reminders and Docs from Water Class]]> Thanks to everyone for another great class Saturday. Who knew water could be so fun? Here are the materials and info you need to prepare for our last class, Community Organizing, on June 17.

Class To Do’s
- Self Test and Water Audit homework

Project To Do’s
- Contact and meet with potential partners from your asset map. Use the 12 Step Project Process Document as a guide.

- We’re excited to hear project ideas: Be prepared to say something about yourself and describe your top 1-2 project ideas. It should be quick and informal. Even if you won’t be starting your project until after you attend a make-up class in the fall, we’d love to hear from you.

Reminders
- HHW: Bring in your Household Hazardous Waste to class June 17. A C3 Rep will be taking materials to the drop off center after class. If you have large items, be sure to let us know (if you haven’t already) so we can prepare for proper transportation. Leave a message with Marissa at: (312) 744-9137.

- Potluck: We thought it’d be fun to celebrate our last class together with a potluck. So, bring in something to share with the group! Neil’s crackers were a hit last week….

Water Class Demo Documents
In case you didn’t get a paper copy, here are the handouts that accompanied the demo stations: How to Make Your Own Rain Barrel and a few sketches of “Shady” and “Sunny” rain gardens.