With Punxsutawney Phil having seen his shadow in February, it is no surprise that we are all chomping at the bit for warmer temperatures. The changing of the seasons is without a doubt one of the most anticipated times of the year. I also know that spring brings with it a sense of new beginnings and an urge to clean up around the house, getting rid of stuff we’ve collected since last year and preparing the garden.
The City of Chicago has retooled our special events to tackle these issues all in one place. On Saturday, April 19th in the parking lot of DeVry Technical Institute (3300 N. Campbell), the City will host what will be the first in a series of regional Environmental Resource Events. These events will be different from previous Department of Environment events because we will provide many resources and opportunities at a single location.
On April 19, Chicagoans can:
Drop off household hazardous chemicals, old computers and cell phones, prescription drugs for proper disposal; drop off your old lawnmower and receive a rebate for a more environmentally friendly lawnmower; purchase a rain barrel and/or composter; and receive a free compact fluorescent light bulb or reusable water bottle (while supplies last).
The Department of Environment works hard to connect residents to the necessary information and resources they need to become active stewards of the environment. We hope that providing a “one stop shop,” so to speak, will get more of these resources out into more communities across the city. Just think about the difference you can make in 2008!
Rain Barrels. If used properly, rain barrels can reduce a home’s water consumption by as much as 100 gallons per week, depending on rainfall. Our rain barrel program continues to be extremely popular — some 4,000 plus barrels have been sold at a discount to residents during the past several years. The rain barrels you can purchase should be attached to your disconnected downspout to collect rain that would normally flow into the sewers. Water collected in a rain barrel is nonpotable but can be used to water gardens and lawns and to wash cars and pets.
Household Hazardous Waste. The opening of the permanent Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Center on Goose Island in November of 2006, in addition to our seasonal neighborhood HHW events, has diverted thousands of tons of chemicals and electronic waste from our landfills.
Lawn Mowers. DOE has collected nearly 1,600 lawnmowers since the program began in 2000. Chicagoans who drop off gas-guzzling lawnmowers will receive a $100 rebate towards a more environmentally friendly push or electric mower. The USEPA estimates that operating a typical gasoline-powered lawn mower for one hour produces the same amount of smog-forming hydrocarbons as driving an average car almost 200 miles under typical driving conditions.
Compost. For most gardeners, a backyard compost bin is adequate to recycle kitchen scraps, lawn waste and the seasonal debris of a Midwestern garden. Compost can be used for ornamental gardens, raised vegetable beds and houseplants.
CFL Bulbs and Water Bottles. Take one of the first steps in the City’s “Take Five for the Environment” pledge by replacing four lightbulbs with CFLs. You’ll get your free bulb at the event. Each individual could eliminate 1,800 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over the life of four bulbs. And reusable water bottles will be made available as part of a new campaign to promote the drinking of tap water over bottled water.
Accepted materials for recycling or safe disposal at the April 19, 2008, Environmental Mega Event include: antifreeze • used motor oil • old gasoline • oil-based paints • paint thinners • aerosol paints • herbicides • insecticides • pesticides • lawn chemicals • solvents • drain cleaners • cleaning products • pool chemicals • hobby chemicals • mercury • fluorescent lamps and bulbs • lawnmowers • computers and cell phones
Come on Chicago, let’s think about those chemicals in our garages, basements or under our kitchen sinks and pack them up along with old computers, cell phones, gas-powered lawnmowers. If you’re a gardener, use collected rain water and your own compost.
For a complete list of materials accepted during this event or for more information on the other services, please visit the City’s website at cityofchicago.org/Environment or call 311.