April 20 - 26, 2020 Vol. 28 No. 16
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$
$1.10 goes to vendor
I'M STILL HERE! Vendors still need your support during the COVID-19 outbreak Dear StreetWise Readers and Friends, In these uncertain times, we have been seeking solace in stories of solidarity and community. We’ve seen an outpouring of compassion and generosity from our community and friends, including messages of support and questions about how people can help the most vulnerable in our community. At this stage, we have made the tough decision to discontinue publishing physical editions of our well-known and much-loved magazine until it is once again safe to congregate and the shelter-in-place order is lifted. We will transition to digital-only editions during this time. As an organization, we feel the best way to lead is by example, so that all of our vendors understand the gravity of the situation. StreetWise’s office will continue to be open during this time. We will continue to provide essential services such as counseling, meals and hygiene kits to our vendors as they navigate their lives. We encourage our supporters to purchase a digital issue or subscribe digitally to StreetWise at www.streetwise.org/subscribe to continue to support their vendors over the next couple of months. Subscribers can specify their local vendor as the recipient of the subscription. In addition, we have produced a series of individualized posters for vendors to post at their selling spots in their absence with information on how to subscribe and donate to them. We have been fundraising tirelessly to create the "Vendor-In-Reach” fund, which we are using to deliver weekly stipend income to vendors. The purpose is to support our vendors in need as well as encourage them to adhere to the shelter-in-place order. By providing the income they would have earned selling StreetWise magazines in the streets, we succeed in this. To donate directly to the "Vendor-In-Reach" fund or to help with our daily operating costs, feel free to donate at www.streetwise.org/donate. Social connection is one of the most important parts of selling StreetWise magazines and is so important for the well-being of our community. If you’d like to send a message to your local vendor, please email admin@streetwise.org and we’ll do our best to pass it on to them. Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this challenging time. Sincerely, The StreetWise Team
DONATE
To make a donation to StreetWise, visit our website at www.streetwise.org/donate/ or cut out this form and mail it with your donation to StreetWise, Inc., 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616. We appreciate your support!
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SportsWise
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
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Cover Story: Recycling in Chicago
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StreetWise executive Assistant Patrick Edwards reflects on his time spent with the SportsWise team. As all Chicago events and gatherings are cancelled until further notice, we are replacing our usual calendar with recommendations from StreetWise vendors, readers and staff to keep you entertained at home! Recycling is crucial to society, and yet there are still reasons why people don't do it. However, we can do better by educating people on the impact of recycling in their cities, teaching them how to recycle, and helping organizations finding structural solutions. These can change the quality of life in Chicago in a big, positive way.
Inside StreetWise
StreetWise participants give status updates on how they are handling the threat of COVID-19 in their daily lives.
The Playground
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Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
dhamilton@streetwise.org
Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief
suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Amanda Jones, Director of programs
ajones@streetwise.org
Julie Youngquist, CEO
jyoungquist@streetwise.org
Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 4554 N. Broadway, Suite 350, Chicago, IL, 60640
StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI LEARN MORE AT streetwise.org
Reflections
by Patrick Edwards, StreetWise Executive Assistant.
on the
SportsWise
column
Hello, all. I want to take the opportunity to thank the fellas for allowing me to share space with them in this SportsWise journey. Reading the magazine back in the day, I recall reading SportsWise and thinking it must be cool to have a voice— especially as someone whose voice is often deemed not worthy of being heard. Or, from the vendor’s perspective, someone who is self-stunted in that he or she is unable to roar due to various reasons, e.g., depression, abuse issue (home or substance), etc. Everything I witnessed firsthand pushed all of those thoughts from my mind, and, initially, before I read the tiny words at the top of the SportsWise page stating that these were vendors, I thought they were legitimate sportswriters farmed by StreetWise.
Initially, I hooked on as the recorder/transcriber…but, then, one day, Russell invited me to speak, to get in where I fit in. I was too shook and didn’t say much, nor did I include my words in the writeup. One afternoon, Russell wasn’t available, and I sat in as a guest. I was pretty cool with Don and John, and became even more so as we crewed through our discussion. Don, from the time I’ve known him, has always told it like it was and is, and he’s very passionate about sports (and religion and birds). He
can, sometimes, get going on a topic and has to rein himself in, but it’s always interesting. John’s interesting because he has the quintessential sportswriter's voice and mannerisms. He’s detailed and knows his stuff—even when caught off-guard. I admire that about him. Russell, he’s the glue that keeps the crew together—and the glue that enabled me to join the team. Russell may be as passionate about sports as Donald, and as sportsknowledgeable as John, but more than anything, Russell cares about people more than anyone I know. He does his thing and can roll with the real (in regard to anything), but when it comes down to it, he cares. He cares about me, he cares about you, he cares about the random person who comes into StreetWise afterhours asking about food (Russell: [Grumble] You’re hungry? Random person: I am. Russell: I got you…but,
next time, get here on time, all right?), and he cares about his family deeply—both his at-home family and his StreetWise one. I love being with all my people at this gig—I do. As to my SportsWise crew, I lucked up. To realize I’m working with celebrities—interesting and cool ones—and feeling as if I belong is amazing. I don’t even mind my little baby photo up against theirs; shoot, I have a lot of learning and passion and take (from giveand-take) from these guys to earn that man-photo. I’m up for the ride. Any comments (including greatest historical comments by any of these guys!) or topic suggestions, please write to pedwards@streetwise.com.
