Content Creator: C3 Trainee . . . → Read More: Don’t Waste Water – a cute video from Sesame Street]]> Turning off the sink, while brushing teeth or shaving, is one of our Indoor Water Conservation Tips. Here’s why (a 46-second video from Sesame Street on YouTube): Indoor Water Conservation Video

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

You’re invited to a free home plumbing class, this Sunday at 10am in Humboldt Park.  This class series, “Green Plumbing 101″, is sponsored by the Chicago Conservation Corps.  Each month, there . . . → Read More: Join C3 trainee Rob West for a Greening Your Bathroom Workshop, Dec 11th, 10am]]>

You’re invited to a free home plumbing class, this Sunday at 10am in Humboldt Park.  This class series, “Green Plumbing 101″, is sponsored by the Chicago Conservation Corps.  Each month, there will be a focus on an area in the home, teaching individuals how to save money and our environment by conserving water and power. All classes are led by Rob West, Master Plumber.

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 . . . → 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

Topics will cover the general concepts . . . → Read More: Join C3 Trainee Rob for a Class on Rain Barrels, Nov 13th, 10 a.m.]]>

C3 Trainee and Plumbing Expert, Rob West, invites you to a FREE class on Rain Barrels this Sunday, November 13th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 1102 N. California, Chicago, IL, 60622.

Chicagoans love Lake Michigan–fresh water for drinking, swimming, and washing dishes. It provides Chicagoland with water for 42 million people. We are tempted to take our water resource for granted but let’s not forget that 25% of the world’s population has no access to potable water. As Chicagoans it is our job to prevent an outcome similar . . . → Read More: Indoor Water Conservation Tips]]>

Chicagoans love Lake Michigan–fresh water for drinking, swimming, and washing dishes. It provides Chicagoland with water for 42 million people. We are tempted to take our water resource for granted but let’s not forget that 25% of the world’s population has no access to potable water. As Chicagoans it is our job to prevent an outcome similar to what happened in the Aral Sea or what is occurring to the Colorado River.  So, here are simple water conservation tips for you to keep in mind while indoors this winter season:

1. Turn the water off when brushing your teeth or shaving
2. Use a dishwasher; it uses less water than washing dishes by hand
3. Run your washing machine or dishwasher ONLY when full
4. Install a water saving (low-flow) shower head. Purchase one online, here: Shower heads
5. Fix leaky toilets. Sometimes leaks are unoticeable. To test for leaks, put food coloring in the toilet tank. If it seeps into the toilet bowl, you have a leak.
6. Fix leaky faucets. Keep in mind:

• 60 drops per minute = 192 gallons of wasted water per month
• 90 drops per minute = 310 gallons of wasted water per month

Remember, the road to protecting our future and becoming a more environmentally conscience individual starts with baby steps. Thank you for reading!

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

June 14, 2011 28 E. Jackson, Suite 1800 6:00-8:00 pm RSVP: 312-743-9283 or rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org

Learn more about the program . . . → Read More: Rain Barrels, Compost Bins, Native Plants -Oh my! Sustainable Backyard Workshop, June 14]]> Join the City of Chicago Department of Environment for the first installment of the Sustainable Backyard Workshop series highlighting the many ways residents can create more environmentally-friendly landscapes in their back, front, and side yards.

June 14, 2011
28 E. Jackson, Suite 1800
6:00-8:00 pm
RSVP: 312-743-9283 or rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org

Learn more about the program at chicagorainharvesting

Volunteer for a NeighborWorks Day project on Saturday, June 4! Join in the fun during NHS’ 24th Annual NeighborWorks Day on Saturday, June 4. Volunteers are needed to paint, plant, clean vacant lots, landscape and garden.

During National NeighborWorks® Week, tens of thousands of volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors and friends will be volunteering . . . → Read More: Featured Event! NHS Chicago NeighborWorks Day tomorrow. Come out to Humboldt Park for an added bonus- Sustainable Backyard Demos!]]>

Photo courtesy of NHS Chicago

Volunteer for a NeighborWorks Day project on Saturday, June 4!
Join in the fun during NHS’ 24th Annual NeighborWorks Day on Saturday, June 4. Volunteers are needed to paint, plant, clean vacant lots, landscape and garden.

During National NeighborWorks® Week, tens of thousands of volunteers, businesspeople, neighbors and friends will be volunteering across the country in a week of neighborhood change and awareness.

Come on out to the NeighborWorks site near you! Breakfast, lunch and a NeighborWorks t-shirt will be provided. RSVP to Lindsey Hammond lhammond@nhschicago.org or (773) 329-4133

Dreaming for Drake- West Humboldt Park
8:15 AM: 500 and 600 blocks of North Drake Ave. – Volunteers needed to paint porches, perform small repairs, plant vegetable, flowers and bushes, spread mulch and grass seed.

