Monthly Archives: December 2010

Schaumburg Honored for Environmental Efforts

Posted on December 31, 2010 by

As an “edge city” suburb of Chicago, the village of Schaumburg has faced issues plaguing many suburban developments, not least of which is sprawl that encourages automobile traffic. That said, the village (where Roosevelt University has a campus) has also … Continue reading →

Posted in courses, news

Report: Illinois Recycling Activities Directly Employ 40,000

Posted on December 30, 2010 by

As students in Roosevelt seminars SUST 210 The Sustainable Future and SUST 240 Waste know, recycling is big business. Illinois has estimated it is a business large enough to employ tens of thousands of workers in the state. The Illinois … Continue reading →

Posted in news, recycling

Altgeld Gardens Gets an Urban Farm

Posted on December 29, 2010 by

Altgeld Gardens is an important site in the environmental history of Chicago. Three decades ago, it was where residents led by Hazel Johnson discovered their community had the highest cancer rates in Chicago amid the siting of scores of waste … Continue reading →

Posted in food, news

Museum of Science and Industry Exhibit “Climate Matters” Closes Sunday

Posted on December 28, 2010 by

Chicagoans have only a few days left to attend the Museum of Science and Industry’s exhibit running on why we should be concerned about climate change. It closes Sunday. In this timely and compelling exhibition, learn about the changes that … Continue reading →

Posted in activities, biodiversity, energy

Solar farm proposed for Kendall County

Posted on December 27, 2010 by

If two Illinois businessmen get their way, Kendall County will soon be home to a giant solar farm. WCP Solar Services of Naperville and Renewable Energy Services LLC of DeKalb are proposing a 700-megawatt solar energy farm possibly on land … Continue reading →

Posted in energy

Remembering Steve Walter, Chicago’s First Deputy Commissioner of Energy

Posted on December 26, 2010 by

Last month, a local leader in sustainable policy passed away. Steven P. Walter became the city of Chicago’s first deputy commissioner of energy in 2003.  In that job, he led efforts to find renewable power sources for more than 400 … Continue reading →

Posted in energy, news, policy

“The Story of Electronics” Discusses Where e-Waste Comes From

Posted on December 25, 2010 by

Artist Annie Leonard, who brought the country the viral video “The Story of Stuff,” has a new film called the “The Story of Electronics: Why Designed for the Dump Is Toxic for People and the Planet.” Recently, Elizabeth Rosenthal wrote … Continue reading →

Posted in recycling, waste

An LED-Illuminated Christmas in Chicago

Posted on December 24, 2010 by

It’s Christmastime in Chicago, and downtown is decorated with all sorts of lights on trees, lightposts and buildings. Train commuters passing the Merchandise Mart see it illuminated in green and red for the season. Increasingly, more and more of these … Continue reading →

Posted in energy, news

Museum of Science and Industry Smart Home Exhibit “Green + Wired” On Now Through January 9

Posted on December 23, 2010 by

If you are interested in sustainable housing (and interior) design, the Museum of Science and Industry’s Smart Home “Green + Wired” exhibit is running until January 9, 2011. The Smart Home: Green + Wired exhibit, a fully-functioning, eco-friendly home on … Continue reading →

Posted in activities, energy

Local Rooftop Farming Profiled in OnEarth Magazine

Posted on December 22, 2010 by

Recently, OnEarth Magazine profile Mike Repkin’s rooftop farm on the roof of local natural foods co-op True Nature. Eighteen feet above Chicago’s honking city traffic, Mike Repkin stands in a plot of buckwheat, delicate white flowers waving about his waist … Continue reading →

Posted in food