Sustainability is Above Board at Chicago’s Newest Harbor
Bears season tickets. That is possibly the only waiting list in Chicago longer than the one to get a boat slip. With marina demand so large, the need for a new harbor was evident. The Chicago Park District conducted a study of the lakefront in 2005 to determine the best spot for a new marina. At the top of that list was one location: 31st Street.
Mode Shift: Getting Around Chicago More Sustainably
In 2009, according the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 120 million Americans commuted to work. Despite the rising cost of fuel, the vast majority of them—76%—drove alone. Only 5% took some sort of public transit and less than 1% traveled by bicycle. Active Transportation Alliance, a non-profit, member-supported organization, is working to change that.
Neighborhood Focus: Eco-Conscious in Andersonville
Changes in how we interact with our environment come about in different ways. For example, the president can make a call to action on renewable energy, like Barack Obama did in this year’s state of the union address. Legislation, such as the revised energy conservation code, mandate behavior modification. But for the residents of north side Andersonville, change can also percolate from the bottom up.
That Land’s Not Vacant, it’s Fallow: Creating More Community Gardens in Chicago’s Food Deserts
Food deserts—areas where access to groceries and fresh food has been replaced by convenience stores and fast food restaurants—have plagued Chicago for years, particularly in the west and south neighborhoods. A recent report has shown that these areas are shrinking, with the number of Chicagoans living in a food desert reduced by 40% over the last five years. Those are huge gains, but with a food desert population of over 383,000, the battle is far from over and one measure to combat the issue is urban farming.
Year Three Proves the Green Office Challenge Not so Challenging
The Green Office Challenge is a friendly competition among office tenants to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The Challenge not only offers an opportunity for Chicago businesses and property managers to gain recognition for their green achievements, they can save energy, save money and gain a competitive advantage in green innovations.
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