Green Festival Chicago

Green Fest, an even that focuses on environmentally friendly products and actions that you can take, was held at Navy Pier this past weekend. The City of Chicago partnered with Redmoon Theater to promote the $800 Savings Challenge.

According to the Chicago Climate Action Plan, there are thirteen actions that people can take that both reduces our contribution to global warming AND adds up to $800 in cost savings annually. These are:

• Reduce heating temperature three degrees.
• Increase cooling temperature three degrees.
• Save four gallons of water per day, by turning off the faucet when brushing and shaving, and by cutting shower time by a minute.
• Replace nine incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Replace your home air conditioner filter.
• Use a power strip for all appliances and electronics that remain electrified in standby mode and turn off the power strip whenever the appliance is not in use.
• Plant a tree.
• Turn off three 60-watt bulbs for two hours per day.
• Eliminate one 10-mile car trip per week.
• Keep your car tuned up and tires properly inflated.
• Replace outdoor lighting with solar lights.
• Disconnect downspouts and add a rain barrel.
• Recycle the Sunday newspaper instead of throwing it in the garbage.