I
may not be Jewish, but I have an insatiable lust for latkes. Last year,
our good friends David and Ilana hosted a delicious Hanukkah
celebration with what seemed to be endless supply of latkes and sour
cream - I must have [...]
The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum will celebrate the season with an eco-friendly holiday theme beginning Friday.
From November 27 to January 3, visitors to the museum will find an assortment of activities to help them incorporate environmental sensitivity into their holiday.
Gifting [...]
Members of Chicago area homeschool groups will participate in a Homeschool Holiday Craft Fair next month at the Ethical Humanist Society at 7574 N. Lincoln Ave. in Skokie.
The fair is free and takes place:
Friday December 4, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday [...]
Dear EarthTalk: Can you enlighten on the environmental impact of the fashion industry? As I understand it, the industry overall is no friend to the environment. -- Tan Cheng Li, Malaysia
According to the non-profit Earth Pledge, today some 8,000 synthetic chemicals are [...]
As regular readers of Green Parent Chicago know, we support a less commercialized childhood, favor a return to the outdoors and often feature discussion on pervasive marketing tactics invading our everyday life and destroying our connection to the natural world.
At Green Parent [...]
Are you Interested in saving money on heating costs this winter while reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
Attend a FREE home weatherization workshop sponsored by the City of Chicago Department of Environment and the Chicago Conservation Corps.Ironically, when my first child was born in 2000 at the dawn of a new millennium, there was little progress in the way of acceptance toward natural parenting. Finding baby slings, cloth diapers or nursing apparel in stores was an impossible task. The majority of states [...]
Dear EarthTalk: Not long ago there were concerns about honey bees disappearing. Are the bees still disappearing, and if so do we know why and do we have a solution? -- David, Grand Rapids, MI
The topic of disappearing honey bees first cropped up [...]
Over 25 environmental groups will rally Saturday at Fisk Coal Plant to demand strong domestic and international policy action from President Obama as he sets forth to join international climate talks in Copenhagen.
The rally, in solidarity with International Day of Climate Action held [...]
According to AmpleHarvest.org, "an estimated 100 billion pounds of food, enough to totally eliminate hunger, is thrown away annually in the United States.” Be shocked – and then make a difference for your community by stopping the waste.
Regularly clean out your food pantry - – if you are not eating the food [...]
It's that time of the year, as the Chicago Transit Authority has unveiled its new budget including plans to raise fares once again. The agency is considering an ordinance to adopt a new 2010 Operating Budget and Program, the 2010 Capital Program [...]
Fall rainy days and children combine to produce the inevitable complaint, “I’m bored.” Not too long ago my youngest daughter and I came up with a genius solution to the “I’m bored’s” which was fun and educational. Here’s how it went:
“Mom, I’m bored.”
“You [...]
Born out of the Chicago Academy of Sciences, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum debuted in 1999 transforming the concepts of natural history museum and natural science education into a single dynamic sanctuary for visitors of all ages.
Museum administrators were early advocates of environmentalism [...]
As editor of Green Parent Chicago, I am very thrilled to announce a new regular feature on Green Parent Chicago: "Little Locavores", written by Melissa Graham. In each installment, Melissa will feature her own family-friendly recipes incorporating a perfect blend of locally sourced ingredients, kid cooking tips and a dash [...]
--Editor's note: Today's guest post comes from ChiIL Mama, who blogs about tons of unique adventures with her two kids Du and Sage in and around Chicago. Below is her account of last week's Chicagoland Car Free Day.--
ChiIL Mama successfully [...]
Dear EarthTalk: What are the pros and cons of feeding babies formula versus breast milk? And if I purchase formula, should I spend the extra money on the organic variety? -- Suzy W., via e-mail
It is generally acknowledged within the medical community that breast milk [...]
Today is Chicagoland Car free Day and over 1,000 Chicagoans have already pledged to go car free and travel by foot, bus, train, or bike today to support more environmentally friendly transportation.
Looking for a fun way to participate? Active Transportation Alliance lists several [...]
Vy Tham (participating in the Association for Alternative Journalism's summer program) writes an excellent story about the dedication of the many boys and girls that pass through Blackstone Bicycle Works shop on the city's southside. The kids come to the shop hoping to earn a [...]
I'll admit, when I first read the title "Here Comes Science" in the press release for the new They Might Be Giants CD/DVD set, I was skeptical of its value.
Too often science related kids albums and "making science fun" toys I've come into contact [...]
The award winning, Lake Side Cafe, in Rogers Park, famous for their creative vegan and vegetarian menu and delicious desserts, regularly offers vegan and vegetarian hands-on cooking classes (from vegetarian basics to sushi to regional foods) every first or second Sunday of the month. [...]
