Blog Posts - Edgewater Environmental Coalition

NEW: Annual Accomplishments Page

2/1/2022

As we go into the second month of the new year we look back on what 2021 had to offer. To see these annual accomplishments as well as past years, see the new page under the "About Us" tab. Some of the major highlights include: name change to EEC, awarded an Environmental Law and Policy Center Grant and a Chamber of Commerce grant, and held several successful events which promote a greener Edgewater.

We look forward to making more memories this year. Be a part of these future accomplishments and join us at our next monthly zoom meeting on February 9th!
Conference Info: Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982
+13126266799,,82917702982# US

January Meeting Summary

1/22/2022

Hello environmental stewards and community members!
Couldn't make our last meeting? It's no problem! Meeting Recording, Access Passcode: ?S%9nZs$

During our first monthly meeting of the new year, we admired our accomplishments of 2021 and discussed our action plan for events in 2022. Cheers to a great year ahead!

We broadened our community outreach through connections with Loyola University Chicago's School of Environmental Sustainability, The Chicago Housing Initiative, and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition.
View the meeting summary included below to hear more!
We hope that you will join us at our next meeting on February 9th!

Conference Info: Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982
+13126266799,,82917702982# US

View the Meeting Summary Here

Highlights

Discussed 2022 Action Plan
Voted unanimously to join the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition
Articulated our concerns with development updates in Edgewater regarding affordable housing, deconstruction, and making Chicago more pedestrian friendly

Community Connections

Community Air Research Project
This project provides research experience for students who are underrepresented in the scientific field. These students will be collaborating with EEC on where to install four purple air sensors within Chicago. EEC will be a main group which the student can gain knowledge about Chicago and listen to residents' concerns.

Learn more about CARE
Learn more about Purple Air

Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition
EEC just voted in favor of joining the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) Climate Table, joining us in a coalition with dozens of other environmental groups in advocacy for a clean energy economy! ICJC was a leading force in the promotion of the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), especially after the harmful effects of the COVID-19 crisis, and we are proud to be joining their efforts.
ICJC is looking for ambassadors on CEJA, who can know about the bill and be able to apply that information within the Edgewater Community. If you are interested in the role, reach out.

Edgewater Historical Museum Exhibits
The exhibit on Native History in Edgewater is available 1-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays at 5358 N. Ashland Road.

CHI Community Action Education Event
The Chicago Housing Initiative (CHI) will be discussing the topic "Why Does Affordable Housing Fail Low-Income People" on January 29th at 1pm.
Webinar Link

Citizens Utility Board Poll
Citizens Utility Board is trying to assist Illinois Residents by understanding their most expensive utility bills in 2021. Help them and be entered for the chance to win $100 by taking this survey.

Save the Date <3

Jan. 27 Pierce Local School Council Meeting on Housing
Jan. 29 Litter Free Edgewater Clean Up
Feb. 9 Next Monthly Meeting at 9:00am
Mar. 5-12 One Earth Film Festival

Starting off 2022 with EEC! Your bi-monthly newsletter with meeting agendas/recaps and community connections! (Pre-Jan 2022 Meeting Newsletter)

1/5/2022

Hello EEC friends, community members, and environmental stewards. Below in this message you will find the 1/12 agenda with associated materials, community connections, save the dates, and in case you missed it.

On Wednesday the 12th for our 9am monthly meeting, we'll have discussion on focus areas of housing, energy with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, and transportation regarding the N Clark St bike lanes.

We are welcoming our new intern, Rachel! As well as, Tania Schusler & Dr. Ping Jing from Loyola to kick off the Community Air Research Experience we are doing together!

