Our Mission

Our Mission

  1. To change Chicago culture so environmental issues become a social and political priority.

  2. To help Chicagoans live sustainably by providing a centralized location for all local resources and information related to eco-friendliness.

  3. To raise awareness and gain support for environmental issues by connecting followers to relevant news and local political initiatives.

  4. To create a supportive, non-judgmental community that brings together those who care about the earth, so they know they are not alone. It is our hope that this community will inspire and empower people to become more involved in environmental issues.

We live in Chicago, America’s third most populous city. The “city of the big shoulders,” as Carl Sandburg described us. A city of strength, grit, and bold determination. We are the city that invented skyscrapers, and produced some of the most iconic architectural marvels in the world. A city that completely rebuilt itself better after a fire destroyed it. A politically progressive place that continues to push for changes that benefit society.

So why, despite all this, aren’t we leaders in sustainability as well? Why are environmental issues always the lowest priority, and the first line item to be cut? Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel abolished Chicago’s Department of the Environment in 2012. Our current mayor, Brandon Johnson, has reinstated this department, but at a much smaller capacity than the original. While we are happy this agency has been brought back, we feel the city could be doing more.

Parts of our city are plagued by generations of environmental injustice due to the presence of polluting industries. Water levels and rainfall are becoming more erratic due to climate change, and urban flooding is becoming an increasing threat. We still have more water lines made of lead than any other city in the United States, and soil contamination is rampant, with black and brown communities being disproportionately affected by both issues. Recycling rates are abysmal compared to other major cities, and our enforcement of recycling policy is severely lacking. Chicago still allows Styrofoam products to be used, as well as a variety of other single-use plastics that cannot be recycled. Furthermore, our city does not offer curbside compost pickup. Even though there have been action plans to fight climate change in the last decade, the results have so far fallen short.

Some of our city’s leaders may not consider environmental issues to be a critical concern, but there are many Chicagoans who are passionately fighting against climate change in a variety of ways. We know that climate change represents an existential threat, and sustainability is the only choice to preserve the future of our city’s economy, health, and overall well-being. It is time for these issues to become a bigger priority in both city council and our culture, and this is the movement Chicago Environmentalists represents.

Chicago Environmentalists now has 501c3 nonprofit status through the Illinois Environmental Council. If you would like to support our mission, please visit our Donation Page.

 
 

What our flag’s symbols mean:

  • The windmill represents GREEN ENERGY in all its forms

  • The recycling symbol represents WASTE REDUCTION and our commitment to the circular economy

  • The tree represents PRESERVING and RESPECTING NATURE, including the water, air, soil, flora, and fauna.

  • The bus represents GREEN TRANSPORTATION, including both public and private transit.

  • Additionally, like the Chicago flag, the blue bands represent the north and south branches of the Chicago River, and the white bands represent the three zones of Chicago- the North, West, and South sides.

In the News

WTTW - Chicago Tonight, 07/08/2024 - After Chicago NASCAR Race, Advocates Say Environmental Concerns and Higher Permit Fees Should Be Considered

TimeOut Chicago, 4/12/2022 - How to start your sustainability journey in Chicago this Earth Day

Block Club, 4/19/2022 - Chicago’s ‘Green Pages’ Offer A Free Guide To Shopping And Living More Sustainably In The City

WTTW, 4/19/2022 - 10 Ways To Participate in Earth Day and Sustain the Momentum

WGN, 5/12/2022 - Midday Fix: Check out the local “Green Pages”