Fall can be the perfect season for a festival: cooler air, a bounty of fruits and vegetables in season and a great time to spend gathering before the icy chill of winter falls. Chicago is home to several amazing fall festivals and traditions every year.
For 2009, several Chicago [...]
Is your child touching nature regularly? It might just be detrimental to their health if they are not able to experience the greater natural world.
When my daughter asked me “Mom, what does a cricket eat?” I immediately jumped online and [...]
TV Turn Off Week is a twice yearly week long voluntary respite from television watching, an activity that in some American homes consumes "more than 151 hours of television per month -- an "all-time" high -- up
from more than 145 hours during the [...]
Celebrate World Car free Day and join Green Parent Chicago for a car free play date at one of the city's most easily accessible and beautiful parks: Seneca Playlot Park. Enjoy the fall day with free outdoor fun and come burn off that extra energy. We at [...]
Why would anyone in their right mind do away with the American dream of owning their own car in a modern city like Chicago, only to contend with potentially crowded trains and late buses?
If you no longer bought into the idea that auto ownership [...]
Dear EarthTalk: I’d like to know the relative electricity cost of utility scale solar and wind plants versus rooftop residential solar. In other words, how can I know whether to subsidize my utility’s alternative energy plant or renovate my own home? -- Randy Wilson, [...]
An 'Eat In" will be held Wednesday August 26 at Daley Plaza to address the re-authorization of the Child Nutrition Act, a federal law that determines the national school lunch program and school nutrition resources.
One Seed Chicago, an ongoing project of community managed garden advocates Neighbor Space, each year invites participants to grow a selected plant and share the fun and satisfaction of gardening in and around Chicago with their community.
Last year's [...]
Pairing rock with recycling, the first ever Green Music Fest will take place this weekend at Eckhart Park in Chicago's burgeoning West Town neighborhood.
West Town Chamber of Commerce organizers say the new and innovative green technology-themed event, running noon to 10 p.m. August [...]
Dear EarthTalk: I’m sure there are many good environmental reasons to build a rooftop garden. Can you enlighten? And also I’d like to know how to go about creating one and whether or not some municipalities might offer incentives to do so. -- Linda, [...]
"Today You Are You" is the latest blog from Green Parent Chicago contributor, Jen Khatchatrian, who shares her story of love as an advocate for her transgender young child.
Jen has been an advocate for environmental issues around Chicago in her role as founder [...]
Mayor Richard Daley announced Saturday the start of a new initiative aimed at increasing recycling efforts through the city's Blue Cart recycling program.
Under the RecycleBank program, households will be encouraged to increase their recycling to receive rewards based on the amount of recyclables they [...]
Ruby Roth, a former elementary school art teacher, has published a children's book about the suffering animals face in factory farm operations for the sake of our food supply.
Endorsed by Jane Goodall, "That's Why We Don't Eat Animals" (NorthAtlantic/RandomHouse) has been described as [...]
I’m in one of life’s many transitions right now, planning to move soon and staying in a house that I won’t be in for very long. In my previous house, I found a small patch in the yard and was able to grow a [...]
Dear Green Mama: I am interested in being more green at work and want to get green business cards, however I've heard that even a "green" printer might still use toxic chemicals. Do you know a truly green printer? --Bob "Green"
Dear Mr. Green: Funny [...]
As a mother, I know all too well the difficulties of trying to save the earth and cash at the same time. It shouldn’t be so expensive for the entire family to be eco-friendly. So here are five helpful hints to keep in [...]
Wondering what you'll do with your bike when you hop on the train or bus? Do you know what the rules are for taking the bus and train with your bike around town and the suburbs? Or are you curious about taking your child's bike along or wondering [...]
**Editor's note: Please welcome guest columnist Giselle Baturay. Babywearing has been proven to reduce baby's fussiness, enhance mental and emotional development of infants and benefits moms (and dads) physically, while helping to form secure bonds between parent and child. Not to mention, it's a [...]
Dear EarthTalk: If train travel is so much less polluting than driving or flying, why are passenger rail options in the U.S. so limited compared to Europe? And is anything being done to shift more travelers over to American rail lines from cars and [...]
Actress Ricki Lake and documentary filmmaker Abby Epstein have already received plenty of praise for their work in detailing the state of birth in the U.S. in their 2008 film, "The Business of Being Born". In May, they published the book "Your Best Birth", billed [...]
We discovered cabbage worms in our broccoli. Ick. Gross. Blech. Nasty. Then my eight year old and I discovered that the Cabbage Worm Butterfly (known as the “Cabbage White”) is what the Cabbage Worm Caterpillar develops into. What a fantastic way to get your children out in the garden to learn about nature! You [...]
