Sun Day--a nationwide celebration of clean energy progress— gives each of us a chance to stand up for the solar and wind power that's making our communities healthier, quieter, and more affordable.
In Chicago, the Sun Day Solar Fest will be September 21st from Noon - 4PM at Montrose Beach (adjacent to the dog park) at 610 W Lawrence, Chicago, IL 60613 US.
On "Sun Day," Sunday, Sept. 21, 3-4pm, Oak Park Climate Action Network presents a free webinar all about COMMUNITY SOLAR. Learn how anyone with an electricity account can subscribe for a share in a solar "farm" and save money on their energy costs. Presenters include Grace Concialdi of Citizens Utility Board and Art Spooner, Oak Park condo owner and community solar subscriber, followed by Q&A. It's free but registration is required. A recording of the webinar will be available later at https://opcan.org. Questions to wgreenhouse@gmail.com.
Join Reduce Waste Chicago for our fourth annual Sustainability Market! Discover eco-focused local small businesses, artists and organizations dedicated to helping us all live more sustainably. Drop off items for reuse, repurposing and recycling with five collection organizations. Connect with and create community in a shared mission to reduce waste in our homes and our communities. See you there!
Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies provided.
Learn how to build your own plant terrarium. Take home your own green ecosystem and watch it grow. Supplies provided.
Explore the beauty of our natural landscapes using natural fibers. Supplies provided.
Improve native wildlife habitat by removing invasive species. Equipment and tools provided. Ages 15 & under w/ adult.
Join Chicago Climate Connect for an evening of connection and conversation with Manuela Zoninsein, Founder & CEO of Kadeya, as we explore how reuse infrastructure can drive meaningful systems change.
From her work advancing closed-loop beverage solutions to her advocacy around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in Illinois, Manuela brings a sharp perspective on what it takes to shift industries toward circularity.
WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.
WEJA is a partnership with One Earth Collective, 290 IPO, and – so far 72 other Westside activists, community-based organizations, and residents.
Please RSVP by 5PM Thurs, Aug 14, 2025
Join us for a litter clean up and give back to the community. Grove 13.
2025 Solar Farm Summit aims to elevate the solar energy + agriculture renaissance to the next level August 4-7 in a new location on Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore: McCormick Place!
The 2025 Solar Farm Summit (SFS25) is set to return to Chicago this summer in a new location for another deeply enriching and difference-making experience. Join us along Chicago’s magnificent lakeshore August 4-7 at McCormick Place to plug into the next evolution of the solar energy + agriculture revolution during the 3rd edition of North America’s Agrivoltiacs Expo, the continent’s 1st dedicated dual-use development conference and agrivoltaics exhibition, brought to you again by returning title sponsor—American Farmland Trust.
With natural materials and drawings, use the sun to make a one-of-a-kind print. Supplies provided.
Hosted at Swallow Cliff Woods Pavilion, learn how to make your paper with recycled materials. Supplies provided.
In Walkaway by Cory Doctorow, Hubert, Seth, and their ultra-rich heiress friend Natalie are getting a little old to hang out at the "Communist parties, " techno-raveups in abandoned industrial spaces, full of insta-printed drugs and toys. And Natalie was finished, years ago, with her overcontrolling zillionaire dad. And now that anyone can manufacture food, clothing, shelter with equipment comparable to a computer printer, there seems to be little reason to stick with the world of rules and jobs.
Storytime and a recycling truck! Participate in fun storytime activities while learning about recycling. Then, get a tour of a Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) truck from a real-life driver and a copy of the LRS book The Big Sort: Aluminum Adventure With Fran the Can to take home.
Discover how plants and people play a role in protecting and restoring native habitats. Perfect for nature lovers, students, and anyone curious about conservation!
🧤 Free & family-friendly
🌾 Explore native plants and habitats
Unwind and create while collaging with the leftover multi-colored and many-shaped filament scraps we’ve been collecting from 3D printer projects. Choose from one of four collage-by-number templates made by library staff (printed on reused paper and glued to packaging cardboard), or create your own freeform masterpiece using the filament scraps and hot glue.
Get outside and enjoy a festive nature walk to kick off your 4th of July celebrations early! Wear your patriotic colors and explore the trails with us — fun for all ages!
🎉 FREE family-friendly event
🌳 Explore local wildlife & plants
📸 Great photo ops in the preserves!
Hello Westsiders!
WEJA (Westside Environmental Justice Alliance) is a group for people who live, work, volunteer, study, and worship on Chicago’s Westside (roughly Ashland to Austin) to come together over our mutual interests of improving the air, water, soil, and health of Westsiders.
