While the Windy City boasts many draws, including multiple sports teams, a decadent skyline, Lake Michigan's many parks, beaches, and trails, and an assortment of restaurants and nightlife, the green scene is not entirely as prominent.
Chicago's Green Festival aims to educate and inspire its citizens with an assortment of vendors and speakers that promote sustainable living and social justice. The festival's increasing crowds over the years solidify Chicago's readiness to become a green city.
How Green Festivals Got Started
Born as a joint project by Green America and Global Exchange, Green Festivals not only take place in Chicago, but also San Francisco (biannually), Seattle, and Washington D.C.
Chicago's 4th Annual Green Festival Coincides with New State Law
The signing of a new law that will acutely observe Illinois state building energy consumption, positively jumpstarted 2010's Green Festival, contributing to its success. Once lawmakers become involved, it's easier for many to see the possibility of change.
Illinois governor, Pat Quinn signed a new bill (3429) into legislation on May 22nd at the opening of the festival that will generate a study designed to compare energy efficiency of state buildings in Illinois to others in the United States. Once assessment is complete, the government hopes to take measures to improve environmental standards within these state institutions.
Green Festival Chicago Speakers and Vendors
Speakers act as an inspirational key and informative base for the entire festival. A few featured guests from 2010's line-up included: João Amorim, a Brazilian animation and documentary director whose focus is on environmental films; Dr. Kevin Danaher, founder of Global Exchange and Green Festivals; and Amy Goodman, host of "Democracy Now!" a widely popular independent television and radio show that airs daily nationwide.
Over 200 vendors participate in Chicago's Green Festival and while some sell environmentally friendly products, others act as a gateway to information and future connections.
Booth vendors include artisans selling everything from fair trade jewelry, clothing, tea, recycled handbags, green cleaning products and organic skincare; bookstalls selling vegetarian and vegan cookbooks; and a beer/wine garden with organic and fair trade alcoholic beverages.
Informational booths like Green America aim to educate visitors about the organization's mission and inspire them to get involved. Yoga studios in the area advertise classes and schedules, and several organizations pushing for social justice and simpler living tell their story to passersby.
A hands-on children's section is available for the young and is an ideal experience for families to learn about the importance of living green together.
Freebies for Visitors to Chicago's Green Festival
Weekend passes are available for a fee, however those recycling a mobile phone or biking to the festival can enter at no charge. A free bike valet is available for cyclists.
Volunteer Options at Chicago's Green Festival
Over 1,000 volunteers contribute to the Green Festival's success. Volunteering is an ideal opportunity to learn more about the festival, meet new people, and gain free entrance. Volunteer registration opens 3 months prior to the event. For more information, those interested can visit the Green Festival's website.
The Green Festival's large crowds are evidence of Chicago's embracement and openness to sustainable living. While the Second City is not often singled out for its abundance of recycling venues, but instead for its traffic jams and collection of towering skyscrapers, many of its citizens saw green for at least for one weekend in May and will return for next year's event.
Katherine Kocisky - Katherine graduated with a degree in English Education and French in 2004 from Illinois State University. Since then, she has taught high ...
