Our Impact
200+
corner gardens tended
150
public events hosted
165+
new trees planted
Accomplishments
10-year Anniversary Summary (2010-2020)
Community Voice
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Hosted 50+ public events bringing experts and the community together on climate, composting, energy, and water
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Forged partnerships with 40th, 48th, and 50th Ward city council offices, as well as state and federal elected officials
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Participated in annual lobby days in Springfield with Illinois Environmental Council
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Organized annual bike and walking tours highlighting sustainability, preservation, and energy use
Stewardship
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Organized Clean and Green Earth Days, in collaboration with local elected officials, bringing volunteers together with one objective: cleaning local parks, school, and public spaces
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Spearheaded Green Schools initiative with 15 local schools, in collaboration with Ald. Osterman and IL State Senator Steans
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Planted 150+ trees and awarded 50+ corner garden grants to beautify our neighborhood, enhance the urban canopy, and create habitat for wildlife
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Restored native dune habitat at Osterman Beach, including the planting of more than 1,500 plants
Transportation
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Participated in Lake Shore Drive Visualization Task Force
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Collaborated on concept design for the extension of the lakefront bike/pedestrian path from Hollywood to Thorndale
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Supported efforts to make electric vehicle charging available to all communities in Chicago
Waste Reduction
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Hosted 25+ residential recycling presentations for small- and mid-sized buildings
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Established contact with 60 recycling block captains
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Ensured that a 2 x 2 block area in Edgewater North was 100% compliant with new Chicago recycling ordinance
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Supported and advocated for community composting programs
Energy
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Supported a rotating loan for nonprofits to install solar panels, including at the Edgewater Historical Society
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Conducted light efficiency survey of buildings, parks, and other publicly-lit areas in Edgewater
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Supported diesel fuel emission reduction as part of the city’s diesel contracting ordinance
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Participated in Citizens’ Climate Lobby group advocacy to place a fee on fossil fuel collection