The windy city has been gusting green for over a decade, increasing awareness of how green practices can positively effect local economy, standard of living and public health. At the head of the movement is Chicago’s Conservation Corps; their mission is to support volunteer communities as they improve the quality of life in the city through environmental service projects.
The Corps has recently been garnering international attention for its comprehensive approach to dedicated green policies. Suzanne Malec-McKenna, commissioner of the Department of Environment of Chicago, explains the importance of their work:
“We recognize that the environmental activities we undertake are not only important for our economy, but for our public health, and are absolutely important for our quality of life, not only in our communities but also in businesses across the city and region.”
The Corps has spearheaded community garden plots, educated citizens about public health and has been a cheerleader for the city’s public transit system throughout Chicago’s diverse community neighborhoods. Their work is grounded in empowerment. “It is not just about how we can serve Chicagoans,” Malec-McKenna explained:
“It is more about how we can give them the tools and technical assistance so that they can serve the city and their communities themselves. Any resident can go through a five-week training program to learn about water, waste, energy and community organizing. Then, they carry out environmental service projects in their own neighborhoods. We help them with training, technical assistance and funding, and the residents, in turn, undertake projects to protect water, clean air, restore land and save energy.”
