Earth Day in Chicago

Photo: Green Apple Festival

Earth Day Network and Green Apple Festival came back to Chicago to celebrate at the Lincoln Park Zoo. More than 40,000 rallied behind the Call for Climate, breaking Zoo attendance records. Artists included Bill Kreutzmann (Grateful Dead), Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers), Scott Murawski (Max Creek), Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Meshell Ndegeocello Bassnectar, Chicago Afrobeat Project, Miss Lori Holton Nash (PBS Kids) and The Gwalla Gwallas. Among the speakers were Suzanne Malec-McKenna, Chicago’s Commissioner of the Environment and, Mike Quigley, the County Commissioner.

The event, hosted by Kyle Orton of the Chicago Bears and Jodi Murphy, host of "Wrecklamation" Planet Green (Discovery Network), featured 26 environmental non-profits and green companies

"Green Makeover" for Percy L. Julian High School

As part of Earth Day activities in Chicago, Earth Day Network and financial sponsor Chase selected Percy L. Julian High School to receive a “green makeover” as part of the EDN GREEN Schools Campaign.

Percy L. Julian students identified environmental issues in their own community earlier this year. They tested the indoor air quality of their classroom and got involved with environmental issues in their community. The “Green Makeover” addressed some of the students’ concerns and built on their projects.

Percy L. Julian’s makeover included the installation of an outdoor classroom and energy efficient products, such as light bulbs. Additionally, the school held an educational Earth Fair with participation from EPA, community organizations and environmental groups. The fair educated the students, provided free samples of organic produce, and allowed them to see a biodiesel bus in action! Finally, the school received green seal certified cleaning products and solar panels to help power the school.