We'll also give an update on our journey to federal non-profit status, plus ongoing and new projects. Including a new Indigenous Art and Space Service Learning Project and the upcoming One Earth Film Festival!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

2021 HIGHLIGHTS

- New name, brand, mission, vision, and strategic intentions!
- Awarded an Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELCP) that produced four virtual town halls. Welcomed in hundreds of participants and new partnerships!
- Worked in collaboration with key stakeholders to re-open the Vedgewater Community Garden! Volunteered and hosted multiple events during the season!
- Granted Chamber of Commerce Grant and created a pilot composting project with ten storefront restaurants
- Joined 500 individuals and 70 organizations urging the mayor halt the permitting of General Iron!
- Second annual Pumpkin Smash & Holiday Lights Collection Events. Awarded Big Blue Stem Award for Environmental Impact for EEC Pumpkin Smash!
- 166 volunteer hours over 6 workdays with thousands of plants planted at the Kathy Osterman Beach Natural Area!
- Joined new coalitions: Save the Ash Tree Coalition (STATC) and Indigenous People's Day Coalition!
- 27 trees planted with Openland's Treekeepers Program!
- Advocated for city, county, and state ordinances and resolutions; such as Native Garden's Ordinance and the Clean Energy Jobs Act!
Many thanks to Killian for compiling, full 2021 summary coming soon!

MEETING AGENDA

View the agenda below for our monthly meeting on Zoom. We strive to keep the meetings to an hour and sometimes the conversation extends us to an hour and a half.

Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982
By Computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982
By Phone: +13126266799,,82917702982# US
We look forward to seeing you!

VIEW AGENDA AT THIS LINK
SIGN IN SHEET

Upcoming Happenings

FEB EEC MORNING MEETING: 2/9 9AM
ONE EARTH FILM FEST
Mark your calendars for One Earth Film Fest: March 4 to 13, 2022! EEC & The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce are hosting an event! www.oneearthfilmfest.org

Community Connections

YOU'RE INVITED - CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SURVEY
If you haven't already, make sure to fill out the chamber's survey, took me about 5 minutes to complete. Participate in Destination: Edgewater, a research project aimed at helping us better define the essence of Edgewater. Your input in this online survey will help us continue to build our community’s brand as a unique Chicago destination.
SHARE MY PERSPECTIVE AT THIS SURVEY LINK

In Case You Missed It

NEW BLOG POSTS AND WEBPAGES

EDGEWATER MUTUAL AID NETWORK
Community Tool Sharing & Free Food Distributions & Help Neighbors Out
edgewatermutualaid.org

LET’S CREATE WALKABLE WINTERS IN CHICAGO
Information & Petition
www.betterstreetschicago.org/walkable-winters

JOIN ONE NORTHSIDE IN DEMANDING MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING NEAR PUBLIC TRANSIT!
The new redline is bringing high rent development that is pushing us out of the area. Demand Chicago City Council to make zoning and other changes to increase the amount of low income housing near transit!
Sign petition here.

THANKS FOR THE SOLSTICE PARTY!
Huge thanks to Sarah from Pyrite Sun and Colvin House, Tricia with 6018N for co-hosting, and Brian with Green Element Resale for our 2021 holiday party. Check out the recap blog post for more pictures.

Winter Solstice Recap - 12/21/21

1/4/2022

Huge thanks to Sarah from Pyrite Sun and Colvin House, Tricia with 6018N for co-hosting, and Brian with Green Element Resale for making our 2021 holiday party happen as a solstice gathering. We ate and drank deliciousness and did some solstice ceremonies around an alter and firepit. Yule for all! Thanks for coming!

http://www.pyritesun.com/
http://www.6018north.org/home/
https://colvinhouseevents.com/
https://greenelementresale.com/

End of Internship Farewell: Julie Malnak

1/4/2022

Hello!

My name is Julie Malnak and since the end of this July, I have had the incredible opportunity to be the intern here at the Edgewater Environmental Coalition. The summer of 2021 was shrouded in a stand still because of the pandemic, but this internship allowed me to become part of a community and help a cause I am incredibly passionate about.

As an Environmental Science major at Loyola University of Chicago, many of my studies have relayed the importance of the human aspects to sustainability. By being a part of the coalition, it was an experience the courses and classes could never teach me. It honed many of my skills in public outreach, professional communication, and organization. It also allowed me to feel closely integrated within the Edgewater community. I have lived here for the past 3 years and only after this internship have I felt truly part of it.

I have had the great pleasure of meeting many wonderful people passionate about environmentalism from all walks of life which is incredibly encouraging. I wish I could have done more in person, and I am grateful for everything I was able to do in person. Working on projects like the Autumn Pumpkin Smash, Fall Tree Planting, and the Plastics Initiative has increased my confidence in my own abilities. Seeing all the hard work I and everyone else in the coalition put into promoting each event blossom into real benefits for the community fueled my drive for sustainability.

