Clean Power Chicago Campaign Action

“Keep Chicago clean”

By: Kristen Holdsworth

I have never been to an action before let alone knew what it would entail nevertheless; I couldn’t deny the opportunity at hand. Chicago is estimated to be dependent on 60% nuclear and 40% coal but, there is an opportunity to change those numbers. As a DePaul transfer, Chicago Youth Climate Coalition member and concerned resident I am overflowing with excitement for what the Clean Power Chicago campaign can instigate in the city, and so are many other Chicagoans! 

The hour spent outside city hall involved educating the public and spreading the word about this new choice! Together, 100 supporters wore green hardhats and held posters accompanying our calls of, “You can choose clean energy”, “Keep Chicago clean”. Others offered informational pamphlets and petition signings that many were very accepting of. Not long after, all of us occupied the lobby outside the mayor’s office in anticipation of presenting 2,000 petition signatures to Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s representative. I truly felt like I was making a difference in the changes and choices we face today and that couldn’t give me more hope than I could ask for. I can only ask you, what better place to start than right here, right now?

Pictures of the event supplied by Cecily Surma:

It's a new school year

It's the start of a new school year at Depaul. We hope your summer went well!

This blog is going to be going through an overhaul in the next few week so keep your eye on this space!

Guess what opens this weekend!?

DePaul's own urban farm!


We are proud to announce that this weekend DePaul's very own urban farm is opening. The hard work of DePaul's Urban Farming Organization is finally coming full circle. This farm is an amazing step forward in DePaul's mission to be more sustainable.

UFO is inviting the DePaul community to come out this weekend and help the first seeds of the season! Seeding will run from 10 am to 2 pm Friday through Sunday. Please come at the start of every hour as there will be a brief orientation before your work begins. The location of the garden is on Belden and Bissell. You can't miss it!

Please wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Also, remember to bring water and snacks because this weekend might be a hot one!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Parking Day is Tomorrow!

On Monday April 16^th, DePaul will join the global movement of PARK(ing) Day. Starting at 2pm and going until to 5pm, the ECC, DePaul Urban Explorers (DUE) and the Ray Meyer Fitness Center will temporarily transform four parking spaces behind the student center. PARK(ing) Day is, “to call attention to the need for more urban open space, to generate critical debate around how public space is created and allocated, and to improve the quality of urban human habitat,” as the mission states. PARK(ing) Day addresses social issues in urban environments, such as access to parks. Although, we are fortunate to have Lincoln Park down from our campus, this event is a way for DePaul to culturally express, socialize and play in a green environment. The four parking spaces will be covered in sod, there will be benches, there will be grills, treats from Floriole Cafe & Bakery and oh outdoor games, tents and snow cones galore! The Ray has even invited Pedal to the People, to come and get your bike ready for spring. If you feel like skipping the library for a study break, join us in our makeshift park. Happy start of Earth Week Everyone.

EDIBLE EARTH APRIL 22nd

Come join the Urban Farming Organization, the St. Vincent & Louise House, and The Environmental Concerns Committee for a night of amazing food and conversation!

Bring a dish to pass along! We only require that the dish must be as local and organic as possibly. Vegan/vegetarian dishes are also strongly encouraged.

EARTH WEEK 2012

Senior Sendoff: Hemal Lalabhai

This winter quarter saw the graduation of one of ECC's very own, Hemal Lalabhai.

It goes without saying that Hemal is extremely passionate about the environment and ECC's mission. He graduates this winter quarter with a degree in environmental studies. The next step in Hemal's journey is a move to South Africa where he will be working on the restoration of a pygmy hippo habitat.

ECC wishes Hemal all the best. South Africa, and the hippos, are lucky to have you.