This week there have been some big developments in movement to get styrofoam packaging, especially disposable trays used in Chicago Public Schools, banned in the city of Chicago.
There was a nice article in the Chicago Tribune early in the week. Check it out here.
If you want to keep up to date on this issue consider [...]
I’ve been trying to get into a community garden here in the neighborhood and am looking forward to maybe next year being my year. The garden at 61st street has been kind of in limbo due to a pending construction project at the University of Chicago. Currently the garden is on University property and they [...]
Since our move to the new neighborhood leaf blowers have been more and more common. Our neighbors actually have yards here and many of them hire people to come out and care for them.
Leaf blowers have always kind of gotten on my nerves. They are noisy and incredibly wasteful. What’s so terrible about having a [...]
Yesterday I was reading an article on a group of people here in Chicago who are trying to get the city to ban stryofoam. Yay! Finally!! I was completely shocked and appalled to learn that Chicago Public Schools serve school lunches to it’s 400,000 students everyday on DISPOSABLE POLYSTYRENE TRAYS. I could not believe what [...]
Here’s a short list of small changes you can start working into your daily routine that will make a big impact on your environmental footprint.
1. Bring your own bag to the market, convenience store, hardware store, everywhere.
Last year I bought some nylon reusable shopping bags. I bring them everywhere not just the grocery store. My drawers were still filling up with plastic bags. I try to remember to bring them with me everywhere not just the grocery store. I purchased a huge reusable tote from Bed Bath and Beyond (under $5) a few months ago and I bring it with me when I know I’m going to have some bulkier items to bring home.
2. Bring your own cup.
This one too is not just limited to the coffee place. Use that mug as much as you can. I’m not sure if fast food places like McDonald’s would be as open but I’ve used my own mug at Subway. They’re usually open to it if it’s a place where you fill your own drink. Know how many ounces your cup holds and make the effort. People usually don’t care. It costs them less to not give you a cup, lid and straw.
3. Turn the water off when you’re brushing your teeth
My little bathroom faucet pumps out 2.5 gallons of water a minute. It takes a lot of energy and resources to get the water from the treatment plant all the way to your faucet. Be conscious of how much water you’re using and try to shut it off when you don’t need it.
