Celebrate Earth Day Every Day
Earth Day is Sun., Apr. 22 and there are lots of environment-friendly way you can celebrate leading up to, on and beyond that date.
Lights Out!
Even though Earth Hour was held in March as a global effort to help save our planet by reducing use of electricity, you can schedule your own Earth Hour at home. Pick a day, then turn off the lights for one hour, starting at 8:30 p.m. Make some noise to celebrate your commitment to saving the earth’s resources. Info: www.earthhour.org.
Take a Hike!
Experience the glorious beginnings of spring by taking an Earth Day walk in Dan Ryan Woods! The woods are beautiful, and there are hiking trails and open areas where you can observe birds, enjoy nature and celebrate this amazing resource right in our community. Check out programs at Dan Ryan Woods sponsored by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County at fpdcc.com or volunteer to help the Friends of the Forest Preserves at monthly work days in Dan Ryan Woods; info: fotfp.org.
Save Money & Save the Earth
BAPA is hosting a Utility Bill Clinic with representatives from the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) on Tues., Apr. 17, 6 to 8 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Bring copies of your utility bills for the experts to review so they can give you tips on how to save on your gas and electric bills. Spots are limited, so make a reservation at www.bapa.org.
Clean Up Our Community
BAPA invites neighbors to help clean up parks, train stations, schools and other public places in a community wide clean and green, Sat., Apr. 21, 9 a.m. Volunteers who register by Apr. 18 will receive a BAPA Love Where You Live t-shirt. Bring gardening/work gloves, rakes and brooms, if you have them. Students can receive community service hours. Sign up for a location near you at www.bapa.org.
Plant a Tree / Pull Weeds
BAPA continues to work with Openlands to secure tree planting grants throughout Beverly/Morgan Park. Help is needed to identify areas that need parkway trees and to recruit homeowners in contiguous areas who need trees and will be willing to help plant them.
If you’re around on weekdays, join the BAPA team for Weeding Wednesdays. Each week throughout the summer, public places are targeted for removal of debris and weeds. Volunteers receive a BAPA Love Where You Live t-shirt. Info: contact Mary Jo Viero, 773-233-3100 or mjviero@bapa.org.
Every Day Earth Friendly Habits
Conserve water: Do not let water run when brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.
Use low flow faucets, shower heads and toilets.
Try Plogging! Pick up trash as you jog or walk through the neighborhood. On Apr. 21, 7 a.m., the Running Excels running group will be plogging. They meet at the store, 10328 S. Western. Info: 773- 629-8587.
Leave the car at home and walk or bike to your destination.
Invest in a reusable coffee cup.
BYOB grocery bags – even when you’re shopping in the suburbs.
Use earth friendly cleaning products
Reduce, reuse, recycle every day.
House Doctor Series Focus is Recycling
Eileen Klees from the Beverly Unitarian Church (BUC) Green Sanctuary group will present a program on recycling for the House Doctor series, Sun., Apr. 7, 2 p.m., Ridge Historical Society, 10621 S. Seeley. Klees will explain what you can or cannot put into blue bins as well as the theory and economic impact of recycling.
“Reduce – Reuse – Recycle was a mantra started in the early 1970’s when Earth Day became an official date on the calendar,” Klees said. “Despite its longevity and obvious value, we are a long way from zero waste.”
In the House Doctor program, Klees will clarify what should be reduced/reused/repaired, what can be recycled, what should be replaced, and why knowledge and options make sustainable living more enjoyable and less expensive.
A Q&A will follow the program. Admission is $5 for RHS members and $10 for non-members. Reservations requested: 773-881-1675 or ridgehistory@hotmail.com (provide your name and phone number).
The BUC Green Sanctuary group sponsors environmental events, including the hazardous waste collection every October. For more information, visit www.beverlyunitarian.org/green-sanctuary-group.
