As we emerge from a cold, bleak winter, we need ways to nourish our spirits. What could be better than taking action locally to improve the climate and the planet? On Monday, the League of Women Voters of Evanston, along with several other local groups, had a program at the Evanston Public Library to help the more than 60 participants find ways to get involved.
Jack Jordan, director of Climate Action Evanston, kicked off the program by encouraging people to inventory their skills and connections, then “tap into the social infrastructure that has been built.” The groups represented at the event were evidence of the strength and resilience of that infrastructure.
Climate Action Evanston, which has worked since 2008 to cut climate-warming emissions and push for climate resilience, serves as an umbrella for five programs and collaborates with other organizations on efforts like advocating for the Healthy Buildings Ordinance. CAE welcomes volunteers with skills in organizing and in communication, including graphic design and writing.
Beyond Waste, a CAE program represented by Kelly Fidei, helps to recapture and recirculate resources. Twice a month, volunteers with the Evanston Repair Cafe help repair broken tools and other household items at the Robert Crown branch of the library. The next cafe is on Saturday (sign up here). Also coming up are a spring clothing swap-and-share and a summer recycling event for hard to recycle items, such as Styrofoam and VHS cassettes. The group also advises on “waste-free” events and helped develop the Circular Evanston Roadmap (see earlier RoundTable reporting on the Roadmap).
Evanston Grows, represented by Jean Fies, started in 2021 to address food insecurity during the pandemic. The group now has five farms, with one more to be established this year using ARPA funds in either Twiggs Park or nearby Butler Park. Currently, the largest is on a half-acre of land donated by Ward Manufacturing. Last year they gave away 20,000 pounds of fresh produce. The organization also partners with Whole Foods, which donates food near its expiration date three times a week for distribution at one of the farm stands or through a pantry partner. Among the volunteer opportunities: caring for 10,000 seedlings now in the organization’s greenhouse, picking up flowers grown on a donor’s 4-acre plot in Winnetka and even making bouquets. More volunteer opportunities are listed on the website.
Natural Habitat Evanston, a CAE program represented by Leslie Shad, aims to “change the culture of lawns” and support native plants foundational to the food web, including trees — especially oaks, which are important pollinator plants. The group plants trees on school grounds and offers trees for free in the Second and Fifth wards. Volunteers help with tree planting and provide information about how to transition your garden to native plants and where to get native plants. Volunteers with skills in communications and social media are welcome, in addition to gardeners. The group also sponsors a speaker series (recordings are archived on the Nurturing Nature website) and supports stewards who care for Evanston’s natural areas. (Libby Hill wrote last month about volunteering in natural areas.)
Third Act Illinois, represented by Kathy Tate-Bradish, is part of a national organization of people 60 and older, founded by Bill McKibben, that works to create a sustainable and equitable world for future generations. In Illinois, that means helping to ensure that the state remains a leader in transitioning to clean, equitable and safe energy. Third Act Illinois works with other environmental and justice groups, including Indivisible. The group has “really interesting discussions” over coffee during Friday morning Zoom gatherings, Tate-Bradish said. “We really believe in the strength of community, like everybody here.”
Go Green Skokie, represented by Lauren Gradnicki, supports education about and advocates for environmentally sustainable action in Skokie. So far, they’ve surveyed village board candidates about sustainability and climate, cleaned up parks, and offered information about composting. They could use help making informational videos about recycling and with communications. Contact gogreenskokie@gmail.com.
Energy Action, another CAE program, represented by Joel Freeman, focuses on the biggest source of Evanston’s energy consumption and emissions: buildings. The group advocated for passage of the Healthy Buildings Ordinance, which addresses the city’s 500 largest buildings. This spring they are launching a Climate Action Coaching program to help renters and owners of smaller buildings look for opportunities to reduce emissions, Freeman said. “What do I have? How old is my stuff? What are my options? Once I know all that, what are the paths that are available to me? What is the easiest way to start? What order should I do things? What is the impact of doing these various things? Who do I call? And how much money do I need?” Volunteers can have technical background or personal stories about their experiences. A retired construction foreman was ready to sign up. Monthly coaching sessions will start soon at the main branch of the library.
As CAE’s Jack Jordan said, “One of the biggest things we can do, especially in the next few years, is to continue building the social infrastructure. So find out how you can get plugged in, evaluate where you sit in your own life, and you’ll find that you have a tremendous amount to offer.”
To get in touch or subscribe to the CAE monthly newsletter, see how to get involved on the CAE website.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political grassroots network and membership organization. In addition, to registering voters, the League of Women Voters of Evanston, among other things, works to educate members and the community at large about climate change and to advocate for government policy in the region to support climate change mitigation, resilience and environmental justice.
