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Green Living

Last Updated: Sep 30, 2022 08:30AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Hand holding out smart phone next to bluetooth speaker and headphones sitting on table next to papers and potted plant
Reducing Radiation Risks: Ways to Lessen Electromagnetic Exposure

Sep 30, 2022 ● By Carrie Jackson

There is strong evidence of a correlation between electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and radiofrequency radiation (RF) exposures and various health conditions. Here are ways to reduce exposure.

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Two adults canoe on one of Openlands 10 designated water trails in the region.
Water Trails Create Cleaner Rivers, Environmental Advocacy

Aug 31, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

When Michael Taylor first paddled his kayak down the Calumet River, he saw turtles and an egret. He also saw junk and debris. “I thought we needed to do something to clean up the river,” recalls Taylor.

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pansies and stocks
Fall is for Planting

Aug 31, 2022 ● By Melinda Myers

Here are just a few ideas for adding immediate and long-term beauty to the garden.

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Person using tools wearing protective gear standing outside of Asheville Tool Library
Conscious Consumerism: The Rise of Sharing and Reselling

Aug 31, 2022 ● By Sheila Julson

Local shared enterprises and secondhand shops are saving people money and reducing the impact of excess consumerism on the environment.

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Hummingbird sitting on a feeder.
Here Come the Hummingbirds

Jul 29, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Some Chicago area nature lovers see hummingbirds all summer, but in August and September, there’s the chance to see more as they pass through on their way south for the winter.

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Person shopping green packaged personal care items in store holding skin scrubber to face
The Greening of Packaging: Cleaning and Personal Care Products Go Eco

Jul 29, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Consumers are demanding that home cleaning and personal care products come in environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and plastic use.

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Saluting Chicago River Blue Award Recipients

Jun 30, 2022

Each of the award winners represent excellence in river-sensitive design, planning and creative thinking that is vital to improve and protect the Chicago-Calumet River system as a natural, vibrant and healthy blue-green corridor for people and wildlife.

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Nippersink Creek runs through Hackmatack.
Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge ~ Preserving The Environment For 10 Years

Jun 30, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

The public can now hike, attend events and volunteer at the preserve.

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Pollinator house with small holes for faux hives for bees near yellow flowers
Pollinator Haven: Create a Toxin-Free Yard for Critical Critters

Jun 30, 2022 ● By Sandra Yeyati

Bees are declining at alarming rates, thanks in part to neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides, but gardening modifications can provide food and safe haven for beneficial invertebrates.

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Forest Preserve District of Will County 2021 Award Winners.
Will County Forest Preserves Honor Volunteers of the Year

May 31, 2022

2021 Volunteers of the Year by the Forest Preserve District of Will County.

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Rosa setigera at moraine hill.
Native Wild Roses Bloom Naturally in the Midwest Summer

May 31, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Beginning in June, public and private rose gardens add beauty to the region with varied hues, shapes and fragrances.

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Asparagus
Delicious Edible Perennials Add Interest to Backyard Vegetable Gardens

May 31, 2022 ● By Lisa Hilgenberg

Often thought of as the economizers of an edible landscape, edible perennials are recognized as plants that keep on giving, year after year. Chicago Botanic Garden horticulturist Lisa Hilgenberg offers advice and suggestions for incorporating these plant powerhouses into your garden.

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Glamping tent with bed, chairs, vanity and balcony overlooking trees
Unplugged Adventures: Eco-Tripping for a Digital Detox

May 31, 2022 ● By Sheila Julson

For those that want to truly unplug, unique off-grid, eco-options beckon.

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Baker’s Lake rookery
Northeast Illinois Rookeries Show Real Lives of Local Herons, Egrets and Cormorants

Apr 29, 2022 ● By Sheryl DeVore

Senior wildlife biologist Chris Anchor has been studying rookeries—places where egrets, herons and cormorants nest communally—for decades. Like no other species in the region, these birds offer humans a chance to watch them court, build nests and raise young, says writer Sheryl De Vore.

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Tomato plants growing in containers outdoors
Easy Container Gardening: How to Grow Edibles in Pots and Planters

Apr 29, 2022 ● By Maya Whitman

Growing vegetables, flowers and herbs in pots can be cost-effective, inspiring and tailored for any urban balcony or country patio.

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Easy Plant-Based Chickpea Curry Recipe Made Even Tastier with a Clay Cooker

Apr 12, 2022

Sponsored Content Nature’s secret for good health and vitality is preparing your meals in an unglazed clay cooker. This delicious recipe for plant-based chickpea curry is even more fresh and nutritious when prepared in a modern, multi-functional clay cooker from VitaClay Chef.

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Celebrate Earth Day 2022 at Chicago Area Events

Apr 07, 2022

Celebrate celebrate Earth Day in the Chicago area with a variety of in person and virtual events. From film festivals, watch parties and online workshops, to neighborhood clean-ups, bike tune-ups and plant sales, there's something for almost everyone.

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a snowy field
New Park Coming to Bull Valley Thanks to Public-Private Conservation Partnership

Mar 31, 2022

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has acquired a 323-acre farm near Bull Valley, fulfilling a community vision to protect the site’s natural and ecological features and resulting in the creation of a new public nature park.

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A white flower
Local Seeds Go into National Deep Freeze

Mar 31, 2022

Chokeberry seeds plucked from the Forest Preserve Districtof Will County Kankakee Sands Preserve, in Custer Township, last year are now being stored in two national seed vaults.

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Three seperate pics of a blue flower, a yellow flower and a pink flower
Create a Colorful Year-Round Landscape

Mar 31, 2022 ● By Melinda Myers

Kick off the growing season with color and look for ways to continue color throughout the growing season and into fall and winter. Melinda Myers provides expert tips.

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