Joann Podkul of CSI

Greencorps Calumet

This work would not be possible . . . → Read More: C3 and CSI talk with WBEZ about Hegewisch Marsh]]>

Joann Podkul of CSI

Check out this great coverage of C3 and Calumet Stewardship Initiative volunteers working in vernal pools at Hegewisch Marsh over the weekend. Michael Puente from WBEZ joined us to help uncover the great restoration and open space preservation work happening in the area.

Greencorps Calumet

This work would not be possible without the dedicated investment and leadership from community leaders (who are also C3 leaders) like Joann Podkul and Kevin Murphy of the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, Sharon Rolek of the Calumet Ecological Park Association and many more. Thank you to everyone that helped to make the day a great experience for all!

Vernal pool planting

To get involved in stewardship opportunities throughout Chicago in unique and beautiful nature areas right in your backyard, visit the C3 event calendar

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You can help protect one of the worlds most beautiful and diverse rainforest habitats when you participate and recycle with public schools in Chicago just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Recycle Tech Solutions (RTS), a local cell phone & electronics recycler, is working with individual Chicago public . . . → Read More: A FOREST FOR EARTH DAY]]> A Forest For Earth Day

You can help protect one of the worlds most beautiful and diverse rainforest habitats when you participate and recycle with public schools in Chicago just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Recycle Tech Solutions (RTS), a local cell phone & electronics recycler, is working with individual Chicago public schools through RTS’s Dream Green collection program. Our program goal is to collect 25,000 cell phones among the 600 Chicago public schools before Earth Day on April 22nd of this year. Please speak to your schools environmental leader about ways you can participate.

Brazil’s Atlantic Forest – Planting a Billion Trees Campaign

Centuries ago, the Atlantic Forest covered nearly 330 million acres, an area roughly the size of the eastern seaboard of the United States. Today only 7 percent remains, much of which is in isolated fragments. Home to 130 million people, the Atlantic Forest has taken heavy hits from urban expansion, coastal and industrial development, agriculture, ranching and illegal logging. Despite the forest’s diminished state, 70 percent of Brazil’s population relies on it for its drinking water.

How Can You Participate in A Forest For Earth Day?

One qualified cellular phone, Smart Phone, PDA device or MP3 Player plants one tree. It’s that simple. When you collect and recycle with Dream Green, you’ll contribute to the goal of planting a billion trees and help the Nature Conservancy protect and restore Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

1-2-3 Easy Steps to Rewarding Recycling

1) Recruit your green team and set an initial collection goal of 200 cellular phones

2) Promote your program in newsletters, websites, letters, posters to local business’ and encourage students, parents, staff, teachers, PTA, community leaders to bring your school used cell phones, smart phones, PDA devices and Mp3 players to be recycled – I have 5 old cell phones at home!!!

3) Contact Dream Green (http://www.recycletech.org/dreamgreen.html) through the web at DreamGreen@recycletech.org and request shipping guidelines & postage – paid shipping materials after 50 phones / devices have been collected. We also provide postage paid envelopes for smaller shipments to be passed out to offsite locations.

RTS will donate $1.00 to the Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign in your schools name for every qualified phone collected. For more information on the Plant a Billion Trees Campaign go to www.plantabillion.org

As a bonus, for every location, when 50 or more qualified phones are recycled in a single shipment, you will receive from the Nature Conservatory:

· Personalized certificate with signature photo of the Atlantic Forest commemorating your generosity

· Colorful fact sheet about the Atlantic Forest

· Plant a Billion Trees magnet set

· World map

· Four issues of Nature Conservancy magazine to keep you informed all year about the many places the Conservancy is working to protect. (Plus, we’ll rush the current magazine issue along with your personalized certificate!)

· Great Places E-Newsletter subscription to our monthly e-communication with local conservation updates, enviro-tips you can use and stunning nature photography downloads.

Best of all, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to protect this extraordinary wild habitat now and for future generations. Please help plant trees today!

West Nile Virus infection (WNV) is an illness conveyed to humans primarily by mosquitoes. In most cases, people infected with WNV either show no symptoms or have very mild flu-like symptoms, called West Nile fever. WNV is an urgent issue that needs to be taken seriously . . . → Read More: Spread the word about West Nile Virus]]> 2008 Chicago West Nile Virus Public Education and Community Outreach Campaign

West Nile Virus infection (WNV) is an illness conveyed to humans primarily by mosquitoes. In most cases, people infected with WNV either show no symptoms or have very mild flu-like symptoms, called West Nile fever. WNV is an urgent issue that needs to be taken seriously in the Chicagoland area every summer.