www.streetwise.org
SPORTSWISE
When I came to StreetWise, I felt as if I were in the presence of royalty. I once was a mere reader, now, was “inside” the magazine! A few days later, after decompressing, I spotted the SportsWise team as they huddled in a cramped office, preparing to record the audio. Russell Adams, John Hagan, and Donald Morris. I vaguely remembered them from the magazines I’d purchased over
the years, and when I grabbed a magazine and re-checked out their photos, I was literally starstruck. Not to the point of stuttering, but to the point of true admiration. I felt as if I was in the company of celebrities—which was the case; it wasn’t Tracee Ellis Ross or Arnold Schwarzenegger, but still…
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ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since we are stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time. To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org
Watch This!
Chicago P.D. From multiple Emmy Award-winning executive producer Dick Wolf and the team behind the hit series "Chicago Fire," "Chicago P.D." is a riveting police drama about the men and women of the Chicago Police Department's elite Intelligence Unit, combatting the city's most heinous offenses including organized crime, drug trafficking, high-profile murders and beyond. At the center of "Chicago P.D." is Det. Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), who is at ground zero against the war on crime in Chicago. He will do anything to bring criminals to justice. "I have been watching this while at home. It is a great show with reruns nightly on MYTV 50 at 7 & 10 p.m., and new episodes on NBC 5 on Wednesdays at 9 p.m." - Reommended by John Hagan, StreetWise Vendor and Field Supervisor
Download This!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
TikTok TikTok is a social media app made up entirely of video content. Quarantined TikTok content creators have posted videos of almost everything under the sun including (but not limited to) synchronized dances, harmless pranks on family members, and diary entries from inside the minds of house cats. While most videos are 30 seconds or less, be careful not to fall down the rabbit hole. Thirty second clips can turn into whole hours of comedy. - Recommended by Allie Maloney, StreetWise employment specialist
Get Up!
Zoom Workouts During my quarantine I've been trying to maintain my exercise routine as well as possible, with no equipment and minimal accountability! W hat I've found to be most effective is finding Zoom workout classes that are on a specific schedule. It helps me create structure to my day, as if I've already put it in my calendar. I treat it as a meeting I can't miss (thanks to my constant calendar reminders from my computer and phone). I have also started doing them with a friend (virtually), which makes us feel like we're working out together and don't want to bail and let the other person down! It's also a chance to actually see the other person on video in a different way than just your typical Zoom meeting or friendly catch-up session! I have seen several gyms and trainers in the Chicago area who are holding these zoom classes. They are generally on their social media pages, and you don't have to be a member! W hat's nice is that the classes are modified so that you can do the full workout with household items (filling a backpack with books for heavy weight, using canned food for light weights, chairs as props, etc.). I will be happy to get back to the gym when this is all over, but for now it has been a great addition to my daily and weekly routines! -Recommended by Laura Reff, StreetWise Board Member .
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- Compiled by Dave Hamilton
RECYCLING IN CHI by Rachel Koertner
Recycling is a paradox - it is illustrious, but is still widely ignored. Many people see the startling statistics and yet they live in blissful ignorance, not wanting to put in the work to recycle or learn how to do it correctly. Society is aware that there are countless benefits to recycling, both environmentally and financially, but recycling rates in many places continue to drop. There are Chicagoans who advocate for going green in so many ways, and yet the city has an exponentially lower recycling rate than most places in the world.
A survey done by the Better Government Association (BGA) found that Chicago’s recycling rate is by far the lowest of any major metropolitan area in the country. In 2018, Chicago was reported to have a rate of nine percent, which may not sound terrible, but in comparison, the second-lowest city was Houston with a recycling rate of 17 percent. Compared to San Jose, with a rate of 80 percent is one of the nation’s highest, Chicago is extremely behind. Therefore, one must ask - what sets Chicago so far back? Why are the city’s rates so low? Should its citizens care, and how does it affect them? What can Chicagoans do to combat this low recycling rate? Many resources give advice on how to encourage more people to recycle, and there are three big ideas that are consistently mentioned: educating people on the impact of recycling in their cities, teaching them how to recycle, and organizations finding structural solutions. These all have the potential to make an impact, and even dramatically increase Chicago’s recycling rates, if implemented.
