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Green Living

Last Updated: Sep 30, 2021 08:30AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Simple, minimal living room with couch, throw pillows, end tables with plants and storage and bicycle
Less Stuff, More Joy: Ways to Live Simpler and Lighter on Mother Earth

Sep 30, 2021 ● By Ronica O’Hara

How to turn to simpler, sustainable, conscious ways of living molded by our personal values through minimalist lifestyles.

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Art of Earth with layers for water and land
Water Scarcity Woes: A Global Problem That’s Getting Worse

Sep 30, 2021 ● By Jeremiah Castelo

Water scarcity is a legitimate concern. Here are 10 of the most alarming water scarcity facts that the world is currently facing.

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Stack of copper pots and pans sitting on counter next to spices
Healthy Cookware: How to Choose Non-Toxic Pots and Pans

Aug 31, 2021 ● By Amy Coyle

From classic pots and pans to the latest modern synthetic materials, here are some basic factors to watch for in choosing environmentally sound and chemical-free cookware.

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meteor showers
Meteor Watching Connects People to Nature

Aug 31, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Meteor watching and stargazing are family-friendly activities perfect for an autumn evening. Shery De Vore explores options to see meteor showers in the Chicago area.

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Coneflowers in the garden by Pasquesi Home and Gardens
Preparing Our Home Landscapes for Winter

Aug 31, 2021 ● By Melinda Myers

Fall in Chicago is a season of transition and that includes our gardens. Make the most of beautiful fall days to enjoy it and prepare your landscape for the winter ahead with these great tips from gardening expert Melinda Myers.

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2020 Chicago region tree census, Morton Arboretum
New Arboretum Tree Census Reveals Ways To Protect Chicago Region’s Urban Forest

Jul 30, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

In the past decade, millions of ash trees have died in the Chicago region, with more likely to die in another 10 years. Meanwhile, the percentage of invasive species continues to rise, causing harm to the region’s ecosystems. Trees continue to provide numerous benefits for humans and wildlife, and there’s much individuals can do to improve and maintain a healthy urban forest.

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Central Illinois FarmFED Cooperative logo
Illinois FarmFED Co-Op Empowers Regional Farmers

Jul 30, 2021

An ambitious project underway in Mt. Pulaski, located near Springfield, will help bridge the gap between local farmers and community members that want more access to food grown in Central Illinois than is currently available.

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A sea turtle in an aquarium
Sea Turtle Care Center Connects Children with Conservation Efforts

Jul 30, 2021 ● By Anna Marie Imbordino

Ocean conservation efforts have taken a global spotlight as scientists, conservationists and legislators around the world look for solutions that protect our oceans and wildlife.

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Bee pollinating pink and white flower
Pollinator-Friendly Yards: Gardening for Wildlife with Native Plants

Jul 30, 2021 ● By Betsy S. Franz

Create a pollinator-friendly yard with these gardening and landscape tips for choosing native plants, mowing less often, and avoiding pesticide use.

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Lake County Forest Preserves logo with a 4 leaf clover
Lake County Forest Preserves Leads in Net-Zero Building

Jun 30, 2021

As stewards of healthy landscapes and proponents of climate resiliency, officials at the Lake County Forest Preserves outside of Chicago altered their Capital Improvement Plan to prioritize and accelerate current net-zero building goals and lead the way for others to do the same.

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SWALCO recycling bin in the Hawthorn Mall lounge
SWALCO Hosts Big Summer Clothing and More Clear-Out

Jun 30, 2021

The Solid Waste Agency of Lake County (SWALCO) is providing new sites and collaborators participating in their clothing and textile collection program. Residents can find the closest location to drop off and donate new, gently used or worn items like shirts, pants, jeans, blankets, comforters, sheets, towels, table linens and more to be reused, repurposed or recycled/upcycled.

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Raspberry jam jars
Lawmakers Support Local Food and Sustainable Agriculture in Illinois

Jun 30, 2021 ● By Liz Moran Stelk

Legislation headed to Governor J.B. Pritzker’s desk will make Illinois more delicious, reduce food waste and improve local farmers’ bottom lines. Liz Moran Stelk of Illinois Stewardship Alliance reviews 2021 good food legislation.

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Painted Turtle
Turtles are Biodiversity Ambassadors

Jun 30, 2021 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Turtles have lived on Earth since the dinosaur era, some 60 million years ago. But today, these reptiles with hard shells and soft bodies need help, and they are getting it from groups throughout the Chicago region. Writer Sheryl DeVore talks with Chicago area experts about urban and suburban turtle conservation efforts in natural Illinois areas.

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Urban garden growing rows of vegetables, flowers and plants in raised beds
Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening

Jun 30, 2021 ● By Laura Paisley Beck

Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system.

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ants
Natural Ways to Help Control Pests this Spring and Summer

May 28, 2021 ● By Rick Moskovitz

As spring arrives, so do the ants, and for many homeowners they are a nuisance. But the ants were here first and are part of a balanced ecosystem. We don’t have to kill them, just keep them outside. Instead of purchasing a toxic insecticide spray or trap, there are safer, more humane alternatives, says Rick Moskovitz of A-Plus Natural Solutions Worldwide, Inc, of Skokie.

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