In a collaborative effort to assist the Chicago Department of Public Health in its 2008 Public Education and Community Outreach Campaign, the Chicago Department of Environment (DOE) will be distributing brochures and magnets to the public at DOE outreach events this summer. Examples include rain barrel distribution and blue cart recycling events. To ensure that information gets to as many people as possible, DOE welcomes the assistance of interested C3 leaders and trainees that can help distribute information to members of their community or neighborhoods.

If you are interested in assisting, please contact Jerry Attere at 312-744-9136 or jerry.attere@cityofchicago.org to receive brochures and magnets for distribution.

For more information on WNV, go to the Chicago Department of Public Health’s webpage that can be found under the City Departments link at www.cityofchicago.org and look for the West Nile Virus information under the Infectious Disease link.

What: Pivot, Chicago’s first eco-boutique, hosts an open house event to benefit the Academy for Global Citizenship, a new Chicago Public Contract School on the Southwest Side. Opening for Kindergarten and First Grade students in August 2008, the school aims to be a national model . . . → Read More: Open House at Pivot, Feb 27]]> Education and fashion unite to promote a smarter, greener future for Chicago

What: Pivot, Chicago’s first eco-boutique, hosts an open house event to benefit the Academy for Global Citizenship, a new Chicago Public Contract School on the Southwest Side. Opening for Kindergarten and First Grade students in August 2008, the school aims to be a national model for sustainable education by empowering all children to become active world citizens. It will be the only Chicago Public School with a core mission to incorporate environmental and international mindedness into all aspects of their innovative curriculum design.

Five of the school’s sustainability and wellness initiatives will be highlighted at the Pivot event, including an organic garden, solar energy installation, yoga, nutrition education, healthy breakfast and lunch. Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about sustainability and how to support the school’s initiatives. 15% of the evening’s sales will also be donated to the school.

When: Wednesday, February 27, 6 pm to 9 pm
RSVP: pivot@pivotboutique.com or 312.243.4754

Where: Pivot, 1101 West Fulton Market (corner of Fulton Market & Aberdeen)

Action Needed Now:

· Attend EPA public hearing Dec. 11 or submit written comments

The U.S. EPA has scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 11 in Gary, Ind. to invite comments on a draft water pollution discharge permit for . . . → Read More: Limit U.S. Steel’s discharge to Lake Michigan!]]> The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to hear from you to limit U.S. Steel’s discharge to Lake Michigan!

Action Needed Now:

· Attend EPA public hearing Dec. 11 or submit written comments

The U.S. EPA has scheduled a public hearing on Dec. 11 in Gary, Ind. to invite comments on a draft water pollution discharge permit for U.S. Steel Corp.’s Gary Works plant.

This is an opportunity to air your concerns about the proposed permit and to help ensure that pollution discharges to Lake Michigan and all the Great Lakes are in keeping with long-standing federal Clean Water Act standards.

EPA has raised concerns about the permit, several of which echo those outlined by the Alliance in written comments to Indiana regulators back in October. Though an important step toward protecting Lake Michigan and the Grand Calumet River, EPA’s objections don’t resolve all the issues raised by the Alliance and other groups that have registered concerns about the permit. Your voice is needed at the public hearing to ensure that all of the permit issues are fully addressed by EPA.

The EPA is convening the hearing in response to a large number of requests from environmental groups, the public and public officials, who cited objections to the draft permit issued by Indiana’s Department of Environmental Management.

When finalized, the permit will allow the Gary Works facility — the largest fully integrated steel mill in the country — to discharge significant levels of mercury and other pollutants into the Grand Calumet River, a tributary to Lake Michigan.

Issues to mention at the hearing or in your comments to EPA include:

U.S. Steel should not be given a five-year pass on discharges of pollutants — including mercury, ammonia and cyanide — that are detrimental to water quality and the people and wildlife dependent upon the Great Lakes.
U.S. Steel’s production activities cannot be allowed to impede the region’s progress and investments towards environmental remediation and restoration along the Grand Calumet River and Lake Michigan shoreline.
The final water pollution discharge permit must require substantial reductions in the discharge of cyanide, chromium, oil, grease and thermal pollution to the Grand Calumet River.
The final permit must ensure a reduction in storm water runoff, which contains unknown quantities of pollution, to Lake Michigan.

For Great Lakes restoration to succeed, everyone’s help is needed to ensure the enforcement of existing regulations in addition to advocating for improvements that further Great Lakes health.

Action Needed: Provide comments to U.S. EPA on U.S. Steel’s permit extension

· Attend the EPA’s public hearing and urge that all the permit issues be fully addressed. Scheduled from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., the hearings will be held in Indiana University Northwest’s Savannah Auditorium, located at 3400 Broadway Ave, Gary, Ind.

· If you cannot attend the hearing in person, submit your comments to EPA in writing or online.

Comments may be submitted in writing between Nov. 9 and Dec. 28 to:

David Soong
EPA Region 5
NPDES Programs Branch (WN-16J)
77 W. Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604.

