Green Parent Chicago™

Ask The Green Mama: Using Grey Water on Your Garden

My brother-in-law asked me if the used water from the washing machine could be used in the yard as a conservation effort w/o harming the plants. He’s an engineer so if this water is okay for that reuse, he wants to create a routing system from the utility sink to their yard. He has a high-effeciciency washer and uses eco-friendly detergents. –Deb, Turning Grey Water into Green Sister-in-Law 

Dear Grey into Green:

That is great that your brother-in-law is thinking so creatively about saving water. With that kind of thinking and skill, he will come up with an awesome plan. However, using your laundry water on the plants isn’t it. I wish it were! He is already thinking about some of the issues: laundry detergents (even if they don’t contain phosphates) do often contain fragrances, oils, or soaps that are NOT healthy for plants. 

Even if you used no detergent at all, however, it still wouldn’t be advisable because of the chemicals in clothes. Flame retardants, heavy metals from dyes, formaldehyde, and even dioxin residue from bleach have all been found in clothing and it all ends up in some amounts in the water in which we wash our clothes.  

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-photo credit: Water Saver Technologies

Urban Homesteading: Because It's Common Sense

Modern society is transfixed with labels and definitions. Our children receive labels, our personality traits receive labels, even our personal preferences, like a desire to protect the Earth, fall under numerous labels that really are often interchangeable. Some for example include sustainable living, green living, and environmentalism. 

Urban homesteading is just one of these many definitions created within the past few decades as more and more urban dwellers rethink their habits of consumption and environmental impact. Homesteading refers to a type of self-sufficiency, formerly associated with rural America and of course, urban refers to any location within a city or even suburb.

Urban homesteaders seek to apply the principles of old-fashioned self-sufficiency to their lives within a city or suburban setting. Erik Knutzen and his wife, Kelly Coyne, are authors of the popular book "The Urban Homestead"  about the couple's urban homesteading journey in Los Angeles. It's a kind of resource guide and how-to manual for urban dwellers interested in the homesteading movement. Knutzen recently spoke on May 21 at Experimental Station in Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood on urban homesteading and what that concept means to him.

Plain and simple, the ideas for him come down to "common sense". Knutzen, with a dry wit and a conciseness of phrasing, spoke to the crowd of about 50, (made up of what appeared to be mostly nearby University of Chicago grads and undergrads) on several activities that are highlighted in his book. Those activities, when done from scratch using common ingredients, very often naturally bring forth a superior outcome. He illustrated each point with simple and lighthearted reflections from his own experiences. 

For example:

-On bread making: "I'm not a luddite, I've got my Kitchen Aid mixer" 

-beer making "If you can make soup you can make beer"

-pickling: (he uses lacto-fermentation to "get a living food")

-urban foraging: "we were hunter-gatherers at one point after all"

-guerilla gardening: "you begin to see the wasted space in America" 

Enjoy Outdoor Music with Ravinia Lawn Passes From Library

The Chicago Public Library and the Ravinia Festival have teamed up for another summer to present the "Words and Music" program to residents of Chicago. Library patrons may visit any neighborhood library location to pick up free lawn passes to selected concerts throughout the Ravinia Festival's summer season. Lawn passes are made available at the beginning of the Ravinia Festival season. 

A limited number of Ravinia lawn passes will be made available at neighborhood Chicago Public Library branches, the Sulzer and Woodson Regional Libraries, and at the Music Information Center on the eighth floor of the Harold Washington Library Center. 

Any resident of the City of Chicago, 18 years of age or older, who has a valid Chicago Public Library card may obtain "Words and Music" lawn passes. A maximum of two "Words and Music" lawn passes per concert and a total of four passes per day may be obtained at all library locations. Words and Music lawn passes may not be reserved in advance. Patrons must be in good standing to receive Ravinia tickets. 

For more information: www.ravinia.org., www.chipublib.org

Traveling with Kids the Carbon Free Way at Bike The Drive

I've been a lifelong Chicagoan with a brief stint in the western suburbs and as of late am enjoying life in the very near (technically suburb) of Evanston. Still, my life pre-kids was lived out all around Chicago. I enjoyed lots of the city, took advantage of many of its cultural offerings gladly and prided myself on my knowledge of the city and its history, though I'll admit I'm still at a disadvantage when it comes to naming all the streets on the city's far south side. 

