Going green

Chicago’s ‘Earth Hour,’ coming up on March 29, is just the beginning of what we can do to help the environment

By Paul M. Banks

Chicago is the flagship U.S. city for Earth Hour 2008, a global event in which cities will voluntarily turn out their lights to demonstrate concern about climate change. At a recent Navy Pier ceremony, Mayor Daley, WWF (World Wildlife Fund) chief scientist Eric Dinerstein and other civic and business leaders gathered to show the city's support for Earth Hour, which will occur Saturday, March 29 at 8 p.m. (local time). During Earth Hour, in more than 20 cities around the world, businesses and individuals will turn off their lights in a highly symbolic gesture to demonstrate that by working together, people can make a difference in the fight against climate change. In addition to Chicago, participating cities include Bangkok, Copenhagen, Melbourne, Manila, Tel Aviv and Toronto.

“An important part of Chicago’s efforts to be the most environmentally friendly city in the nation is to help our residents understand the impact climate change has on our city,” said Mayor Daley. “Programs like Earth Hour 2008 reinforce our commitment to environmentally friendly practices that will improve the quality of life for residents in Chicago and people around the world.”

“Chicago has proven it is a leader in environmental action, and the city’s participation as the flagship U.S. city will play a critical role in the global success of Earth Hour 2008 and in building public awareness about the risks our world faces due to climate change,” said WWF U.S. CEO Carter Roberts. “When the buildings in Chicago begin to darken, it will send a powerful message to the world that the residents of this great city stand united in seeking solutions to the threat of climate change.”

For more on how to register and celebrate Earth Hour, visit www.earthhourus.org

Making every day a “Green Day”
With Earth Day (April 26) and Green Fest (May 17) approaching, it’s time to think about what we can do. Like Michael Jackson sang, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways… If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change.”

When a UN study found that the production and consumption of beef produces more carbon pollution than all the cars and planes on Earth combined, I stopped eating meat. In the past year, I’ve published a dozen articles on organizations and businesses dedicated to the environmental cause. I even had an exclusive interview with Chicago Bears quarterback Kyle Orton, where we discussed his individual ecological efforts. Before I wrote my first eco-article, I made sure I had the requisite background knowledge. After edifying myself on the issues, I spread the word about the sources I found most informative and entertaining. Everyone knows about “An Inconvenient Truth,” but I also recommend the “Live Earth” concert DVD, Chris Paine’s documentary “Who killed the Electric Car?” as well as Leonardo Dicaprio’s “11th Hour” and my favorite, “Everything’s Cool.” I attended a screening of this documentary at the Environmental Law and Policy Center, where we had a chance to discuss the film in person with the director. With free pizza and beer, quite a wonderful green experience!

Here’s what some other Chicagoland citizens are doing to help combat global warming:
“Events like Earth Hour show how much people care about the environment. The best, fastest and cheapest ways for people to help solve our global warming problems are by using energy-efficient CFL lights and appliances and cleaner cars and more efficient rail and bike transportation. The biggest sources of pollution are coal plants and oil refineries. It’s time for energy businesses to clean up and become part of the global warming solution.”
— Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center in Chicago

“With a background in public administration and urban planning, much of my outlook towards environmental issues relates to land use and transportation. First, my family’s decision to live in the city as opposed to the suburbs involves several different considerations, one of which is the desire for a short commute that limits both wasted time and gasoline. Living in an urban context with higher population density than the suburbs preserves green space and promotes public transit use. Living in an older home, we have been taking steps to update our utilities to the most energy-efficient options we can afford. Smaller steps including using photo sensors to turn off exterior lighting during the daytime also play a role. In addition, I have taken to riding a bicycle to and from work whenever possible. Each of these decisions and habits are not merely motivated by environmental concerns, but also save money in the long run. This type of cost savings will increase as the inflation-adjusted cost of energy continues to rise.”
— Paul Sajovec, Chief of Staff to Alderman Waguespack, 32nd Ward, City of Chicago

“In addition to keeping separate bins for recycling and trash at parties, my vehicle purchase was based on having an excellent low-emissions rating. I also try to plant new flowers, bushes and at least one tree each spring in the hopes of giving new life (and oxygen) back to the environment.”
— Frank Kush, Program Manager, Romeoville, IL

“We’ve done the following throughout our home: We replaced CRT monitors on our computers with flat screen monitors and put computers on “sleep mode,” so they automatically shut off each night. We have an energy-efficient washing machine, a water-conserving toilet (a.k.a the ‘superflusher’ in our downstairs bathroom, and we regularly recycle 3-4 bins of glass/plastic/paper goods each week.”
— Rachel Young, stay-at-home mother of two, Cary, IL

“Recycling is a natural way of life here. Every household is required and equipped with resources to recycle. I am forever monitoring our energy usage: not running water, turning off lights, and each time a light bulb burns out, I replace it with the newer energy efficient “green” bulbs. Eventually, every light in and out of the house will be replaced.”

“Soxman’s costumes are made of 100 percent recycled fabric. Additionally, all water or soda containers consumed at Sox games are immediately placed in recycle containers. I’d also openly endorse any charitable cause which ethically supports environmental preservation.

Of course, I asked the lone “super hero” that I personally know about saving the world. For more on what you can do, log on to www.globalwarmingsolutions.org/category/personal-action

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