THE IMPACT OF RECYCLING IN OUR CITY The first in that list, and the one closest to home, is educating people on the impact of recycling in Chicago. You may think that the sea turtles are the only ones benefiting from people recycling, but actually each community benefits the more they recycle, and this happens in many ways. A community’s commitment to a cleaner environment is often considered a reflection of its commitment to a higher quality of living. Recycling attracts companies that process recyclables as well as suppliers who reuse these materials in their products, which means more businesses and more jobs. A study done by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) pointed out that recycling industries not only offer higher paying jobs than the national average, but they also prevent communities from sending valuable items to their landfills. Also in the EPA study, it was reported that in 2007, the city of Kinston, North Carolina, was able to save $100,000 in fuel and labor costs by implementing a new and improved recycling program, which shows that recycling can save communities an exponential amount of money. The study said that many people fail to recognize the increasing impact recycling will have on the economic health of their region. Another way that recycling benefits communities is by creating sustainability. Cities like Atlanta, Georgia, are turning to smart growth strategies to manage expected population growth, which are based on principles of sustainability. Then of course, at the core of sustainability is recycling. Recycling improves air quality, and
ICAGO:
HOW CAN WE MAKE IT BETTER? reduces certain emissions that are associated with chronic health issues like asthma. According to the CDC, indoor and outdoor pollution are responsible for nearly five percent of diseases. Therefore, recycling can lower the chances for these diseases and health issues. These are many ways that recycling benefits more than just the sea creatures in the heart-wrenching commercials - it benefits each and every community member. However, Chicago is missing out on so many of these benefits because of low recycling rates. Some say that one reason this is happening is because of contamination stickers. Often times, if one item in a recycling bin isn’t recyclable, Waste Management has to label the bin as contaminated, and nothing in it will be recycled. But BGA research calculated that if the contents of contaminated bins are flowing to Waste Management’s landfill at the same rate as city garbage is, then nearly 5,000 tons of recyclables have been diverted to the company’s dump. This means that countless items that could be recycled aren’t.The high instances of contaminated bins is greatly affecting the low recycling rates. Also according to the BGA, Chicago is the only major city that gives private haulers sole discretion to decide which recycling is taken to landfills. Many other cities use only municipal collection crews, fine residents for repeated contaminations, and give people a second chance to have the contents of suspect recycling bins re-evaluated before the bins are hauled off to dumps. The study goes into detail about more of the efforts from other cities, and how they have different policies, which contribute to them having significantly higher recycling rates.
Recycle Across America says that, without exception, having higher recycling rates is the top action society can take to simultaneously improve the environment, the economy and sustainable manufacturing, as well as prevent waste from going into oceans. This is true for the world as a whole, but also for each specific community, benefitting each citizen. To eliminate confusion and to stop recyclable products from being taken to the landfills, it is imperative to educate people on what is recyclable. The website recyclebycity.com/chicago/guide describes some of the guidelines of recycling in Chicago. For example, it is important to rinse, wipe or scrape out food and drain out liquids, and to recycle items loosely in the Blue Cart (Chicago’s recycling system), without a bag. Things like containers, glass bottles and jars, metal cans, paper, and cardboard can be recycled, while things like plastic bags, plastic wrap, food and liquid, and scrap metal cannot be recycled in the Blue Carts. It is crucial to avoid things like garbage, electronics and tanglers (like hoses, cords and chains), otherwise the cart could be labeled as contaminated. These are the recycling rules specific to Chicago’s Blue Cart program.
LEARNING HOW TO DO IT This leads to the importance of educating people on how to recycle, and clearing up any confusion that may exist. This is another tactic to increase recycling rates. The rules stated above are the basic guidelines for the Blue Cart program. However, they do leave some gray areas that can get confusing. For example, the paper cups meant for hot coffee are not supposed to be recycled, but the paper sleeves and the plastic tops can be. The tops and empty cups for iced coffee can be recycled, but the straw should go in the trash. This is a good example of how things can get a little tricky. However, there are lots of resources to go to for help, and many websites that try to clear things up.