Being a part of the Edgewater Environmental Coalition has been such a positive experience and influence on my environmental career path. I cannot wait to see what the organization will do in the future and to volunteer for their events.

2021 at the Kathy Osterman/Hollywood Beach Natural Area

12/8/2021

166 volunteer hours over 6 workdays with thousands of plants planted, weed and invasive pulled, trees controlled, community engagement facilitated, and learning had - the beach had a great 2021 season! While the open sand part of the natural area has been challenging due to not allowed use of the space (dogs, people trampling for the last 2 years), the dunes bordering the beach are lovely and where we focused much of our activities in 2021.

Osterman Beach Observations - 2021

Sweet William (Dianthus barbatous)
Black Medick (Medicago lupulina)
Ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata)
Lance-Leaved Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)
Field Bindweed (Convlvius arvensis)
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
American marram grass (Ammophila breviligulata)
White Clover (Trifolium repens)
Creeping thistle (Cirsium arevense)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Common Silverweed (Argentina anserina)
Philadelphia fleabane (Erigeron philadelphicus)
Hoary Vervain (Verbena stricta)
Yellow sweet clover (Melilotus offinalis)
Rough Bugleweed (Lycopus asper)
Wild Four o’Clock (Mirabilis nectaginea)
Flowering Spurge (Euphorbia corollata)
Low False Bindweed (Calystegia spithamaea)
Bittersweet Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara)
Flat-Topped Goldenrod (Euthamia graminifolia)
Canada Goldenrod (Solidago canadensis)
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)
Common peppergrass (Lepidium densiflorum)

In 2022, we will continue to steward the native and beneficial plants and control and remove the invasive species, both of which are included above.

On the last Sunday volunteer day of the year, volunteers from around the community planted almost 2000 Marram Grass bare root plants in the beach sand and in the dunes. Plus, spread grass seeds donated to us from the Loyola Beach Dunes Natural Area.

The Park District also recently installed the new fencing to make it obvious the area is a protected shoreline; closed to dogs and hanging out in it. The rope fencing, while nicer looking, wasn't effective, so we ended up with the metal fence.

Marram grasses are found almost exclusively on the first line of coastal sand dunes. Their extensive systems of creeping underground stems or rhizomes allow them to thrive under conditions of shifting sands and high winds and to help stabilize and prevent coastal erosion. Stewarding these plants is one way we can do our part to help prevent shoreline erosion and create a healthier habitat for animals, insects, and ourselves.

I'm happy to answer any questions as the volunteer site steward. I also ask the community's help in helping people and property management companies understand what the space is for those who may be using the area for unintended purposes. Usually, by kindly explaining it is a natural area, people will say they didn't know and leave it alone afterward.

If you want to reach out by email, it is ostermanbeachnaturalarea@gmail.com.

Composting as Landfill Diversion

12/8/2021

Landfill diversion is as it sounds - diverting material away from the landfill for alternate use. Composting is a great example of landfill diversion in action.

Organic waste, like food scraps and spoiled produce, can be used to make compost. The compost process, which is a biological process, breaks down this organic material into an organic fertilizer for use in soil. Some municipalities allow backyard composting, some offer municipal compost/organic waste services, and others permit businesses to haul and process organic waste. In any case, organic waste is diverted from the landfill.
Landfilling organic waste like produce, meats, dairy, etc., has been shown to be hazardous for the environment. The decomposition of organic waste produces methane and leachate. This leachate becomes toxic as it corrodes everything else buried in the landfill, and if a landfill was not properly constructed, this toxic leachate will pollute the surrounding environment until the landfilled is remediated. Unfortunately, remediating landfills is proving to be a hazardous and expensive task. See a list with Illinois landfill superfund sites here for examples.

Below is a list of companies which offer residential compost services in Chicago and keep food waste out of the landfill!

