IEC Blog Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Illinois Environmental Council

Agriculture Lease Agreements with Illinois Department of Natural Resources

March 9, 2022

In December of 2021, Lindsay Keeney and Eliot Clay of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) sat down with Mike Chandler and Bob Caveny of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to discuss the department’s agriculture lease program. Mike Chandler is the Agricultural Lease Manager for the IDNR and has been with the department for 29 years. Bob Caveny is the Farm Programs Manager and has been with IDNR for 10 years.

A Look at Chicago’s Environmental Justice Battles, Impacts and Solutions

January 5, 2022

Though Chicago has recently made historic climate and environmental justice budget investments, the city still has much to do in the way of ensuring equitable public health and environmental protections in our EJ communities.

From the Halls of Government to Some of Illinois’ Most Beautiful Places

December 17, 2021

Get a peek behind the scenes during some of our farm and conservation tour stops with Illinois legislators and decision makers.

Decarbonizing your home: Making your contribution to Zero Net Carbon

August 5, 2021

Don’t wait on leadership to act on climate– here are some simple ways to start decarbonizing your own home!

Meeting the Moment on Federal Climate Action

August 2, 2021

Congress must pass once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy and infrastructure necessary to tackle the climate crisis.

PFAS: A Toxic Legacy Building in Illinois

May 6, 2021

These tongue-twister chemicals pose a danger to us, wildlife and our water resources.

30 x 30: An opportunity for Illinois

April 24, 2021

Reaching 30 x 30 in Illinois is a mighty, but worthy challenge.

From Toxic Fluff in Lincoln Park, to the Smoke that Blanketed Little Village: A Snapshot of Environmental Justice Issues in Chicago

February 8, 2021

Start learning up on what’s happening in Environmental Justice communities across the city– and we’ve just released a great blog to get you started!

Welcome Incoming Board Members

February 1, 2021

The Illinois Environmental Council is thrilled to welcome five new board members to our organization. Their expertise and experiences are as broad as they are

A Threat to our Democracy is a Threat to our Environment

November 19, 2020

It’s probably no surprise to you that here at IEC, we believe government is meant to play a primary role in improving the quality of

The Environmental Case for Voting in the 2020 Election

November 2, 2020

By: Jen Walling, Executive Director People often ask for advice on ways that the everyday person can actually make a difference for our environment. Voting

Reclaimed Heritage Farm: A year later and a flock larger

October 12, 2020

By Crystal Kern, Finance Director This year hasn’t been quite what I had in mind when I was saying goodbye to 2019. I’m sure a

Jen Walling’s List of Must-see Treasures in Southern Illinois

July 2, 2020

Many people overlook our natural areas as a major highlight of things Illinois has to offer, but that’s a mistake: Illinois is beautiful.

Green Profiling: When Open Spaces Aren’t Open for All

June 30, 2020

Our work expanding access to open spaces and public lands isn’t done until everyone can safely access these spaces free from discrimination and harassment.

10 Great Illinois Spots and the Land and Water Conservation Fund

June 29, 2020

The LWCF has had an outstanding, though often unrecognized, impact on some of Illinois’ most significant places, from historically meaningful sites to a myriad of recreational spaces including national refuges and urban open spaces.

Life Without Running Water During COVID-19

May 4, 2020

We haven’t done right by the communities most impacted—Black, brown and low income communities—until we’ve guaranteed this vital resource regardless of zipcode, race or ability to pay.

The Truth About Illinois, the Great Feeder of the World

May 1, 2020

We need to accept that we were wrong. We must take a holistic approach to our food system if we want to survive another crisis.

Earth Day 50

April 22, 2020

Today, the world celebrates the 50th anniversary of Earth Day. This milestone provides us all an opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and

Our Top Stay-at-Home Sustainability Tips

April 13, 2020

By Jen Walling | IEC Executive Director When so many of us are spending more time than usual at home due to the novel corona

IEC’s Top Tip to Save the Planet: Civics and Advocacy

March 9, 2020

Looking back on this decade of questions, one of the most commonly asked is, “What is the single most impactful thing an individual can do to help save the planet?”

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