Waste Not, Want Not

What do gas stoves and cigarettes have in common? When burned, they both release many of the same toxic substances detrimental to human health—and both the gas and tobacco industries knew for decades that these products caused serious health problems without disclosing the risks to the public.

Did you know that in 2023, the US sold more than 100 billion single-use plastic beverage containers? Or that it takes several times as much water to manufacture a plastic water bottle than fits inside the bottle. Planet vs. Plastics is this year’s Earth Day theme.

Chicago’s Food Scrap Drop-Off Program is already making a difference for our environment. Launched last October, over 67 tons of food scraps have been composted instead of landfilled, equivalent to preventing the emissions from burning 4,928 gallons of gasoline.

The city does not offer recycling for the re-homing of those from the arachnid community. But for most anything else a human uses—we’ve got you covered! We’ve got a mega-guide to help you reduce, recycle or reuse in Chicago.

Did you know February 18 was National Battery Day? We didn't either! As battery usage increases, we should think about their impact on the environment and what we can do to make them more sustainable.

It’s that time of year—lobby season in Springfield! It’s a perfect chance to go to the state capitol and talk directly to legislators about why environmental issues matter. Join us March 6 for Lobby Day for Soil Health.

US subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are expanding, not shrinking. Let’s make a change and use that money more wisely.

Are you interested in composting? Or maybe you’re a diehard composting enthusiast? International Compost Awareness Week is May 5–11.

Despite growing evidence of potential health threats, plastic chemicals remain widespread in our food at concerningly high levels. Here’s what you can do to limit the plastic you eat.

Science is starting the year strong with a new finding: the prevalence of tiny bits of plastic floating in plastic water bottles is at least 10-100x higher than previously thought. Make 2024 the year you ditch the single-use plastic bottle!

Food accounts for 10-30% of a household’s carbon emissions, and meats are estimated to generate 56% of them. Here’s our tips for getting a vegetarian meal onto the table.

It’s that time of year again…from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Americans produce on average 25% more trash. Oops! Here’s how you can make sure everybody has fun while keeping your excess stuff off the naughty list—or even turning it into treasure!

Traditionally, Grandmas and Aunties are the main force behind family customs the world over. But customs that made sense and brought joy in the past might not be so helpful now—for us, our family or the environment.

Keep reading, renters and condo dwellers! As dirty natural gas becomes more and more expensive, moving to electrify your home will save you money in the long run—and our first step will save you money immediately.

One of climate change’s harshest blows lands when one’s shelter is lost. Between 680,000 to 30 million climate refugees will flee to the US from Central America and Mexico from 2020-2050.

The Chicago Humanities Fall Festival is here, and with it five crucial conversations on climate. Let’s learn!

We’ve just been through a crazy summer of heat domes, atmospheric rivers and smoke polluting the air we breathe. What are the most impactful ways for individuals to reduce their carbon emissions?

We’ve heard from the scientists, journalists and activists, but what about the artists? Art centered on climate issues has been a missing piece of the conversation, but the Chicago Design Museum has such an exhibit through October 30.

Hey, environmentalists—we’ve got ideas for a fun summer outing and the perfect beach read!

Trees provide many benefits to a city like Chicago—what can you do to preserve and grow our city’s tree canopy?

What happens to those plastic bags you “recycle”—and what can you do about it?

Lead pipes are the largest threat to drinking water in Chicago. Lead is a neurotoxin and is unsafe in any amount. Chicago has the most lead pipes of any U.S. city—approximately 400,000. What should you do about it?

It’s International Compost Awareness Week! Composting is way easier than you think, and it’s one of the highest-impact changes you can make.

What happens once an election is over? It becomes time to hold the winner accountable and make sure he walks the walk when it comes to campaign promises.

Does climate angst keep you up at night? Do you feel pangs of guilt as you go through your day? You are not alone. Taking action may help you feel in control.

We’ve gathered together a list of ways you can celebrate, have some fun and make a difference this Earth Month.

As Women’s History Month draws to a close, let's make history ourselves and take advantage of exciting opportunities to lobby for impactful environmental legislation.

Here are a few of our favorite ways we can all help our environment by saving water.