Though I know I still have lots more to explore, I never felt that I could see all that much of Chicago in one day, it's pretty vast come to think of it. That is, until I rode Bike The Drive on Sunday. There's nothing like riding down Lake Shore Drive on a beautiful spring morning to convince you of the marvels of living in The Windy City. First of all, I should note, my family and I were not attending this event in the typical way. We weren't riding our regular bikes with my son on his kids bike and my daughter in a child's seat. 

Instead, we rode a bakfiets. That's Dutch for "box bike". A box bike is no ordinary bike, it's a lean, mean carbon-free pedal powered vehicle, like a mini-pick-up truck crossed with a bike, only way more stylish. The best part is that it carries not only your stuff: groceries, bags, etc. But it carries your kids too, not just one or two, try 3 or 4, even an adult can ride in its cargo seat.  

You could consider it your new family car, minus the fuel, the emissions, insurance, maintenance, license, city sticker, car seats,... I could go on. The added bonuses of course would be more exercise and parking anywhere. 

Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Jon Lind at De Fietsfabriek, me and Manda rode in style on a bakfiets each with our kids at Bike the Drive. It was the ultimate in family friendly travel. Below left is  Manda on the bike she rode with their little cutie and a toddler friend.

At the top is me and my family after we returned back to Grant Park, tired but happy.

Nonetheless, my husband on his bike and I and our 9 year old and 4 year old trekked down to MSI from downtown and back up though a fierce wind kept our pedal speed at bay. 

The kids were outfitted with a pillow, a blanket (they were up at 5 a.m.), snacks, water and my daughter's stuffed animal and they still had plenty of room. 

We've been seriously thinking how/when we can lose our car. Now if we can just eliminate a work commute by car, we'll be all good for a bakfiets when that time comes. 

-Christine

  

Learning To Be Green in High School

One of the most important life lessons we can ever teach our children is how to give back to the world. That is what Gloria Latta and her team of environmental

educators at Wheaton Warrenville South High School is doing in Wheaton, Illinois – sharing the future with kids.

Gloria’s kids worked together this year to learn about greening and sustainability in her Environmental Sciences class. From understanding the importance of prairie grasses, to studying the basics of “reduce, reuse, & recycle”, to studying alternate ways to utilize power – all of these things helped these ordinary kids learn a bit more about how our world works.When I recently came to meet the class and see their model green home projects, I was amazed at what they have grasped and retained related to the physical science of sustainability. Their model homes had great features that included self-generating power sources such as solar, wind, and geo-thermal power; water conservation techniques such as rain barrels, permeable paving driveways, native plantings; and chemical fume reduction ideas such as special non-fume paint, low-fume floor-boarding, and carpet made from recycled water bottles. These concepts are a great basic introduction and begs the point that all of us should be looking into how we can better educate our children on the basics of environmental learning. After all, we learn about cleanliness, behavior, and society from our parents – we should also learn about how to take care of the earth from our parents too.

Kudos to Gloria Latta and the WWSHS science team for working to do the right thing for our kids! I hope more high school’s across the nation take on the challenge of educating our most precious resource – our children – on environmental science.

In the photos above you can see a few of the environmental science teams with their awesome “green” houses. I am proud to say one the houses above was made by my daughters team. Can you guess which one is my daughter?

-Shawna Lee Coronado is an author, locally syndicated newspaper columnist, health, and greening expert focused on teaching and living a green lifestyle. She blogs on conservation, greening and health tips at www.gardeningnude.com. Information on her books and other media can be found at www.thecasualgardener.com.

educators at Wheaton Warrenville South High School is doing in Wheaton, Illinois – sharing the future with kids.