This August, an 8 mile stretch of the city extending from Logan Square to Little Village, passing through Humboldt Park, North Lawndale and Garfield Park along the way will become completely carfree for the day and open to bikers, walkers, and children playing. [...]
Dear Green Mama: My friends and I swap, reuse, and hand-down everything from baby clothes, toys, and books to cribs, tricycles, and information. What do we do, though, with our old car seats? These days, the car seats come with expiration dates, yet I can't seem to find a carseat [...]
Some say that the term environmental justice should in actuality be environmental injustice. For those that have never come across either of those terms it implies the unfair and inequitable burden of negative environmental impacts on a particular group of people. A group therefore can [...]
Perhaps you closely read the labels on food and beverages that your family consume. If so, you may be equally selective in choosing the types of personal care products you use on yourself and/or your children too.
But navigating the seemingly endless aisles of soaps, [...]
Dear EarthTalk: Do insulating paints actually insulate and save energy? If they do, are they environmentally friendly to use?-- Bob Dibrindisi, Easthampton, MA
Paint additives that claim insulating qualities have been marketed since the late 1990s, but energy research organizations have not confirmed their [...]
Taste of Chicago, the city's most popular food and entertainment festival begins today for its 29th year and will run until Sunday July 5 in Grant Park.
Though some Chicagoans may skip the lines, the crowds (an estimated 6 million annually) and the higher [...]
*Editor's note: Today we are very pleased to welcome guest writer, Kellen Marshall-Gillespie:
It is extremely important as environmentally aware parents that we all consider the values and lessons we are teaching our children. It is not only environmental efforts that will save the earth but [...]
My summer of biking has gotten off to a great start, and many of the errands I used to make by car I now make on my bike---the grocery store, the farmer’s market, the drug store, out for a cappuccino, and even day trips [...]
Dear EarthTalk: I know of solar power systems that people can put on their roofs to generate electricity or heat water. Are there systems that serve whole neighborhoods? -- Lee Helscel, via email
Collective bargaining is a good strategy when looking to get the best price on [...]
No matter how much you try to recycle or buy products with less packaging, there are going to be moments when you'll wind up with a few extra plastic, glass or styrofoam containers laying about. Perhaps they have an interesting size or are made up [...]
Though summer in Chicago is the time for great optimism as the city comes alive with festivals, music and activities, some families who rely on meal programs through their child's school may be faced with the need to find adequate nutrition for their children now [...]
This is what I saw several weeks ago when I went to clean up breakfast. Wasted food. I am sure you are wondering why six or seven bites of bread crumbs really makes a difference, right? It makes a difference when you understand that a [...]
Chicago businesses will compete to win the Bike Commuter Challenge as Bike to Work Week begins this weekend and runs until June 19 across the city.
Each company entering the challenge will try to get the most employees to bike to work during [...]If you have jeans that your children have outgrown, pairs that are too worn, ripped, stained or damaged to swap, consider having them recycled into green home insulation and help set a world record too.
National Geographic Kids is hoping to set a Guinness World [...]
Family Fun Festival, the season long program of free children's activities and performances at the city's Millennium Park begins Wednesday and will run daily through September 4.
Children's activities and performances will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the [...]
Dear EarthTalk: How does the microwave compare in energy use, say, to using a gas or electric stove burner to heat water for a cup of tea? -- Tempie, Dexter, MI
The short answer is that it depends upon several variables, including the price of [...]Though the cool breeze may tell you otherwise, the 2009 Chicago beach season has already begun and runs Friday, May 22 to Monday, September 7. Swimming is permitted and lifeguards are on duty at all beaches [...]
Dear 'Cooking Safe with' Julie:
I regularly bring Chef Ellen King to talk with The Green Mama Cafe and she has [...]
My journey becoming more environmentally aware and active looks so good sometimes. Our rethinking, reusing and recycling program is in a smooth groove. The worms in our vermicomposting bin are well fed and happy. Our Chicago Card is being swiped much more than the card to access our parking [...]
My brother-in-law asked me if the used water from the washing machine could be used in the yard as a conservation effort w/o harming the plants. He’s an engineer so if this water is okay for that reuse, he wants to create a routing system from [...]
One of the most important life lessons we can ever teach our children is how to give back to the world. That is what Gloria Latta and her team of environmental
educators at Wheaton Warrenville South High School is doing in Wheaton, Illinois [...]
You can explain to children about helping the environment, give them information and facts, but until you allow them to take ownership of their actions, they may never fully value their role as a citizen of the earth.
A newly revised edition of the bestselling "The New [...]
