Whether it’s Earth Day, Arbor Day or Tuesday, it’s easy to be “green” when you live in Chicago. After all, we live in one of the country’s most walkable cities, with public transportation that can take us wherever we need to go. But if you’re still feeling a little bit bad about the way you’ve been treating the environment, never fear. We’ve come up with a simple list of ways you can be green in Chicago all year long.
1. Shop at green stores. Chicago has some of the coolest green shops, and we don’t just mean for plants. Shop for eco-friendly clothing, recycled art and more.
2. Think thrifty. While you're at it, visit the city's best thrift stores and vintage shops for duds and even furniture that needs a new home.
3. Buy beer in growlers. Stop by Half Acre, Revolution or any number of local breweries to get a growler full of your favorite local brew, then refill it over and over again.
4. Stock up on the best produce at local farmers' markets.
5. Ride a bike. Hop on a Divvy or invest in your own two wheels at one of Chicago's best used bike shops.
6. Take public transit more. Stop caving and always grabbing an Uber or hailing a cab. Your wallet will thank you, too.
7. Walk the 606. Take the long way to work or out to dine by hitting the trail. After all, it already connects many of your favorite neighborhoods.
8. Shop the shelves at used bookstores. Many of our city's best bookstores offer up great used books selections. Why pay more for something bulky like a new hardcover? Old books have more character anyway.
9. Volunteer at a local green space. Get your hands dirty and put in some time at Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse or the Chicago Lights Urban Farm, where you can do everything from weed to paint on Saturdays.
10. Try a vegetarian diet. You know it's better for the environment.
11. Bring your own bags to the store. Forget those heavy plastic bags at Target, Walgreens and pretty much everywhere else. We all know no one is reusing those.
12. Buy in bulk. It means less trips to the grocery store and more time you can spend doing things you actually want to do (not standing in lines).
13. Reduce, reuse, recycle. Seriously. Why is it so hard to recycle? This guide details what you can and cannot throw in your residential recycling bins.
14. Sign up for a CSA. Support area farmers and have easy access to fresh produce.
15. Shop at a food co-op like The Dill Pickle in Logan Square.
16. Snag a spot at a community garden and plant your own crop of veggies.