Block Bins LLC, Chicago, blockbins.com
Collective Resource Compost, Chicago north of I55, North & Northwest Suburbs, collectiveresource.us
Healthy Soil Compost LLC, Belmont to 63rd and Western to the Lake, healthysoilcompost.com
Resource Center, Chicagoland – Western Spring at the west; Evanston at the north; Southern border of Chicago, theresourcecenterchicago.org
Urban Canopy, Chicago. Service boundary is I-290, I-294, Cicero, I-55, theurbancanopy.org/compost-club
WasteNot Compost, Chicago – downtown, west, and north neighborhoods, wastenotcompost.com

Check out illinoiscompost.org for additional resources, The Illinois Food Scrap Coalition (IFSC) is a thriving not-for-profit organization advancing diversion and composting of organics in Illinois through advocacy, program implementation, market and business development, policy, and outreach.

1. https://ecommons.cornell.edu/handle/1813/44736
2.https://www.effinghamdailynews.com/news/local_news/state-identifies-leaking-substance-at-landfill-33/article_eca5de8b-0f9d-5e22-9be5-3cd670dea12a.html
3.https://www2.illinois.gov/epa/topics/community-relations/sites/Pages/default.aspx

Post-November Meeting

11/24/2021

Meeting Agenda for Wednesday, 11/10/21, 9 am - 10 am
Next Meeting: 1/12/22, 9 am (skips December)

Conference Info: Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982
+13126266799,,82917702982# US

Kick-Off 2 min

Sign in & Zoom overview (All)
Statements on justice, Indigenous land acknowledgment, climate emergency declaration (By Renee this week)
Admin & Technology Overview (Renee)

Focus Areas Discussion 40ish flex min
Space to build out conversation & actions

Transportation:

Walkable Winters Campaign w/ Better Streets Chicago (Michael/Alex)
A grassroots organization focused on transit justice and mobility, shared streets, bike lanes
Long term- restructuring lakeshore drive
They are focusing now on walkable winters. This means the city should plow the sidewalks as they do with the streets.
The city fines people if they do not, racial and class lines are there
If you are strapped for cash and time, it doesn’t happen
If you have a disability it cannot be done as well, but they still get fined
Some suburbs do it, but Toronto, Canada does it
Walkable winters really started last year when the snow fall were huge last february
They would go out and shovel themselves, especially at bus stops and crosswalks
Property owners are responsible for the shoveling
Funding- asset building phase, the range, estimated $20million a year to $100million a year (based off Montreal and Toronto) (probably around $75 million for Chicago but that would include bicycle racks and bus stops)
Second wednesday every month= meetings, they have a slack page too
https://www.betterstreetschicago.org/walkable-winters - the website
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e94fcbb2b85ce7fcd6a9f03/t/6160a7354481c73361deabea/1633724213502/%23walkablewinters+Handout.pdf - the walkable winters handout
To get involved email: Michael@betterstreetschicago.org

Housing/Development Updates

Affordable Housing Preservation Ordinance Goals w/ One Northside (Chris/Killian/Tricia) - https://bit.ly/ChiTransitHousingJustice
Growing problems with people buying old buildings, moving the people out, then knocking it down
Wilson’s Men’s Hotel was bought, everyone was moved out, then it was renovated with little to no affordable housing units in there and now there are barely any people in there
Expand and strength Pilsen area, we want to charge vacancy fee and have a fee if they are going to demolish a building and make it have less occupancy availability
FInd funding for people to buy their buildings back so it does not get converted or funding for people to rally the tenants to get together to buy it back
Fight for rules that have the buildings to make sure they meet the market (the Men’s Hotel is now expensive housing, but it is near the L stop so it does not meet the market and it stays fairly empty)
Next steps: fight for affordability near transit, working with lawyers
Nonprofits can tear down these older buildings without fees which is a double edged sword
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1be3gErsj7Oj3THz6kY0weyFyFs_7O9z0/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=117352637898327007219&rtpof=true&sd=true - ordinance
https://bit.ly/ChiTransitHousingJustice
https://www.change.org/p/friends-of-epworth-church-landmark-epworth-church?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_30232885_en-US%3A7&recruiter=12309732&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&fbclid=IwAR3xC0C4lW-AjE9EokYFqMJgxb4jgfWt8ODhjHtgQQBQztaEOIM3BEOxQt0