12:30 PM: Attend a Free Sustainable Backyard Workshopat the NHS Chicago WHP Neighborhood Center 3601 W. Chicago Ave. This program offered in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Environment and Chicago Conservation Corps volunteers provides instruction and demonstration on the use of Rain Barrels, Compost Bins, Planting a Rain Garden and more. Prizes & Rebates for up to 50% on Rain Barrels, Compost Bins, Trees and Native Plants will be available.
RSVP for workshop: cstewart@nhschicago.org or 773-329-4127

Living History – North Lawndale- Village West between 3400 & 3500 block W 13th Street near Homan- Beautification and Community Garden Enhancement – North Lawndale is home to more than 20 community gardens. Work will be done in one of the most famous, the African Gardens. Murals and plaques commemorating moments in North Lawndale’s history will be created and installed. Volunteers and residents will paint fencing around Village West Homes and plant flowers and plants around the walkways. There will be a cookout in the African Garden for all the residents and volunteers to celebrate the finished project.

Community Canvas – Back of the Yards/Garfield Boulevards- 2200 to 1700 W. 49th Street- Community Mural – Volunteers from local community organizations and residents will prepare this area for a new community mural. We will prime the surfaces with white primer, clean the debris in front of the wall and replace it with mulch. Murals will be painted during the course of the summer.

Roseland: A Neighborhood in Bloom – Roseland- 0-40 W. 108th street block- Beautification Project -We will work side-by-side with residents to beautify this block. Join us for painting fences and porches, cleaning a vacant lot and planting flowers. Stop by the Open Houses for our newly rehabbed NSP properties on the block.

Block by Block – West Englewood- Resource Fair and Beautification -NHS will host a resource fair and flower planting at a local church within the growing Block Club Network. Join us for planting flowers and small shrubs in the triangles at the corners of each participating block club network and for seniors who need assistance. Help us celebrate two newly formed Block Clubs!

Neighborhoods of Promise: A Showcase of Homes – Chicago Lawn/Gage Park- St. Rita Church 6243 S. Fairfield & St. Mary Star of the Sea Church 6435 S. Kilbourn-These community institutions will hold a “Showcase of Homes” for sale in the neighborhood. There will be opportunities for interested people to visit high quality and affordable homes in a designated area in the parish. Volunteers will help with registration and helping to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Empowering Our Community – Auburn Gresham/Englewood- 449 West 79th Street- Housing Resource Sidewalk Fair -Volunteers are needed to help canvass the neighborhood with information about NeighborWorks Day 2012 and NHS. Everyone is invited to meet the “new” Neighborhood Director! Mini workshops will be offered as well as one-on-one counseling with NHS staff.

C3 volunteers across the city came out in droves in support of the 19th annual Chicago River Day! Nearly 125 C3 leaders, teachers, students and staff worked on 10 different riverside clean-up locations to demonstrate their dedication to a healthy and functioning river ecosystem.

C3 volunteers from the north and south sides of Chicago organized their . . . → Read More: Winners of the C3 River Day Challenge Announced]]>

C3 volunteers across the city came out in droves in support of the 19th annual Chicago River Day! Nearly 125 C3 leaders, teachers, students and staff worked on 10 different riverside clean-up locations to demonstrate their dedication to a healthy and functioning river ecosystem.

C3 volunteers from the north and south sides of Chicago organized their regions in a spirited stewardship competition. The region with the greatest C3 representation on River Day will go home the winner. An added bonus, one C3er from each region was entered into a raffle to win a prize generously donated from two local Chicago businesses.

And now, to announce the winners

The winning region of the C3 River Day Challenge is….
THE SOUTH SIDE REGION and all the participants from the following sites:
Origins Park
Riverside Mall
18th Street
Orange Line Ashland stop

The south side winner of the the FREE BIKE TUNE-UP from Blue City Cycles in Bridgeport is C3 leader: WYLANDA HARRIS!

The north side winner of a 50$ gift certificate from Crust Organic Eatery is C3 trainee in the most recent leadership training course: ANNA HUTTEL!

Congratulations!

Thank you so much to all who participated in the event! A big thank you to Friends of the Chicago River for hosting a great event! An extra special thanks to Blue City Cycles and Crust Organic Pizzeria for the generous donations.

This morning American Rivers named the Chicago River 4th on its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers because of the continued release of undisinfected sewage effluent from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s (MWRD) sewage treatment plants. This archaic practice leaves recreators at risk from human . . . → Read More: Chicago River Named the 4th Most Endangered]]>




















Repost from Friends of the Chicago River Executive Director Margaret Frisbie.

This morning American Rivers named the Chicago River 4th on its annual list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers because of the continued release of undisinfected sewage effluent from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District’s (MWRD) sewage treatment plants. This archaic practice leaves recreators at risk from human sewage-based pathogens that can cause illness, especially in children.

American Rivers called on the Illinois Pollution Control Board to approve the proposed water quality standards for the Chicago River that have not been reviewed in more than two decades. These standards would require the MWRD to disinfect sewage effluent. Last week, US EPA said many portions of the river could and should be clean enough for swimming.

Find out what you can do to support the river and take action www.americanrivers.org/ChicagoRiver

Partners in Most Endangered River include Friends of the Chicago River, Environmental Law & Policy Center and Natural Resources Defense Council.