Empowering Voters. Defending Democracy.

News
Composting Awareness Week
Composting is one of THE easiest and highest-impact changes people and businesses can make to reduce greenhouse gasses.
Plant a Garden, Save the Planet
Feed yourself, your soul and your senses. We’ve got tips on gardening—even if you’re a city-dweller!
Cooking With Smoke
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.
Make a Change This Earth Day: Use the Plastic Calculator
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.
Grandmas for Green Energy
The Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO) is being heard by the committees on energy and zoning—tomorrow! Now is prime time to contact your alder and voice your support for electrification for future buildings.
Show Up for CABO
Almost 70% of Chicago’s greenhouse gas emissions come from buildings. That’s why it’s so urgent for Chicago to pass the Clean and Affordable Buildings Ordinance (CABO). Join us for a rally ahead of its hearing!
Chicago Composting Win!
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.
Chicago Does Not Recycle Spiders
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.
Batteries: Life and Death
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.
Here’s the Dirt
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.
What Could Society Do With $757 Billion Annually to Save Earth?
US subsidies to the fossil fuel industry are expanding, not shrinking. Let’s make a change and use that money more wisely.
Compost-Curious?
Are you interested in composting? Or maybe you’re a diehard composting enthusiast? International Compost Awareness Week is May 5–11.
2024: Plastics in Our Bodies
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.
2024: Plastics in Our Bodies
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!
A New Year’s Resolution?
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.
Welcome Decem-brrr!
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!
Matriarchs and Mashed Potatoes!
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.
Pledge to Electrify!
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.
How Climate Change Worsens the Migration Crisis
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.
Smart People from Chicago Talking about Climate Stuff
The Chicago Humanities Fall Festival is here, and with it five crucial conversations on climate. Let’s learn!