Stewardship

Vote Yes for Clean Air, Clean Water, and Wildlife (Emily w/ Openlands)
Referendum for the forest preserve in Cook County November 8, 2022
70,000 acres, protect air quality, biodiversity, and provides scholarships
This is the first time it has come to ask for more funding
It can’t raise its own taxes
It was not in good management until 10 years ago, made great strides, but isn’t enough
It has tried before, but still hasn’t yet
Next Century Conservation Plan- public plan about what the forest perseveres strives to do
Increase job and youth programs
More than 67 organization
Small increase on property tax $1.66 addition/month (estimated average)
ereusswig@openlands.org

Energy

Climate Plan Ready for 100 Policy Recs (Quinn & Dany w/ Ready for 100)
Trying to create climate action plan to get money from C40
Seeking feedback from communities
Increase household savings through energy efficiency (different building codes, etc.)
Empower people to have renewable energy
Transportation access, push CTA to electrify buses by 2035
Expand Bike Lanes by 2025
Reduce vehicles from the road
Creation of jobs, reduction of waste and improve air quality
Yes the city did a climate action plan, but years ago
Now they have a sustainability office
Bringing policies to EEC so Renee can give official feedback
https://act.sierraclub.org/actions/illinois?actionid=ar0344085&id=70131000001iOuIAAU
RF100's Chicago Climate Action Plan Policy Priorities: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CD8PxkB7gKPpiSAe7pOqPjGFuiHZuvMxKkFjYjbJhDQ/edit
https://readyfor100chi.org/about-us/

Internal Organizing 5 min - Renee/Tricia/Nick

Preparation for annual accomplishments review- will be working on, if you want to be involved, please let us know!
Annual vision check in & preparation for 2022 Planning- planning mid january
Ideas & planning for December gathering- winter solstice get together!
Non-Profit Status Update, Board & new By Laws - 14-15 responses on interest form. Nick is the co-chair, Becky Bakeman is a CPA who is going to be the treasurer for the first year
Community advisory board interest & next steps- there will be elections so more people can be involved

Project Updates & Community Collaborations 1-3 min(ish) each

Holiday Lights Recycling (Kilian & Sharon)- Partnering with North Center Association with collecting and recycling old holiday lights- created North Center Neighborhood Association recycling, taking a break because it is an outdoor space
So many people are bringing holiday lights- there are materials that can be salvaged and reused, trying to start up as many pop up sites as possible, end around January
EEC collected 65lbs of lights last year
People want to do things, but we know recycling isn’t the answer, but many don’t know or know how to do more
Change people’s mind on waste
2022-’23 Community Air Research Experience” (CARE) Project w/ Loyola (Renee)- starts next year
Vedgewater, end of season & 2022 (Events, Commons, Mutual Aid) (Renee/Tricia)- closed on Sunday, still unsure about next year, 100 people were growing food this year, donated food every week, Saturday food distributions, making new connections, do everything we can to have it next year
Are we interested in learning more about Stop Trade Attacks on Climate Initiatives?
Parkways for Pollinators and Plant Distribution, Seed Gathering 11/14 (Renee)- Seed gathering, organize them to loyola for them to grow for us, contact Nick or Renee. If you have a public area and you want free native plants, sign up! Will happen in the spring
One Earth Film Fest (OEFF) (Dick/Renee)- Andersonville chamber on commerce jumped on this,
Might be in March or Earth day
Location- any leads would be great- libraries, 400 Theatre event, etc
Releasing the 17 films selected
Need to pick a date

Recent Happenings 1-ish min each
Native Plant Seed Ball Starter Kits (Burton) / Openlands Treekeepers planting (Steve/Nina/Renee)

The “native planting starter kit” project has been a big success so far! More than 50 participants have planted a total of ~1400 sq. ft. of native gardens this fall, and we’ll see how they grow up come springtime. I’ve gotten informal feedback from folks, and I think there’s great potential for a cross-over w/ Parkways for Pollinators following a middle-of-the-road approach in terms of number of participants, garden size and formality, and level of effort. I’ve developed a lot of informational resources that can carry over, so the next iteration should be a lighter lift!
Pumpkin Smash (Nina/Renee)- 5.83 tons of pumpkins, hope the Aldermen are the ones who do it in the future, we could have used a separate dumpster
Chicago Architectural Biennial in Edgewater (Tricia
Vedgewater Events & Workshops (Renee/Tricia) / It's Getting Chilly, Time to Weatherize! Blog Post (Julie)