Comments may be submitted online to EPA’s Web site at www.epa.gov/region5/publiccomment/ussteel-pubcomment.htm, or faxed to 312-886-0168.

For more information visit http://www.greatlakes.org/news/100307.asp or contact Lyman Welch, Manager of Water Quality Programs at 312-939-0838 ext. 230 or lwelch@greatlakes.org.

Chicago Conservation Corp Trainee & Healthy South Chicago

Friday, November 2 Friday, November 9 Monday, November 26

5pm—7pm

Ada McKinley 8458 S. Mackinaw Ave Chicago Illinois 60617

Free Energy Saving Light Bulbs Free Weatherization Kits (November 9, 26) And Energy Saving Tips

If you would like to help Gregory with his C3 project, email him . . . → Read More: Energy Saving Event]]> ENERGY SAVING EVENT
Sponsored by Gregory Bratton

Chicago Conservation Corp Trainee & Healthy South Chicago

Friday, November 2
Friday, November 9
Monday, November 26

5pm—7pm

Ada McKinley
8458 S. Mackinaw Ave
Chicago Illinois 60617

Free Energy Saving Light Bulbs
Free Weatherization Kits (November 9, 26)
And Energy Saving Tips

If you would like to help Gregory with his C3 project, email him at gbratton9396@yahoo.com.

This is the submitted video for the Treehugger.com contest. http://truths.treehugger.com/normal/convenient_truths_the_top_twen.php - What Can Regular People Do About Global Warming? - Carrying Power: Solar Energy On The Go

This submitted version is broadcasting on CurrentTV. -Sun Powered Purses

This is a submitted shorter version that is in a contest . . . → Read More: Videos by C3 Leader Robert Aguilar]]> Check out Fall 2006 C3 Leader Robert Aguilar’s video projects at the sites below.

This is the submitted video for the Treehugger.com contest.
http://truths.treehugger.com/normal/convenient_truths_the_top_twen.php
- What Can Regular People Do About Global Warming?
- Carrying Power: Solar Energy On The Go

This submitted version is broadcasting on CurrentTV.
-Sun Powered Purses

This is a submitted shorter version that is in a contest for Current
http://current.com/ecospot
- What Can Regular People Do?

You can still help vote for Robert’s video! Congrats Robert on these inspiring projects!

I hope you are all having good luck with your projects. I’ve been working with the Bureau of Forestry, Chicago Park District, Wrightwood Neighbors, C3, and Scott Waguespack – 32nd ward Alderman on enhancing the current Christmas tree mulching program.

This year’s tree mulching event takes place January 12, 2008 from 8:45am to . . . → Read More: Volunteer for Christmas tree mulching project 1/12/08]]> Dear C3 alumni,

I hope you are all having good luck with your projects. I’ve been working with the Bureau of Forestry, Chicago Park District, Wrightwood Neighbors, C3, and Scott Waguespack – 32nd ward Alderman on enhancing the current Christmas tree mulching program.

This year’s tree mulching event takes place January 12, 2008 from 8:45am to 2pm. Please save this date. To accommodate residents who are unable to drop trees off during the scheduled time, the Park District will set up a Christmas tree corral drop off at each location the week prior to the event. I plan to hold an information meeting for all volunteers ahead of time too (date TBD).

My primary goals for the project include:
· Increasing the number of trees recycled by 25%
· Adding 2+ volunteers per park (25 parks located strategically around the city)
· Providing refreshments to city employees and volunteers on the day of the event
· Increasing resident awareness of the program and early drop off option

Volunteer opportunities include:

Prior to event
· Assisting with flyer/sign distribution
· Obtaining a truck to pick up trees (possible donation)
· Obtaining refreshments for volunteers and city employees (possible donation)
· Driving a truck around the city to pick up trees in alley and move to tree corral (week before)

Day of event
· Distribute refreshments to city employees and volunteers
· Greeting & assisting residents with moving trees from their car to mulching machines (Note: Mulching machines must be run by city employees for liability purposes)
· Distributing promotional items to residents (tree saplings, weatherization kits, blue bags, etc)
· Driving a truck around the city to pick up trees in alley and move to tree corral (day of event)

I will send out a follow up email after my next meeting with the Bureau of Forestry planned in early November. The City hosts a press release prior to the event to recognize volunteers and organizations that help with the event. I hope to be able to hang signs and distribute flyers promoting other C3 community events projects and volunteer opportunities on January 12 during the event at each park.

Feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions about this project. If anyone has contacts at companies/organizations (Whole Foods, Jewel, Home Depot, schools, etc) that could benefit this project by advertising, providing additional volunteers, or donations, please email me at chohenstein@sbcglobal.net or call me at 773.805.8562.

Further details will follow in the next few weeks.

Thanks,
Chris Hohenstein