Chicago Resources
Chicago Center for Green Technology
Home to the City of Chicago's Department of the Environment, CCGT has knocked themselves out to become a comprehensive resource for builders and homeowners trying to find their way around the world of green building. The building itself was designed as a model of sustainable building practices and hosts a library of sustainable building materials; tours are available. The center hosts free seminars every week and their website offers a wealth of instruction and other references for both homeowners and professionals.
445 N. Sacramento Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 746-9642
Resource Center Chicago
Brainchild of mad sustainability genius Ken Dunn, the Resource Center operates several recycling centers, an urban farm, a creative reuse warehouse, a community gardening initiative, and a food recovery program. The guy is out of control.
Green Depot
Building supplies ranging from low-VOC paints and sealants to natural linoleum, sustainably harvested lumber, windows, and plumbing fixtures.
2500 N. Pulaski Rd.
Chicago, IL 60639
773.384.7500
eZing
Residential energy auditor. Formerly known as Informed Energy Decisions (or The Energy Detectives), it is featured in "Grab for the Low-Hanging Fruit" and "What to Expect from a Home Energy Audit" on this site.
Informed Energy Decisions (a.k.a. The Energy Detectives)
This remaining half of the Energy Detectives now focuses on commercial energy audits and solutions.
National Organizations
U.S. Green Building Council
A national nonprofit organization devoted to the promotion of green buildings, the USGBC is the creator of the LEED rating system for sustainable building design and construction. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Union of Concerned Scientists
Founded at M.I.T. in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is a nonprofit organization of scientists promoting environmental health and protection.
Publications
National Geographic's Green Guide
Well-rounded, practical advice and information on sustainable living, including buying guides, tips, blogs, etc.
This Old House
This magazine is getting greener all the time.
Natural Home Magazine
All the gorgeous photos of a home decorating magazine plus lots of good information about green projects, products, and professionals. Also, they periodically feature urban chickens, which makes them a winner in my book.
NRDC's Daily Grist
Daily summaries of world environmental news
Dwell
This modern home design magazine features increasing and beautiful coverage of sustainable design.
Honey and Salt
My other blog: Social and scientific observations
Generally Indispensable
Craigslist
Reuse, reuse, reuse.
Angie's List
Find your contractors here.