Join us for an open discussion on climate change and other environmental topics. You are invited to share an article, book, podcast, video, website or film related to environmental issues that you'd like to discuss.
Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books. Books can be of any genre and at any reading level; nature-themed books are particularly encouraged. Presented by Oak Lawn Public Library and Green Hills Public Library.
Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.
Bring in your gently used books and leave with some new-to-you books! Books can be any genre and reading level; nature-themed books encouraged.
Please come and learn about Briar East Woods- woods that are in danger of being destroyed. Learn what you can do to help save the woods!
Join this junky jamboree to celebrate MOTHERS of all kinds: Mommas of humans, Mother of our Earth, and all the mother-junking artisans who transform materials into one-of-a-kind wonders.
There is no other market that offers a "Participatory Production" experience! What does that mean? Not only can you shop for upcycled home goods, art, planters, fashion, body care, and oddball stuff, you can also drop off household supplies to the artisans for their future creative projects. Plus, other hands-on activities.
Our premier event of Chicago Water Week, the Freshwater Forum, will bring together water industry leaders, innovators, and changemakers for an evening of inspiration and collaboration. We'll highlight the momentum behind Chicago’s growing water innovation ecosystem, with a focus on the role of strategic industry partnerships in scaling bold water solutions. You can register here with the promo code FINALFRESH75 to get your ticket at no cost.
Earlier in the week, we’re partnering with the World Water Film Festival to screen How to Poison a Planet, an award-winning documentary that exposes the global impact of PFAS contamination. Free tickets are available here!
Following the screening, Alaina from our team will be moderating a solutions-focused panel featuring:
Rob Bilott, environmental attorney who first exposed PFAS contamination
Gary Douglas and Rebecca Newman, lead counsel in the 3M PFAS settlement
Dr. Junhong Chen, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering at the University of Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory
Michael Strande, father of late activist Amara Strande, who is featured in the documentary
Mark Ruffalo (virtually), if his schedule allows. We hope to know this week if he’s able to participate!
International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is the largest and most comprehensive education initiative of the compost industry. It is celebrated during the first full week of May throughout the US and internationally. The goal of ICAW is to work together to raise public awareness on why we all should be composting our organics and using compost to create healthier soil.
Trash People exists to make it easier to contribute to and connect with community. We do this through our regular hyper-local clean ups, The Volunteer Fair, and our latest project, The Parlor - a resource redistribution project for people & planet.
alt_ [Alt Space Chicago] is marking its 5th anniversary with a grand opening event from April 25-27 at our new location, 5645 W Lake St [Corcoran Pl]. The event will showcase the organization's mission through three key pillars: art, community, and faith.
In August 2024, IL Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring Illinois public schools to educate students on climate change starting in 2026. The law requires that students learn about the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and communities while also studying solutions to mitigate the impact of climate change. After helping pass this legislation, Climate Education for Illinois, It’s Our Future and Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) sought out a partnership with the nonprofit SubjectToClimate (StC) to support teachers in implementing these updated educational requirements, beginning with the creation of an Illinois Climate Education Hub.
Join us for the 2025 Climate Action Hero Awards, an inspiring evening dedicated to recognizing the individuals, businesses, and organizations leading the way in climate action. Hosted by the Climate Action Museum (CAM) this annual event highlights those making a tangible impact through education, advocacy, innovation, and direct action.
Be a Food Waste Hero during Food Waste Prevention Week 2024 and save the day, one meal at a time. Don't be fooled by waste—join the mission to rescue delicious meals and be the hero our planet needs.
See what your Oak Park neighbors are doing to power their homes cleaner, safer, cheaper, and greener! Check out heat pump HVAC and hot water systems, induction stoves, solar arrays, and more. Homeowners will be on hand to share their experience and answer your questions. Three different houses will be open on each of two days:
Sunday, March 9, 2-4pm
Sunday, April 6, 2-4pm
This event is free, but registration is required and space is limited! Presented by Oak Park Climate Action Network.
Bozho and welcome to Trickster Cultural Center's Intertribal Youth Council!
We are thrilled to have you participate in creating a special space where young people from our community can come together to celebrate their culture, learn from one another, and engage in meaningful activities.
This group is open to all youth ages 10 and up who are interested in exploring and celebrating Indigenous culture. We will be learning all about advocating, developing and implementing policies and services in outreach engagements, coalitions, and government in a range of self steered youth related issues. Bring your enthusiasm, your questions, and your spirit of adventure!
