Edgewater Environmental Coalition
  • Home
  • About Us
    • History/Global Warming
    • Strategic Plans
    • Edgewater2020 /Original Strategy
    • EESP Blog
    • Mtg Summaries (2015-->)
  • FOCUS
    • Reduce, Re-use, Recycle
    • Energy Efficiency >
      • Chicago's Energy Codes
      • Climate Change - 1
    • Parks and Green Spaces >
      • Tree Request
      • Native Plants
      • Catalogue of Parks. Green Spaces & Public Art
    • Planning and Development >
      • Green Buildings
      • Home Sustainability
      • The Green Edge
    • Transportation
    • Air & Water >
      • Air & Water Issues/Charts
    • Renewable Energy >
      • Actions & Information
    • Public Awareness
    • Green Schools >
      • Green Schools Information
    • Cleaning the Neighborhood
  • EVENTS/ACTIONS
    • Upcoming Events
    • Past EESP Events
    • Migratory Birds
  • Resources
  • ENV. LAWS
  • Tips

Spring 2020 Intern Blog

7/9/2020

0 Comments

 
As my four months working with the Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project come to an end, I am amazed at how much I have learned about the intersection of environment and community. My internship began over a cup of coffee, learning the ropes of  what the organization does; act as a political and organization liaison, fight for an inclusive community, observe environmental burdens and injustices, and campaign for innovative solutions.The uniqueness of my position due to COVID-19 has taught me of how integral continuous communication and avid dedication are to making any sort of environmental or social change. And although it was unconventional, I found that my role as an intern with EESP is the perfect combination of my two potential career tracks; sustainability and communications. 

EESP has allowed me to produce guides, research, and projects I am extremely proud of. My first project was a “Green Building'' guide— the goal to create a concise resource for homeowners, contractors, and anyone else who seeked information on what a green building is, as well as available grants and certificates for them. I also collaborated with EESP members on a virtual event for home sustainability, which provided resources for homeowners to incorporate sustainability into their lives through products, services, and companies. The Litter Free Edgewater Campaign is an initiative created to reduce litter in Edgewater, which consists of media campaigning and “Saturday Clean Ups.” Alongside the project leads and EESP’s waste team, I created branded content such as flyers and social posts to share this idea with Edgewater and surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, I am in the process of an initiative to implement composting programs in Edgewater high rise buildings, through providing resources and best practices as well as encouraging the creation of building green teams. In addition to these larger projects, I welcomed new members via email, took minutes and summarized the monthly meetings, curated newsletters, and gathered research on topics such as utility burden, city cooling centers, and beach reopening best practices during COVID-19.

I was consistently challenged to be innovative, confident, and flexible when working on projects and collaborating with other members of the organization. I have gained such a diverse understanding of what sustainability truly is through attending EESP meetings and events, and collaborating with dedicated, driven members on various different projects. What I have learned during my internship will stay with me throughout my entire career, and continuously remind me that passion fuels progress. 

As I bid my internship farewell I look forward to taking on a new role in the organization — a member and collaborator within the Edgewater community. I was lucky enough that my first apartment was an ivy-coated brick building in a neighborhood adorned with green corners and friendly neighbors, and I am eager to play a role in making my new found home one that serves both people and the planet. What a rewarding feeling it is to be fighting for the earth as well as my neighborhood, and EESP allows me to do just that. ☺️

​
0 Comments

    Author

    Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

    Archives

    January 2021
    July 2020

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Picture
Donate
The Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project (EESP) is an all volunteer group - and a partner of the Overhead Project, a 501(c)3 non profit group.(EIN 46-4457047) (See Note for link  information). Donations to EESP are tax deductible under IRS rules.*
​

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

 Or, you may also donate directly via check:
​Make checks payable to the Overhead Project, Inc./EESP Partnership. 
Mailing address: Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project; Unit 1E; 1516 W. Thorndale Ave; Chicago, IL 60660.


​                          Thank You!
​*Check with your accountant if you have any questions.
______________________________________________
Note: 
 More details regarding the Overhead Project and the partnership with EESP under its 501(c)3 umbrella, can be found by clicking on the following link then > Projects:
​ 
http://www.overheadproject.org  



Donations are welcome. Here are a few of our activities & projects:
  • Educational presentations & speakers on the environment & sustainable issues. 
  • Grants for beautification;
  • Energy efficiency assistance;
  • Radon monitoring devices;
  • Spring Clean & Green events;
  • Tree audits & trimming events;
  •  Waste/Recycling Initiatives 
  • Social Media Outreach
  • ​Renewable Energy projects
  • Earth Day & Arbor Day Events with local school partners
  • Collaboration with local block clubs, schools, religious groups & public officials to educate & encourage sustainability on all levels.  
____________________
EEC is a proud affiliate of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC)
Proudly powered by Weebly