-Post on the EEC blog on some energy saving tips as winter approaches

Go Round Updates & Shares 1-3 min each

LES is giving a lecture Nov 20 at the museum at 3:00. It will also be lives streamed on our facebook page. There is also a lot of information on the IPD site about Native Heritage Month.
What is our footprint?- pipelines go straight through Chicago, these large scale things do have an impact
Bring composting to the restaurants, trying to work with Uptown to do a similar thing
Sunday Nov 21rst 3pm at the Church of Atonement- thanksgiving for Edgewater Religious Association- interfaith- looking for FRESH FOOD
Brian- post about why Columbus Day should be renamed
Steve- annual yard Sale sept 25th, one of our most successful ones. Give shoutout to Renee and Nina for their leadership for the Tree Planting. The last Friday in April is Arbor day, hopefully we’ll have a celebration again

Save the Dates, View Info + RSVP:

11/13 11 am-1 pm: Final harvest & clean up at Vedgewater
11/14 12-3 pm: P4P Seed Organizing/Sorting Gathering @North Park Nature Center
11/14 10:30 am-12:30 pm: Hollywood Beach Stewardship
1/12/21: Next Wednesday monthly meeting, 9 am in January, no December morning meeting
Last Saturday of the month: Litter Free Edgewater Clean Up

Oh My Gourd! Our November 2021 Pumpkin Smash Was a HUGE Success!

11/24/2021

On November 6th, 2021, you could see some of our EEC members and wonderful volunteers out to the parking lot at 6040 N. Clark Street with a GIANT dumpster filled with pumpkins behind them. Thanks to all those who helped us get the word out, we collected 5.83 tons of pumpkins and gourds to be composted which is 3.65 tons MORE than last year!

It was incredible to see the 344 people come up and support sustainability by choosing to reduce landfill input. 34% of the participants already composted at home with many interested in the composting resources we had at the event! It was also great to see State Senator Mike Simmons support by helping out and throwing some pumpkins in himself! :)

Composting not only creates rich, fertile ingredients for healthy soil (and thus, better plants), but it also means less food waste is going into landfills. Instead of food nutrients going back into the ground, it rots, creating methane gas and other greenhouse gases. When released into our atmosphere, these gases trap heat and other harmful health hazards. Composting our seasonal pumpkins is just the first step into incorporating sustainable practices and the reduction of food waste into our normal routines.

Special thanks to the hard work of EEC, the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce and David Oaks, plus our very own Nina Newhouser, Renee Patten, and many others for making our 2021 Pumpkin Smash a HUGE success!

Here are some resources to start composting!:

Illinois Food Scrap Coalition: illinoiscomposts.org.
Collective Resource Compost: https://collectiveresource.us/
BlockBins:https://www.blockbins.com/?gclid=CjwKCAiAv_KMBhAzEiwAs-rX1IBv7nfWXIu2WyjrwQzJmuPIb0GBFNO5ii56DBfxcuz2ZrxTKj-x5hoCmJ8QAvD_BwE
Waste Not Compost: https://www.wastenotcompost.com/

November 2021 Pre-Meeting Newsletter - It's November and the Last EEC General Meeting of 2021!

11/4/2021

Hello EEC friends, community members, and environmental stewards. Below in this message you will find the November 10th agenda with associated materials, community connections, save the dates, and in case you missed it.

For our final general meeting of 2021 on Wednesday, we have guests from Openlands, Better Streets Chicago, One Northside, and Ready for 100! They will share with us work on; clean air, clean water, and wildlife, #WalkableWinters, housing and climate policy. Plus, we will share updates in our progress towards non-profit status and board formation, talk about a holiday gathering, and hear other project updates from Parkways for Pollinators, Vedgewater, and holiday lights recycling.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

MEETING AGENDA - 9AM ON 11/10

View the agenda below for our monthly meeting on Zoom. We strive to keep the meetings to an hour and sometimes the conversation extends us to an hour and a half.

Meeting ID: 829 1770 2982
By Computer: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82917702982
By Phone: +13126266799,,82917702982# US

We look forward to seeing you!

