Action Guide

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Chapters

1. Nature	The Chicago region is home to thousands of species of native plants and animals, including some of the rarest on earth. Learn what you can do to help protect and restore these habitats through hands-on volunteer activities and advocacy efforts, or simply by enjoying them!
2. Backyard Habitats	As glorious as our natural areas are, nothing beats your own backyard (if you’re lucky enough to have one!). Learn how to bring nature to you by planting native species that attract birds and butterflies, saving water through intallation of a rain garden and other fun activities.
3. Green Neighborhood	Connections between individuals and the evnvironment are nurtured in the communities we live in. Collective efforts such as community gardening, art activities, and recycling not only help beautify our neighborhoods; they promote a shared value for sustainablilty throughout the city and region.
4. Green Buildings	Green buildings are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. Find out what you can do to make your home or office more energy and water efficient, improve indoor air quality and conserve materials and resources.
5. Agriculture/Food	Sustainable agriculture integrates environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity. It helps farmers stay on their land and ensures that farming practices don’t degrade our natural resources. Learn more about community-supported agriculture, how you can improve your own gardening practices or about one of your neighbors who is engaged in inspiring work!
6. Transportation	Hey! You gotta get around, right? Whether you bike, walk, ride or drive, learn what you can do to improve your commute and meet other people working on the same issues.
7. Energy	Did you know that one well-placed tree can do to the work of four air conditioners? Or that poor insulation, inefficient appliances, drafty doors and other fixable faults cost U.S. consumers billions of dollars every year? Learn the simple things you can do to improve the energy efficiency of your home and business and save money!
8. Water	Our bodies are made up of 75 percent water and yet we often take the provision of clean and fresh water for granted. Whether you like to canoe and swim in our lakes and rivers, or you want to help monitor water quality, you can learn about the organizations and individuals working on this important issue.
9. Air Quality	There are many simple things that you can do to improve air quality: walking and biking more, buying paints with no to low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and mowing your yard early in the day. Simple, right? Learn more about what you can do and about what organizations across the region are doing to improve our air quality!
10. Nature-Based Recreation	The Chicago region boasts hundreds of activities for you to enjoy the great outdoors! Learn where the best bike and canoe paths are, what herpetologists do, where you can volunteer your skills by working as a docent in museums and zoos across the region and much more!