Gloria’s kids worked together this year to learn about greening and sustainability in her Environmental Sciences class. From understanding the importance of prairie grasses, to studying the basics of “reduce, reuse, & recycle”, to studying alternate ways to utilize power – all of these things helped these ordinary kids learn a bit more about how our world works.When I recently came to meet the class and see their model green home projects, I was amazed at what they have grasped and retained related to the physical science of sustainability. Their model homes had great features that included self-generating power sources such as solar, wind, and geo-thermal power; water conservation techniques such as rain barrels, permeable paving driveways, native plantings; and chemical fume reduction ideas such as special non-fume paint, low-fume floor-boarding, and carpet made from recycled water bottles. These concepts are a great basic introduction and begs the point that all of us should be looking into how we can better educate our children on the basics of environmental learning. After all, we learn about cleanliness, behavior, and society from our parents – we should also learn about how to take care of the earth from our parents too.

Kudos to Gloria Latta and the WWSHS science team for working to do the right thing for our kids! I hope more high school’s across the nation take on the challenge of educating our most precious resource – our children – on environmental science.

In the photos above you can see a few of the environmental science teams with their awesome “green” houses. I am proud to say one the houses above was made by my daughters team. Can you guess which one is my daughter?

-Shawna Lee Coronado is an author, locally syndicated newspaper columnist, health, and greening expert focused on teaching and living a green lifestyle. She blogs on conservation, greening and health tips at www.gardeningnude.com. Information on her books and other media can be found at www.thecasualgardener.com.

Book Review: Helping Kids Care for the Earth In Their Own Way

 

You can explain to children about helping the environment, give them information and facts, but until you allow them to take ownership of their actions, they may never fully value their role as a citizen of the earth.

A newly revised edition of the bestselling "The New 50 Simple Things Kids Can Do To Save The Earth", written by John Javna and his teenage daughter, Sophie, offers an excellent starting point for children ages 8 and up to learn more about climate change and direct action they can take to prevent further loss of Earth's natural habitat. 

First published in 1990, the book is organized into several sections with a brief introduction at the start of the book on the state of the each environmental issue and its current impact. Each topic is presented with a question that gets kids thinking, then a short factual discussion ("Did You Know"), followed by a "What You Can Do" section and ways to "Amaze Your Friends" with your newly discovered knowledge. A "See for Yourself" selection of web resources at the end of each topic section allows kids to find related online games, activities and information. Plenty of illustrations throughout the book help keep the topics lively too. 

Appealing to kids sensibilities, the book presents facts and discussion in a way that allows kids to understand that climate change is something people of all ages must face in their lives now and in the years ahead. Its authors focus on issues, not just eco-tips, something too often prevalent in most of today's green living books. 

Most importantly, the book can be used as an easy resource for projects and doesn't necessarily need to be read in sequence. Kids can also refer to the book again and again to help them understand a topic or to refer back to a favorite website they've discovered. Because the projects are primarily meant to be done without the assistance of adults, the book is best for children ages 8 and up, though younger children eager to learn more about the environment could accomplish some of the projects and websites' activities with a grown-up's help.

For more information:

http://www.50simplekids.com/

-Christine

Finding Peace and Quiet in the City

If the congestion and noise of the city ever get to you, consider popping into a soothing retreat tucked away off Fullerton just west of Cannon Drive. The Alfred Caldwell Lily Pool has an immediate sedative effect so make a point to block out a little time there on those days you long for everyone to just evacuate the city so you can get a little peace & quiet!

Every time we go we seem to sit in a different place and just chill. Imagine two little kids (who are born to run!) asking to just sit and watch the ducks for a while. It's like a little slice of heaven. We chat about what our senses are picking up, throw in a little game of "I Spy" and then are off to hike up and down the layered limestone rock.

The southeast corner even has a little round limestone table and chair setup that begs for an impromptu picnic. Better yet, you can sketch what you see around you. The space is lush with greenery and newly sprouted flowers so as the colors are emerging it's a perfect time for creating art.

If you'd like to spend the day in the area, you have many free options from the lakefront to the zoo and conservatory. Or if you feel like a little excursion to see the butterflies the Nature Museum is right across the street to the north.

Whatever you do, take a moment to stop and take it all in. The Lily Pool brings a sense of beautiful sanity in an otherwise stressful day.

-Eco Chic

Hey Readers, Help Green Parent Chicago Win Best Local Blog!

We're in the running for Best Local Blog on ParentsConnect's 2009 Parent's Picks survey.