VIEW AGENDA AT THIS LINK
SIGN IN SHEET

Meeting Prep
CHECK OUT THE WALKABLE WINTERS CAMPAIGN, VIEW THE FLYER HERE

VIEW THE VOTE YES FOR CLEAN AIR, CLEAN WATER, AND WILDLIFE INFO SHEET

CHECK OUT THE READY FOR 100 DRAFT OF POLICY REOMMENDATIONS FOR CHICAGO'S NEW CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

Save the Dates

SATURDAY 11/6 12PM-4PM
PUMPKIN SMASH COMPOSTING EVENT

SUNDAY 11/7 11AM-1PM
VEDGEWATER CLOSING DAY, CLEAN UP VOLUNTEERING FOR THE COMMONS

SATURDAY 11/13 11 AM-1 PM
FINAL HARVEST & CLEAN UP AT VEDGEWATER

11/14 12-3 PM:
PARKWAYS FOR POLLINATORS SEED ORGANIZING/SORTING GATHERING @NORTH PARK NATURE CENTER

11/14 10:30 AM-12:30 PM:
HOLLYWOOD BEACH STEWARDSHIP

11/27/21
LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH: LITTER FREE EDGEWATER CLEAN UP

1/12/21 9AM:
NEXT WEDNESDAY MONTHLY MEETING, IN JANUARY, NO DECEMBER MORNING MEETING

MORE INFORMATION & TO RSVP CLICK HERE

Community Connections

In 2019, the CTA, Chicago Transportation Authority, committed to building a 100% electric bus system by 2040, but the 2022 budget and spending plan for the next 5 years shows almost no progress in getting clean zero-emission buses on the streets. Instead, CTA plans to purchase more than 1,280 dirty diesel buses in the next four years.

We need you to engage with the board and to submit comments telling CTA to prioritize electrification over diesel. Join a Sierra Club & Sunrise training on 11/7 to learn how to give public testimony.

The CTA is kicking off public engagement for their 2022 budget. With the planet and our lungs burning from fossil fuel pollution, CTA needs to hear from you that climate INaction is not an option and that they need to prioritize building a clean, quiet, and climate-saving electric bus fleet for Chicago residents now!

GO TO ACTION ALERT HERE
REGISTER HERE TO PARTICIPATE IN A 11/11 6PM VIRTUAL HEARING

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) is seeking applicants for their Low-Income Residential Energy Efficiency Grant Program

Eligible applicants include public housing authorities, units of local government (including municipalities) and nonprofit organizations. Low-income single or multi-family properties eligible for funding must be served by a municipally-owned electric utility or an electric cooperative. Projects in IEPA-identified environmental justice areas of concern will be prioritized. Total project costs may range from $25,000 - $500,000 with a match requirement subject to total funding request.

Applications for the program are due by 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12, 2022. More information, including application information, are available via this link.

In Case You Missed It

OCT. 2021 OPENLANDS TREEKEEPERS PLANTING W/ EEC AND CHICAGO REGION TREES INITIATIVE (CRTI)
Blog post recap w/ pictures. We did some hard work October 27th in the Edgewater neighborhood! Thanks to the help of volunteers, we were able to plant 18 new trees throughout the community area. Together we planted 6 Bur Oak, 6 Chinquapin Oak, 3 Kentucky Coffeetree, 2 Black Gum and 1 Northern Red Oak.

BLOG POST: IT'S GETTING CHILLY, TIME TO WEATHERIZE!
This is a brief overview of weatherization, its importance, and some helpful tips.
Weatherization (or weatherproofing) is protecting your home from the elements which helps cut energy usage and bills.

The Edgewater Environmental Coalition (EEC) is an all volunteer 501c3 organization, FEIN 87-1224378. Donations to EEC are tax deductible under IRS rules.*

Use the button above to donate via a secure PayPal link.

Thank You!

Donations are welcome. Here are a few of our activities & projects:

Town Hall Meetings with Presentations on Current Topics
Grants for beautification;
Energy efficiency assistance;
Spring Clean & Green events;
Tree audits & trimming events;
Waste/Recycling Initiatives
Social Media Outreach
Renewable Energy projects
Earth Day & Arbor Day Events
Collaboration with local block clubs, schools & religious groups

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EEC is a proud affiliate of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)