If the congestion and noise of the city ever get to you, consider popping into a soothing retreat tucked away off Fullerton just west of Cannon Drive. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool has an immediate sedative effect so make a point to block out a little [...]
The moment you walk in the door you feel lighter. While at a sneak peek of the Modern Wing at the Art Institute yesterday, I was captivated by the breathtaking design by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Described as "elegant modesty" the space exudes a [...]
It's time again for the Green Festival here in Chicago and this year's fest promises a slew of activities, speakers and exhibitors of family friendly policy and services in the Chicago area.
The 3rd annual event, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green [...]
Winter is officially gone my friends. The Green City Market is back in the sweet outdoors! Last Wednesday marked the first outdoor market after spending the winter inside the Nature Museum.
Caution- you may overshoot the location the first time you make it back (like [...]
Dear EarthTalk: I want to start an organic vegetable garden in my yard and I would like to know how to combine crops to make better use of time and space. -- Val Thomason, Denton, TX
Most commercial farms concentrate on growing a few select [...]
The Model Railroad Garden,“Landmarks of America", is back for a 10th season at the Chicago Botanic Garden this Saturday.
The exhibition delights visitors with the sights and sounds of garden-scale trains traversing bridges and trestles and miniature scenes of America’s best-loved landmarks and beautiful gardens planted [...]
"Consuming Kids", a new documentary by the Media Education Foundation is described as "an eye-opening account of the pervasive and pernicious effects of children’s advertising on the health and well-being of kids."
The film explores the increasingly pervasive ways corporations attempt to access the daily habits of American children [...]
When I participated in the Green City Market's Localvore Challenge last year, I came to the horrifying realization that my food came from all over the planet. My nuts came from Vietnam, my crackers from England... I desperately searched for food that was produced [...]
Are you interested in introducing your children to gardening, eager for them to experience the wonder and satisfaction of caring for plants? The Garfield Park Conservatory has a new children's program where kids can drop in and get their hands dirty with "green [...]
Dear Green Mama: I am a mother of a beautiful baby boy. I do my best to feed him unprocessed and organic foods. Unfortunately both my hubby and I were laid off and the budget is tight. I have heard of "the dirty dozen" and hoped you [...]
A friend once sent me to The Story of Stuff website and it changed my thinking forever. As I look around I realize we have so much! Even someone like me (who is not a buyer, saver or a collector) has so much excess stuff. [...]
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services hopeful, Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has reportedly vetoed Kansas state bill HR 2121, which would have permitted misleading claims on organic and hormone free milk.
The bill, if signed into law, would have allowed labeling claiming there is [...]
Dear Green Mama,
I'm
a school teacher in Chicago. After researching our CPS lunches, I am
concerned about recalled meat and rGBH that may be in our students’
food and drink.
Chartwells is our present vendor. Is there a vendor that can stay within our [...]
Morning Bird and Nature Walks with the Nature Conservancy
April 22, 7:30 a.m.
Millenium Park, Cloud Gate
Lincoln Park Zoo's Science Celebration
April 22, 10:00 a.m. - noon
Cafe Brauer,
2021 N. Stockton Dr., [...]
When children lack access to backyards and green space and are unable to play outdoors regularly, they can easily miss out on forming a personal connection to nature. Often the best way to foster a child's love for the Earth is to remind him or [...]
My husband and I decided to get rid of our TV when we moved to our present home last fall and since then "TV Turn Off Week" is every week in our house. Honestly, our number one catalyst was space: We didn't want the Giant [...]
It's interesting when friends make excuses for their brand of milk in the fridge or reasons why they have a Styrofoam coffee cup in their hands. They feel the need to confess in some weird way for not being "green" enough. When this happens I share [...]
Dear Green Mama,
My
sister has three children and lots of old children's clothing that
isn’t fit for the Salvation Army. What can be done with old clothes
that are too stained or tattered for reuse? --A stained and tattered uncle
Dear Stained and [...]
Dear EarthTalk: Is there really such a thing as “sun-protective clothing?” If so, does it mean I can dispense with oily sunscreens once and for all?-- John Sugarman, San Diego, CA
While there will always be a place for high-quality sunscreen on body parts exposed [...]
The pesticide industry group, Mid America CropLife Association, appears to be worried about the first lady's organic gardening. In a letter to the White House, (posted in full on La Vida Locavore), directors of the group stress their concern for Americans' ability to [...]
As editor of Green Parent Chicago, I am thrilled to announce two new regular contributors to Green Parent Chicago:
Manda Aufochs Gillespie, better known as
Chicago's green
parenting guru, The Green Mama, offers timely firsthand advice on green parenting in her new Friday feature "Ask the Green Mama".
The Eco Chic [...]
