A Big Dose of Climate Reality in Oak Park

A Big Dose of Climate Reality in Oak Park

On November 20 and 21, three of Climate Reality Project’s 1600 worldwide events were held in Oak Park. The Climate Reality Project, a global non-profit organization founded by Al Gore, is tasked with explaining the science of climate change and the already-existing solutions to the current crisis to people all over the world.

The first of three “24 Hours of Reality: Truth to Action” presentations in Oak Park was held at Oak Park River Forest High School. Sponsored by the school’s Environmental Club and young leaders of It’s Our Future, the after-school talk was given by Lisa Albrecht, an experienced climate change educator and owner of the local business All Bright Solar.

Meet Charles B. (Chuck) Wolf

Meet Charles B. (Chuck) Wolf

Chuck Wolf, retired shareholder at Vedder Price, P.C. and current president of the Walter S. Mander Foundation, believes in the mission of the One Earth Film Festival (OEFF). The foundation he leads honors the legacy of Walter “Wally” Mander, who fled Nazi Germany to start a new life in Chicago, where he realized great success in the meatpacking industry. Part of the foundation’s mission is to support grassroots organizations that build community engagement, particularly in the areas of local and sustainable food and agriculture in Illinois.

The 2020 festival marks the foundation’s fourth year of support at the grantor level, and Wolf encourages others to support the film festival because, “Every dollar the festival receives helps attendees have a much richer and transformative experience.”

Oak Park Recognized for Sustainable Fleet Achievements

Oak Park Recognized for Sustainable Fleet Achievements

The Village of Oak Park won a green leadership award at the Chicago Area Clean Cities (CACC) coalition annual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5. The awards are given each year to local organizations and individuals that take actions to reduce petroleum consumption and improve air quality, such as by using cleaner-burning alternative-fuel vehicles, electric vehicles (EVs) or other advanced technologies.

The Village of Oak Park received the “Best Performing Municipality” award for the many steps it is taking to lower the carbon footprint and emissions of its vehicle fleet.

City of Chicago Endorses 9th One Earth Film Festival Season

City of Chicago Endorses 9th One Earth Film Festival Season

The City of Chicago issued its letter of support (excerpted below) for the festival’s ninth season:

"One Earth Film Festival is a leader in bringing citizens, filmmakers, and local advocacy groups together in community -- in dialogue as well as action -- around multiple sustainability topics, to enact concrete and measurable change. It is in this spirit of mutual interest and cooperation that the City of Chicago expresses its continued support for the One Earth Film Festival."

-- Cara Bader, Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of the Mayor, City of Chicago

Remembering Sally Stovall

Remembering Sally Stovall

When most people retire, they kick back, take cruises, and visit the grandchildren. Sally Stovall was not most people. She did, indeed, relish visiting her grandchildren, but after she retired from a career in organizational development, Sally embarked on a new, vibrant career as climate activist and community organizer.

Doc10 Showcases Two Environmental Films

Doc10 Showcases Two Environmental Films

Enjoy 10% off ticket prices using code Doc10_OEFF!

Doc10, Chicago’s film festival showcasing the year’s 10 best documentaries, is hosting the Chicago premieres of two award-winning films that resonate with interests in sustainability and a healthy planet: Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas De Pencier’s staggeringly beautiful and shocking “ANTHROPOCENE: THE HUMAN EPOCH” and a special closing night presentation of John Chester’s “THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM.” The films will screen on April 13 and April 14.