We've got some great competition, but please cast your vote for us. You can vote once a day until voting ends on July 15th.

The Modern Wing Lifts the Bar, New Green Elements at the Art Institute

The moment you walk in the door you feel lighter. While at a sneak peek of the Modern Wing at the Art Institute yesterday, I was captivated by the breathtaking design by renowned architect Renzo Piano. Described as "elegant modesty" the space exudes a kind of relaxed luxury that lures the eye and brings you in before you know it. 

The use of natural light is one of the most impressive elements of the design and one of the greenest. The "flying carpet" roof designed by Piano works with an automatic dimming system to flood spaces with the type of natural light artists intend for their work. Photo cells make adjustments as the light changes throughout the day and saves energy by utilizing natural light to its fullest.

Currently the Art Institute is applying for silver LEED certification and has taken many eco friendly steps during construction including recycling construction debris, adding landscaping around the Modern Wing and adding double curtain-wall construction to save energy. 

Likewise, they focused on sustainable practices such as paper recycling, upgrading the HVAC systems, thermostat setbacks and implementing several budgeted conservation practices. One might think this is an easy task, but trust me it isn't. As a former Property Manager at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I know firsthand how expensive and time intensive it is to retrofit and make huge changes to current systems. I applaud the Art Institute for making conservation a goal!

More major changes were announced by James Cuno, President of the Art Institute that were created to make attending not only easy but affordable for all. Chicagoans, seniors, military veterans, city workers and educators will receive discounts for the new all-inclusive one price admission. (Remember children under 12 are free!) They have increased their free hours as well as their contributions to the Chicago Public Library's Museum Passport Program so that the beauty of the space and its exhibits are available to all. 

I encourage you to pop by their Grand Opening this Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 9 a.m. and enjoy free admission all week long. In lieu of admission, they are hosting a food drive for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an amazing organization that serves hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans who live without.

Click here or on the main picture to take my tiny tour, but you'll have to visit to see the exhibits including Cy Twombly: The Natural World, Selected Works 2000-2007. Don't miss the Ryan Family Education Center where admission is always free (yes, you read that right!) and enjoy the new Crown Family Educator Resource Center. The space is incredibly bright and engaging with state-of-the-art technology, printed materials, books, computers and knowledgeable staff to assist your individual exploration of art. Enjoy!

-Eco Chic

Family Friendly Highlights at Chicago's 2009 Green Festival

It's time again for the Green Festival here in Chicago and this year's fest promises a slew of activities, speakers and exhibitors of family friendly policy and services in the Chicago area.

The 3rd annual event, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Navy Pier. Programming will consist of 125 authors, leaders and educators, youth unity and community action areas, how-to workshops, films, activities for kids, organic beer, wine and vegetarian cuisine and live music. Shopping will also be available in the festival's environmentally friendly marketplace.

The Organic Valley Kids Zone will feature activities such as worm composting, an insect zoo, recycled crafts and making a "salad in a jar" with Purple Asparagus. Parenting and child related product and service vendors will be located nearby including local favorite Mr. Furry Fur Fur.

Returning to discuss "Green Kids" on Sunday are mom of one, Marla Rose, publisher of "Marla's Vegan Guide to Chicago and the Universe"  and Lisa Joy Rosing, a cloth-diapering/natural parenting mom of three boys and co-founder of the Chicago Vegan Family Network. Their discussion will focus on helping parents "get to the essence of raising healthy, compassionate and engaged children."

On Saturday, Marisol Becerra, of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization, will speak on her work with young people who together have succeeded in highlighting and exposing the environmental hazards in the Little Village community of Chicago. Becerra will discuss the importance of working with youth to inspire action for the environment and health issues facing communities of color and low income neighborhoods.

Tickets are available online or at event. Festival admission is free for those 18 and under. Ticket information and pricing for adults, college students and seniors can be found on the festival website.

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I'll be at the festival making the rounds on behalf of Green Parent Chicago, as will our columnist, Eco Chic, We hope to connect with and meet many of our regular readers and talk with green innovators around town as we learn more, get inspired and have fun with our kiddos. See you there!

-Christine