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.
IEC Blog
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?”
Cover Crops and the 200 Year Nutrient Pollution Gap
December 13, 2019
Nutrient pollution from excess fertilizer carried downstream by water and erosion is poisoning our drinking water, feeding toxic algal blooms and contributing to a massive deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico.
Lead Poisoning Awareness Week
October 25, 2019
By Iyana Simba | IEC Clean Water Advocate When it came to light in 2014 that residents of Flint, Michigan were exposed to elevated lead
Reclaimed Heritage: How Simple Appreciation is Better for Us and the Planet
September 5, 2019
By Crystal Kern | IEC Finance Director I grew up on a self-sufficient farm in central Kentucky. We had a diverse garden with more plant varieties
Introducing IEC Staff Picks
August 6, 2019
Get to know IEC while picking up a few tips and tricks for protecting the environment Historically, our blog has been a place for IEC