The word ‘conservation’ can be confusing. It is defined as the prevention of injury or waste. When we refer to conservation from an environmental viewpoint, we are talking about not injuring animals & insects and their homes, and not wasting natural resources–energy, land, and water.

. . . → Read More: Conservation is #SoSimple]]> Content Creator, including photographs: C3 Blogger Tom from www.letUbeU.com

The word ‘conservation’ can be confusing. It is defined as the prevention of injury or waste. When we refer to conservation from an environmental viewpoint, we are talking about not injuring animals & insects and their homes, and not wasting natural resources–energy, land, and water.

Informally I’ve asked “What is conservation?” to scientists, conservationists, and those who have no interest in the topic. There is a general theme that appears–taking care of our planet–but the answers are all different, which makes me think the topic of ‘conservation’ is confusing to everyday people. So I’m here to make it simple for you. As a volunteer with the Chicago Conservation Corps, I’ve learned that if conservation is anything, it is

#SoSimple

Think: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. We’ll show you 3 #sosimple ways for each. Conservation can take place at home with many simple actions. At the bottom there is a checklist to save or print and post on your wall as a reminder that conservation is #sosimple. Pass this on to your friends & family as well. Thank you.

Reduce:

1. water consumption by turning off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving.
2. waste by purchasing a reusable grocery bag.
3. energy consumption by turning off the light in a room you’re not using.

Reuse:

1. dryer sheets with 20 uses for a used dryer sheet.
2. drink containers. Buy a reuseable water bottle or coffee mug to bring to work or refill at Starbucks.
3. somebody’s previous belongings by shopping at a thrift store (Brown Elephant or Salvation Army in Chicago).

Recycle:

1. all plastic, but NOT #6. Look on the container and bag for the symbol (right).
2. junk mail.
3. wine bottles & beer cans.

A tweetable definition of ‘conservation:

Conservation is improving our quality of life for the future by living in collaboration with nature

Please print or save the JPEG below as a reminder. Thank you for reading.

Chicagoans are fortunate to have a large source of fresh water as our neighbor. Over 5.4 million people—44% of the Illinois population—depend on the Chicago Department of Water Management to provide a reliable supply of drinking water from Lake Michigan. Chicago is working hard to avoid situations similar to . . . → Read More: How To Save Water & Save Money]]> Content Creator: C3 Trainee Tom from www.letUbeU.com

Chicagoans are fortunate to have a large source of fresh water as our neighbor. Over 5.4 million people—44% of the Illinois population—depend on the Chicago Department of Water Management to provide a reliable supply of drinking water from Lake Michigan. Chicago is working hard to avoid situations similar to what is happening to the Colorado River and Aral Sea in Russia where the fresh water supply is being depleted.

To avoid a similar situation, Chicago is preparing by providing citizens with convenient options to conserve water. MeterSave is a new program offered by the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM). Non-metered Chicago homeowners can volunteer to have a water meter installed. Water meters help to save water and save money.

In Chicago, water charges in non-metered homes are tied to factors such as building size, lot-size and the number of plumbing fixtures. However, metered homes are billed according to actual water usage. This means that with minimal effort, participating homeowners could save money on their water bills.

Signing up is completely FREE. The DWM will install your water meter, free of charge, and a wireless radio technology will report your water usage to the DWM. There are 3 ways to sign up:

1. Visit www.metersave.org
2. Call 311
3. Call 312-744-4H2O

ALSO, by signing up for a Water Meter, you will qualify for one of these additional incentives (while supplies last):

A rain barrel – for more details: rain barrels

or An outdoor water conservation kit

• A hose timer
• Rain guage
• Water restricting hose nozzle
• Moisture sensor

or An indoor water conservation kit

• Low flow shower head
• A shower timer
• Toilet flapper
• Leak Detection Tablets
• Toilet tank bank–a toilet tank water displacement pouch
• 4-quart fill cycle diverter that helps save water after flushing the toilet
• Swivel low-flow kitchen aerator
• Two bathroon sink aerators
• Teflon tape
• Water Conservation wheel

or A water meter monitor (a refrigerator magnet that shows water usage)

Watch this video to learn more about the MeterSave program:

MeterSave video

Testimonials about the program: Neighborhood Testimonials

Our previous post: Indoor Water Conservation Tips

We are in the heart of winter, and most likely, your windows are closed and fresh air is at a premium. So don’t pollute the air in your home with cleaning products that contain hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds. We will make it easy for you to find another option. Here is a . . . → Read More: How To Make Air-friendly Cleaning Products]]>

We are in the heart of winter, and most likely, your windows are closed and fresh air is at a premium. So don’t pollute the air in your home with cleaning products that contain hazardous chemicals and volatile organic compounds. We will make it easy for you to find another option. Here is a recipe for making your own air-friendly cleaning products. A friendly mixture of science, conservation, and cooking skills.

Basic All-Purpose Cleaner Formula

1/2 teaspoon baking soda or 2 teaspoons borax

1/2 teaspoon liquid soap detergent

2 cups hot water

spray bottle

Combine everything into the spray bottle and shake to blend.

Content Creator: C3 Trainee Tom from www.letUbeU.com

Most of us are guilty of leaving our car running while we sit and wait, and wait, and wait. Sometimes we’re waiting for a friend while parked in front of their apartment, other times we quickly run into a bank or coffee shop. What you may not know is that idling your car engine . . . → Read More: How To Promote Healthy Lungs & Clean Air – Turn Off Your Car]]>

Most of us are guilty of leaving our car running while we sit and wait, and wait, and wait. Sometimes we’re waiting for a friend while parked in front of their apartment, other times we quickly run into a bank or coffee shop. What you may not know is that idling your car engine wastes fuel, creates extra air pollution, and contributes to global warming. We would like to share with you a few facts & tips from the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago about idling your car engine:

1. Idling more than 10 seconds uses more fuel than restarting the engine.
2. Idling 2 minutes uses the same amount of fuel as driving 1 mile.
3. The best way to warm up a vehicle in cold Chicago weather is to drive it.
4. Excessive idling can damage your engine. Idling partially burns fuel, which can cause residue build-up and can increase fuel consumption.

The road to becoming a more environmentally conscience individual starts with baby steps.  Please turn off your car. Thanks for reading!

Content Creator: C3 Trainee Tom from www.letUbeU.com

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http://chicagoconservationcorps.org/blog/?p=2917

Greencorps trainee Darlene Pope demonstrates weatherization techniques

We will show . . . → Read More: Weatherization Workshop at Green Tech U Tomorrow: 1.27.2011]]>

Greencorps trainee Darlene Pope demonstrates weatherization techniques

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) . . . → 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 . . . → 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 . . . → 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.

(more)

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.