Energy efficiency is often on the minds of Chicagoans as we head face first into the dead of winter. Staying warm often comes at an expense that can leave many drowning in debt. The success of the Low Cost Weatherization and Education Program (LCWEP featured in the previous blog post) has demonstrated that there is a growing demand for energy efficiency among Chicagoans. Not only is energy efficiency kind to your wallet, it creates the opportunity to make a measureable impact on climate change. Take the $800 Savings Challenge and find out how much money and energy you could be saving

Another incentive for your energy stewardship is being offered through the Norther Illinois Energy Project. Northern Illinois Energy Project is asking citizens to complete a survey on Compact Florescent Light bulb use. Those that complete the survey are eligible to win a month’s electric bill PAID. Take a quick survey, register for their mailing list and you could be the lucky winner.

ENERGY ACTION OPPORTUNITIES IN CHICAGO
Southside Solar Power
There’s a little more sunshine on the south side these days. Or at least that what it seems like in West Pullman, which recently became the home of Chicago’s first large scale solar panel project. The City of Chicago, together with SunPower and Exelon, has dedicated 39 acres of the West Pullman Industrial Redevelopment Area for the installation of 32,800 solar panels, and the result will produce10 megawatts of clean energy. The effort is projected to divert “approximately 31.2 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually” according to the Exelon press release. Check out the feature on Chicago Tonight.

Climate Cycle
If you are interested in learning more about local action to bring clean and efficient energy to Chicago- you may be interested in what is going on with Climate Cycle. Climate Cycle is a local non-profit that is working with Chicago Public Schools to education students about alternative energy and its impact on climate change. Climate Cycle takes this new-found knowledge to the next level by then assisting schools install solar panels. Panels have been installed on 1 school thus far and there are plans to complete 5 more in 2010. You can support this effort by joining the Solar Schools Ride on May 16, 2010. Find out how you and your team can ride into the sunset at the Team Captain meeting on January 28th from 6pm-7:30pm REI Chicago 1460 N. Halstead


Green Tech University Spring 2010 Schedule
The Chicago Center for Green Technology’s Green Tech U program has been developed in response to the increasing demand for educational resources in green technology in Chicago. Green Tech U programs provide an opportunity to meet like-minded people, expand professional networks and increase knowledge of sustainability, green building and public policy. All Green Tech U seminars are available to any interested individuals throughout the year.

REGISTRATION:
Advance registration is required for all Green Tech U seminars. You may register by calling (312) 746-9642, or email your desired class and contact information to greentech@cityofchicago.org with “Green Tech U” as the subject line.

COST:
Unless otherwise specified in the program description, Green Tech U seminars are free to the public.

CERTIFICATES:
Green Tech U offers certificates in the following subject areas:
• Architecture
• Building and Construction Management
• Engineering
• Green Business
• Green Home and Garden
• Interior Design

To register for a certificate, participants must fill out a “Program Registration” form. Registrants must then complete six eligible seminars within a 12-month period; one of the six seminars must be the foundation course, “Ecology of Design.” Please sign-in before each seminar on the “Sign-In” form, specifying what certificate(s) you are pursuing.

Once the six seminars minimum has been met, attendees are responsible for completing the “Certificate Tracking and Application” form, and submitting it to a Green Building Resource Center staff member, emailing it to greentech@cityofchicago.org, or faxing it to (312) 746-9778. Please call (312) 746-9642 or e-mail for assistance.

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!

Featured in this edition
-City of Chicago Holiday Tree Recycling Program
-Year to Date Impacts of our Hardworking C3 Volunteers
-Save the Date: Upcoming Leader Orientations and Trainings

City of Chicago Holiday Tree Recycling
Start the year out on the right track and bring your Christmas tree to the annual City of Chicago Tree Recycling Program. Chicago Park District locations will host tree drop off services from January 1-17. What’s more is that starting January 8, you can return and pick up your free mulch (and a glimmer of spring warmth). Click here for details.

C3 Year to Date Successes
2009 has been a fantastic year for C3 and its volunteers! Since the program’s inception in 2006, nearly 200 volunteers have been certified through the Leadership Training Program. C3 has also been hard at work in schools across Chicago through the efforts of nearly 80 C3 Student Clubs. A significant accomplishment for both C3 Leaders and Clubs this year includes the distribution of over 5000 weatherization kits to residents in need through the City’s Low Cost Weatherization and Education Program.

Look for more information on our leaders, clubs and projects over the next year as we highlight their work and dedication to land, water, air and energy preservation.

Save the Date: Spring 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series
Joins us for an orientation session and learn how to turn your dedication to environmental protection into action. The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its Spring 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series. During the training, you’ll learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then you’ll lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources.
Attend one of the orientations listed below to learn more. For questions or to reserve a seat, please contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Thursday, March 25 - 7pm – 8pm, South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, March 27 – 1pm – 2pm, Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, March 29 - 12pm – 1pm, City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Spring 2010 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, April 10, 17, 24, and May 1 from 9:30am – 1:30pm. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, May 8. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Fair trade is a growing movement across the globe – and it’s growing here in Chicago too. Buying food you’d purchase regularly, but choosing those that are fair trade certified ensures healthier labor conditions, increased worker wages and improved environmental standards in developing countries around the globe. Here are five ways you can be a “fair trader” in your kitchen this month (and every month!):

1. Seek it out: Look for the “Fair Trade Certified” label on products at your grocery store.

2. Drink it up: Chicago-based Argo Tea offers 100 percent organic, shade-grown, fair trade coffee – you don’t even have to make a special ask. Check out the variety of coffee shops around town that offer fair trade drinks

3. Be a wine-o: Fair trade wine supports healthy working conditions for grape growers and winery employees – and the grapes are also grown sustainably. Target now offers three varieties in its “Wandering Grape” collection.

