August 2010
DOE Masthead Events

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals and Electronics Responsibly

Computer and cell phone Saturday, August 7
1150 N. Branch
 
Nearly 2 million pounds of household chemicals and electronics have been collected at the City's permanent Household Chemicals and Computer Recycling Facility since its opening in October 2006. Take yours this Saturday to 1150 N. North Branch, two blocks east of the Kennedy at Division St. Visit the City's website for a list of materials that are accepted, hours of operation and other information.  

 
Carbon Nation Celebration

Carbon Nation logoTuesday, August 10
Millennium Park's Pritzker Pavilion

Join the Chicago Climate Action Plan team for the Carbon Nation Celebration to celebrate the power of every-day climate change solutions. Live entertainment begins at 7:00pm and includes performances by comedian Hal Sparks and the Happiness Club, celebrity appearances by the star of SHREK THE MUSICAL, and inspirational speeches from the Chicago Department of Environment and the director of Carbon Nation. Stay for the 8:15pm Chicago premiere and free screening of Carbon Nation film (2hrs). Look for details on the Chicago Climate Action Plan's website.
Sustainable Backyard Workshops
& Rebates


Rain barrel Wednesday, August 14
Hegewisch Library, 3048 E. 130th St
10:00 am - noon

Learn how to make your backyard more environmentally friendly with a rain barrel and compost bin and receive a $30 rebate towards your rain barrel and compost bin purchase. Rebates are available only to residents who attend a Sustainable Backyard Workshop.
View the Climate Change Exhibit at the Field Museum

Climate Change Exhibit logo Through November 28, 2010
1400 S. Lake Shore Dr.
 
Explore the science, history and impact of climate change and its effects on our oceans, atmosphere, land and societies. Visit the Chicago Climate Action Room to discover what the City, local businesses, organizations, and residents are doing to combat climate change and improve the quality of life in our communities while supporting our local economy. Visit the Field Museum's website for information and ticket prices. The Chicago Climate Action Room is free.

Read Shannon Downey's review on A Fresh Squeeze: Climate Change Exhibit now at the Field Museum: Depending on your viewpoint, exhibit educates or agitates
Volunteer in Your Community -- Become a Chicago Conservation Corps Leader

The Chicago Conservation Corps is now recruiting for its fall 2010 Environmental Leadership Training Series. Learn about urban environmental challenges and opportunities for change from community and environmental leaders; then lead an environmental service project in your community with C3 support and resources. Attend an orientation to learn more:
  • 8/26:  7pm - 8pm, Washington Park, Senior Room
    5531 S. King Dr.
  • 8/28:  10am - 11am, Chicago Center for Green Technology, 445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
  • 8/30:  12pm - 1pm, City Hall, 11th Floor, 121 N. LaSalle
For information, including training dates and location, visit the Chicago Conservation Corps website. Questions? Call (312) 743-9283 or email. You must be a Chicago resident to apply for the C3 Leadership Training Series.
Stay Safe and Cool During Extreme Heat

A message from the Chicago Climate Action Plan Team


City officials from the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) and the Chicago Departments of Environment and Public Health remind residents to take the necessary precautions to stay safe, cool, and avoid heat-related emergencies during hot summer weather. Possible health risks associated with extreme heat include dehydration and ozone-related asthma. Cooling Centers are available--call 311 to find the one nearest you. For extreme weather updates and to subscribe to "Notify Chicago" emergency notifications, visit the Alert Chicago website.

Group shot of Chicago Conservation Corps Leaders
Stay connected with the Chicago Climate Action Plan
Chicago Center for Green Technology sign

The Chicago Center for Green Technology's
Green Tech U


8/3
: 6-8 PM
Sustainable Materials for the Home Landscape
 
8/10: 6-8 PM
Safety First: A Detailed Look at Combustion Appliances for the Home
 
Unless otherwise noted, all seminars are free of charge and held at CCGT; please check the website and current brochure for details.
Tweet Home Chicago birdhouse entry

Tweet Home Chicago Entries on Display


View the 130+ creative and whimsical entries from this spring's Tweet Home Chicago Program, a bird house design and build competition sponsored by the City of Chicago and Chicago Park District to raise awareness about the importance of birds and bird habitat.

The entries are being exhibited across the city this summer. For a list of locations, visit the City's website. You can also view the entries and photos from the awards ceremony online.
C3 Logo

Volunteer with C3


Turn your passion for the environment into action and volunteer for a day. C3 and its partners present volunteer opportunities monthly. August highlights include:

8/3
Hegewisch Marsh Hike
Department of Environment

8/14
Hegewisch Rain Barrel Workshop
C3 Leader Bernadette Taylor

8/21
North Avenue Beach Cleanup
Alliance for the Great Lakes & Barefoot Wiinery

Visit the C3 website and blog for a full list.
Check beach and swim information via text messaging

Text the name of your favorite beach to 312-715-SWIM (7946) and receive a text message back with the current swim status. You can also check out the Chicago Park District's daily beach report on their website or call the Swim Report Hotline at 312-74BEACH for info. Know before you go.