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Green Events By Kathleen Ellis The solar and lunar new years present a reflective opportunity—not just to embark on shiny new adventures, but to take stock; to recommit to the values that still ring true to you and discard the areas that have stagnated. 2009 promises to be a great year for the environment as humanity matures in its 21st century mentality. Here my two biggies for 2009: Reduce the amont of plastic I consume. After recycling, composting, and reusing many materials I bring into my home, the bulk of my trash is non recyclable single-use plastic. I plan to bring plastic bags back to the retailers I got them from where possible, and I hope to eliminate the single-serving convenience items I occasoinally purchase when out running errands. Get more into Mass Transit advocacy—it’s the wave of the future for Chicagoland and the world. The web site www.transitchicago.com lists hearings, events, and usage statistics pretty faithfully. Let’s all work together this year to make public transit more effective. It’ll go a long way to reducing the smog , waste, noise and congestion associated with private car usage. May all your wishes come true in 2009! The Midwest Energy Solutions Conference January 7–9, Chicago InterContinental Hotel, Chicago. This three-day conference brings the region’s biggest players together at one conference—government officials, manufacturers, energy companies, professional alliances, regulatory agencies, and waste management conglomerates to discuss the big questions in strategizing civil and economic growth in an eco-conscious world. Sessions cover a wide range of topics, including “Energy Efficiency in Low Income/Fixed Income Households,” “Greening the Olympic Built Environment,” “Building Codes—The Long-term Opportunity for Impact.” Register at the conference web site, rates vary.
Green Drinks Business Edition: Learning from Leaders January 7, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Jefferson Tap & Grill, 325 N. Jefferson, Chicago. www.foresightdesign.org/greendrinks Green Drinks provides a great forum in cities around the world for those concerned with sustainability, and Chicago’s gathering averages 75 attendees. Greg Christian heads Greg Christian Catering, the first “B-Corp” business in Chicago, and is the founder of the Organic Schools Project. He’ll talk about these projects and the many challenges he has faced keeping his business both environmentally and economically sustainable. $7, 21+ only, please. Downers Grove Organic Gardeners January 14, 7 p.m., Downers Grove Library, 1050 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove. http://www.dgorganicgardeners.blogspot.com/ The Downers Grove Organic Gardeners group meets every second Wednesday of most months year round at this location. January’s meeting topic: “Microgreens and Stored Vegetables” presented by DGOG president Vicki Nowicki.
Dill Pickle Food Co-op Public Board Meeting January 15, 6:45 p.m. Logan Square Library, 3030 W. Fullerton, Chicago. Chicago is getting a brand new food co-op on March 1st in the Logan Square neighborhood. Come to this meeting to find out what’s in store, become a member, and get in on the ground floor! Dill Pickle is committed to bringing organic, local, healthy foods within reach of the Chicago community.
DIY Winter Tune-Up Starts January 15, 7 p.m. West Town Bikes. This six-week course will take you over every system of your bike as you overhaul it, and will help you learn to outfit your bike for the difficult winter weather. Bring your project bike and any replacement parts, fenders, lights, and other winter accessories. West Town will provide tools, grease, cables, and cable housing and an instructor to help make your learning experience a successful one. $120 recommended base donation for the course series, donations support WTB’s youth programs. Introduction to Sustainable Business Principles (CSBA 101) January 20, 3–5 p.m. IIT Stuart School of Business, Chicago. The environmentally-minded entrepreneur can expect a thorough discussion examining fundamental questions regarding sustainable business: Where does a business start that wants to “go green?” What is the difference between being “green” and pursuing “sustainability?” What are the potential benefits and challenges of embracing a more environmentally, socially and economically sustainable strategy? The course is taught by Peter Nicholson of the Foresight Design Initiative and Burt Klein, president of PortionPac. Pre-registration required, go to www.foresightdesign.org. Green Drinks: The State of Sustainable Chicago January 21, 5:30–8:30 p.m. Jefferson Tap & Grill, 325 N. Jefferson, Chicago. www.foresightdesign.org/greendrinks Green Drinks returns to the Jefferson Tap for an open discussion of local issues and Chicago’s collective efforts towards sustainability. $5 requested donation, $20 supports Green Drinks as a “Friend of Foresight” donation. Shedd Aquarium’s “Right Bite Dinner” January 21, 6 p.m. Va Pensiero, 1566 Oak Avenue, Evanston. www.sheddaquarium.org/Right_Bite.html Shedd Aquarium provides educational support to a list of Chicago area restaurants and markets to help consumers connect with seafood that falls within conscientous ethics and sustainability guidelines. Va Pensiero has created a special menu for this evening’s dinner, which includes appetizers, wine, dinner, dessert, a goodie bag, and “chat with a Shedd expert.” $75 per person. Pre-registration required, 21+ only, please. Green Spa Night January 22, 6–8 p.m. Greenheart Shop, 746 N. LaSalle, Chicago. You can make your own natural beauty products in your kitchen. Join the Greenheart Shop for this one–two hour hands-on workshop making everything from face masks and salt scrubs to natural hair spray. Wine and snacks provided. Admission is free, but RSVP is required and space is limited, call 312-264-1625. How To Get Started in Beekeeping January 31, 1-3:30 p.m. Nisse Farm, 6000W Rd Manteno, IL http://www.centerforsustainablecommunity.org Ever think about keeping bees? Now is the perfect time to start thinking about collecting hive supplies and making plans. This workshop will help you start your adventure. The presenters are Julie Larsen, a beginning beekeeper, and Mark Hoffman, who will share his two decades of experience. Topics covered include equipment, hive management, seasonal duties, and extracting honey. $35, preregistration preferred.
Have a green event that The Monthly Aspectarian readers would like to know about? Send notices to Kathleen Ellis at k@thleen.org.
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