4. Sweet treat: Make a banana split using only fair trade certified ingredients. From the ice cream, the banana to the chocolate on top, it all can be made fair trade.

Chicago Fair Trade GlobalFest

Chicago Fair Trade is hosting its annual GlobalFest, a fundraiser and a celebration of all things fair trade in our city. This year, it highlights South Asian partners and features a fair trade fashion show, food from the region, and a silent auction with lots of great items.

Wednesday, October 28

5:30-9pm

Roosevelt University, Congress Lounge

430 S. Michigan Ave.

Tickets: $40 – in advance

www.chicagofairtrade.org

On Saturday, October 24th, join thousands of communities in 140 countries to highlight the need to reduce carbon levels in the atmosphere to 350 parts per million, the upper limit of what climate scientists tell us is safe.

Sign up today to host an October 24 International Day of Climate Change Action Event
http://www.1sky.org/october24

Potential events include a rally, a party, or any other action. The key point is to incorporate the number “350″ into a very visible sign or banner. Gather with your friends and family to take a picture, and the photo to 350.org so they can show the power of your actions to President Obama and key swing Senators.

There is still time to apply for the Fall 2009 C3 Leadership Training Series. Join a growing network of volunteers working together to conserve and improve Chicago’s environment. Learn from community and environmental leaders about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change; then lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources.

Attend one of the orientations listed below and fill out the online application. You must attend an orientation session to be considered for the program. To reserve an orientation seat, contact (312) 743-9283 or conservation@cityofchicago.org.

Thursday, September 10, 7pm – 8pm
South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60649

Saturday, September 12, 10am – 11am
Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

Monday, September 14, 12pm – 1pm
Chicago Department of Environment, 30 N. LaSalle St. 25th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602

To apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series, you must be a City of Chicago resident and attend one orientation. The Fall 2009 training will be held at the Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd, Saturdays, September 26, October 3, 10, and 17. A mandatory field trip will take place on Saturday, October 24. A $75 fee covers course participation and project support. Financial assistance is available upon request.

Chicago Rain Barrel and Compost Bin Distribution
- Saturday, September 12, 10am-2pm
- Young Building Parking Lot, 5555 S. Ellis Ave.

C3 Leader, Sarah Mandli is hosting the final City of Chicago sponsored rain barrel and outdoor composter distribution event of the year. Reserve a composter and/or rain barrel while supplies last by sending an email to binsandbarrels@gmail.com. All reservation emails must be received by this Friday, September 4th. This distribution event will include information tables on installation, use, and environmental benefits of rain barrels and composters. The cost is $45 for rain barrels and $35 for composters (less than half retail prices). Reserve yours today! Include your name, address, and what you would like to reserve. Limit one composter and/or rain barrel per household.

More information is available at www.cityofchicago.org/rainbarrel.

Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse Harvest Fest
- Saturday, September 12, 1pm-4pm
- 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave

Organizers of the Kilbourn Park Harvest Fest are looking for two volunteers to lead environmental outreach programs during the festivities. The first volunteer would work as a rain barrel presenter. This presenter would teach visitors about stormwater management and rain harvesting. The second volunteer would work as a Chicago Climate Action Plan presenter. This presenter would talk to visitors about the $800 Savings Challenge and personal conservation changes that can help make a difference. Interested volunteers should contact Kirsten Akre at (773) 685-3351.

Those not interested in volunteering are still encouraged to attend the festival. There will be gardening and cooking demos, craft-making for adults and kids, as well as yoga and live music. Bring your family – there will be something to spark the interest of gardeners of all ages. This event is free to all.

For more information, visit the Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse website.

Faith In Place Conversation Cafe Workshop
- Sunday, September 13, 1:30pm-4:30pm
- Illinois Institute of Technology, 35th and Michigan Ave.

Faith in Place’s annual fall workshop on spirituality and conservation will be wildly different and very fun this year. Early birds can arrive at 12:30 for a guided tour of the architecture of the meeting site – The Illinois Institute of Technology. Registration begins at 1pm and the event opens at 1:30pm with a panel of congregation members speaking to a larger vision for the green world and green faith in it. From 2-3pm, the vendor fair opens, including solar and geothermal vendors, architects, seminarian speakers, info about green congregations and youth programs, information about the Chicago Climate Action Plan and more. Then the conversation goes deeper with a final plenary in the world cafe style. This is your chance to speak in a deep and meaningful way to members of other congregations like your own.

For more information and to register, download the flyer.

Adopt-A-Beach Annual Clean Up Day
- Saturday, September 19, 9am–12pm
- Beaches and tributaries throughout the Great Lakes Midwestern coastal areas

Be a part of the world’s largest beach cleanup! Join thousands of volunteers in trash removal and water data collection at beaches and shorelines throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan. This event is more than just a cleanup; it’s a celebration of the Great Lakes. Sign up for a designated location of your choice and come for a few hours of fun and community involvement.

If you would like to be a lead volunteer, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is still looking for Site Coordinators for Rainbow Beach, as well as 71st Street Beach. Contact Sarah Santarelli at (312) 939-0838, ext. 228 or ssantarelli@greatlakes.org for more information.

Or join C3 Leaders, Mike Jones at Pratt, Hartigan, and Loyola Beach or Suzanne Meyering at Howard Beach (7600 N). Snacks and supplies will be provided.

For more information about any of the clean-ups listed above or to learn more about the day’s events, visit www.greatlakes.org/adoptabeach.