Celebrating Earth Day In Chicago
Updated December 11, 2016
Happy Earth Day, Chicago!
Did you know? By drinking beer, you're helping save the world's honey bee population.
Seals like hops too
Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd, 2016. Plenty of Chicagoans support the local ecosystem and economy year-round through conservation, recycling, or simply shopping (and drinking) locally - if you don't, it's never too late to start!
This year you can make a difference in your local community by grabbing coffee and helping out at the Earth Day Parks and Preserves Clean Up. While bringing your own cup to a bar isn't allowed in Chicago, perhaps Earth Day can be a friendly reminder to BYO coffee cup for your morning joe, or to fill up a growler or two. If you're into urban farming, Adler Planetarium will be screening 'Growing Cities' at 7pm on Friday. Thirsty viewers can arrive as early as 6 to have refreshments before the film.
Photo: Uncommon Ground
Uncommon Ground is home to a rooftop garden lush with fresh produce used in its two restaurants. In addition to plants and herbs, the roof is also home to bees, which are cared for by local beekeeper Liam Ford. Uncommon Ground is also home to the first organic brewery in Illinois, Greenstar Brewing. In addition to eco-friendly food and drink, the Lakeview location serves up live music and art on display by local artists. To celebrate Earth Day (any day), sip on the 3m's Rumhattan - this ode to its bourbon counterpart is made with Parce Rum, a mission-driven spirit that plants a tree in Colombia for every bottle sold.
Photo: Eataly
Eataly Chicago will offer more than its typical fare this weekend, with a pop-up market showcasing their local producers. Stop by and grab espresso, beer, wine, and more and sample artisanal and local produce from 12-6 pm on Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23. With over 30 local producers offering complimentary tastes of their sustainable products, you may not need that pizza/pasta after all.
Feeling crafty? Take a De/Construction class at Rebuilding Exchange, where you'll practice creating art with found objects. The class is BYOB, and you can shop for RX made goods before and after class. Classes are held Sundays, including Earth Day weekend.
Photo: Temperance Beer Co.
In Evanston, Temperance Beer Co. will host a Yoga class with the added ambiance of candles and live acoustic musicians 6pm - 7:15pm on Earth Day (4/22). The recommended $15 donation goes to Citizens' Greener Evanston. Following the yoga class, sip on a craft brew and hear about current projects at Citizens' Greener Evanston. Stay for dinner if you like, as La Cocinita's food truck will be in the lot until 9 PM.
Photo: Simone’s
Simone’s in Pilsen is a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant® by The Green Restaurant Association, with over 215 GreenPoints™ and over 70 environmental steps. In addition to certification for sustainable/eco-friendly practices, Simone's has rooftop solar panels and recycled interior decor.
What are you waiting for? Walk, bike, carpool, or run to drink for the environment.