Earth Day 50: Action from Home
EARTH WEEK 2020
”In the 1830s, Chicago's emerging government adopted the motto "Urbs in horto," a Latin phrase meaning "City in a Garden." The slogan proved to be prophetic. For nearly two centuries, Chicago's citizens have rallied for the creation and protection of parkland, and many of the city's parks have served as testing grounds for important ideas and social movements.”
Today, on the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we reflect on the critical role our parks have served in our city from its earliest days. We appreciate that the parks are always here for us, even now when many of us are at home and spending less time outdoors than we normally would.
We are in this together, on Earth Day and every day. There is still plenty that we can do to creatively support our local environment and our planet! How are you recognizing Earth Day from home?
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BECOME A MEMBER
Supporting Chicago’s parks today ensures that they will be there for us for years to come. Join the Chicago Parks Foundation as a member! Now through June 1st, 2020, we are offering a free membership for a friend with every new one purchased. Plus, you will each receive our custom picnic blanket to enjoy at home now and in the park later. Check out the details and join us today here!
EAT LOCAL
The Chicago Farmers Market Collective has compiled a list of markets, vendors, and farms who are offering pick up, home delivery, and CSA options. Many restaurants are also offering local pick-up and delivery, and some are even selling pantry items like eggs and flour in addition to their normal fare to help keep you well-stocked. Check in on your favorite spots and see what they’re offering during this time.
COMPOST AT HOME
Composting at home allows the food scraps and plant-based items you’d normally throw away to avoid the landfill and instead be converted into healthy, usable soil. Composting doesn’t require a ton of space! For a monthly fee, local services like WasteNot Compost and The Urban Canopy provide you with a compost bucket and regularly pick up from your home. You can also try your hand at vermicomposting! Learn more about getting started here.
MAKE SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED TO VOTE
Take a few minutes to check your voter registration status so that you’re all set for the upcoming election and can make your voice count on the issues that matter to you! Look up your voter status here.
EXPERIENCE NATURE SAFELY
We appreciate everyone’s park patience and encourage you to stay home as much as possible. Stay connected with nature by getting fresh air when you can, even if it’s just cracking your window open. Take advantage of your porches, balconies, and yards if you have them. And take short neighborhood walks within your local area, including your local park if it is currently open and not crowded. Always practice safe distancing and avoid congregating with others outside of your immediate household. Review the Chicago Park District’s latest guidelines here.
JOIN A VIRTUAL EVENT
The CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT is sharing a special Earth Day “Stay At Home” Series on their youtube channel this week, including virtual nature walks and kids’ activities!
ONE EARTH FILM FEST goes digital with free online film screenings all week long and live Zoom chats with the experts. Titles include “The Biggest Little Farm,” “Wasted! The Story of Food Waste,” and more.
EARTH DAY LIVE is featuring a three-day livestream from 4/22-4/24 where activists, performers, thought leaders, and artists will come together for an empowering and inspiring mobilization.
Follow along with EARTH DAY NETWORK, the nonprofit that grew out of the very first Earth Day, for their “24 hours of Action” with a livestream and a new “action” every hour on the hour on 4/22.
Columbia University’s EARTH INSTITUTE is hosting a live conversation called “Earth Day 50/50: Looking Back, Moving Forward” at 9AM CST Earth Day morning.
The MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY is hosting a free online viewing of climate change documentary “The Human Element” and Q&A with photographer James Balog at 7PM CST 4/22.
Local nonprofit PLANT CHICAGO, home to “The Plant” in the Back of the Yards, is hosting an ongoing series of virtual workshops and classes on a sliding scale, with lessons like DIY herbal remedies, container gardening, and book binding!