A FEW THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT CHICAGO’S SYSTEM, CLEARED UP BY NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO:
• It is important to screw caps onto bottles and jars before putting those items into the recycling bin, even if the caps are made out of different materials. • Pizza cardboard boxes can be very valuable recycled items if residents recycle them properly. That means removing all food and the grease-catching circular liner. This just leaves the clean outer box, which is perfectly recyclable even with a few small grease stains. • Junk mail can be recycled, and the plastic window does not need to be removed. • Bonus: The city of Chicago operates two recycling centers, one in the South Loop and another in Rogers Park. The private recycler, Resource Center, also operates a facility in the parking lot of North Park Village, right off of Pulaski Road, and another in Woodlawn. These rules don’t cover every question that a person might have, but there are countless online resources to go to for help. For example, Recycle Across America, or Recycle By City. Also, Blue Cart questions, comments and service requests can be addressed by calling 311. www.streetwise.org
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1. Plastic bottles from the
kitchen, laundry room and bathroom are recyclable true or false?
2. Recycle plastics based
on the number on the label - true or false?
3. Metal cans are
recyclable - true or false?
4. Which of these scrap
metals is recyclable in the blue cart - tanks, pipes, hangers, or none of them?
5. Shredded paper is
recyclable in the blue cart true or false?
6. Benefits of recycling are environmental, financial or both?
7. Old garden hoses go in which cart - blue cart or garbage cart?
8. Don’t bag your
recyclables - true or false?
9. Free yard waste pickup is available all year round by calling 311 - true or false?
10. Three of these are
recyclable in the blue cart, which is not - cardboard, glass jars, plastic wrap or cartons?
11. A bottle with water in it
is ready for recycling - true or false?
12. Polystyrene (aka: PS
#6 or styrofoam) is not recyclable in the blue cart true or false? Answers on page 12.
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The Blue Cart system isn’t the end-all for recycling in Chicago - there are more resources that are often overlooked. For example, there are safe ways to dispose of leftover items, like dropping off rechargeable batteries at Staples or Lowe's. Also, there are a wide variety of ways that textiles can be recycled. Old clothes, torn rags, even ratty underwear - all of it can be recycled instead of being sent to a landfill. According to Ecowatch and Earth 911, the fashion industry is the second dirtiest industry in the world, second only to big oil. The scale of the issue is immense - 150 million tons of clothing is sold worldwide every year, the majority of which ends up in landfills. The Northeast Recycling Council (NERC) reports that nearly 85 percent of textile waste ends up being tossed in the trash. This is another example of huge amounts of materials ending up in landfills that shouldn't. There are many organizations that are working to combat this by hosting textile recycling centers. The NERC explains the material recycling process very clearly. For example, when clothes are recycled to a charity or a for-profit textile collection business, the first thing they do is sort through the items and grade them. The best clothing items, shoes, washcloths, etc. are typically resold through thrift shops in the US. Clothing that is wearable - but might be missing a few buttons or have some other minor flaws - is typically sold in bulk and winds up being used in overseas markets. Then, the unwearable items, like rags, towels, used underwear and so on are further separated. Some items are cut up and resold to industrial markets as wiping rags. Other material is sold off to be shredded and used to make insulation, stuffing for cushions and stuffed animals, carpet padding, soundproofing pieces in the automotive industry and other similar objects. In addition, these materials can have many secondary uses - in fact, many products used today were once old clothes or shoes. They can be used to make sports fields and athletic tracks, pillow stuffing, softball and baseball filling, paper money, home insulation, and fuel bricks. Using the products in these secondary items saves material from landfills. Textile recycling happens in a variety of ways in Chicago. There is Chicago Textile Recycling (CTR), which diverts over two and a half million pounds of waste from area landfills annually. People can clean their products and place them in the CTR bins around the city. Simple Recycling is a similar organization and that has pick-up options for textile
A CTR collection bin in Mundelein Park.
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE! TAKE A RECYCLING QUIZ
recycling, just like the normal garbage that gets picked up once a week. Those services are in Skokie, Schaumberg, Hanover Park and more. Additionally, Donate Stuff is a business that serves the Chicago area by collecting items that need to be donated and taking them to their respective charities. They pick up donations of things like clothing, curtains, towels, toys, appliances, office chairs, musical instruments, coffee makers and so much more. Donate Stuff makes sure these items get to a place where they can be used, instead of to a landfill. Along those lines, Blue Jeans Go Green has partnered with a multitude of stores to set up drop-off sites for jeans to be donated. These include Garage, Levi’s, Madewell, Wrangler and more. In addition, many of these businesses incentivize the recycling. For example, a customer can drop off their denim at a Garage location and get $10 off a pair of fullprice Garage jeans; or, they could receive 20 percent off a single item for bringing denim in for recycling at a Levi’s. Many other stores like these have found ways to incentivize recycling and prevent reusable objects from being placed in landfills. These objects, like jeans, are perfectly reusable, or at least can be broken down and remade into other products to be used. However, many people aren’t aware of all the possibilities and resources. There’s a range of recycling opportunities throughout Chicago, and education about those opportunities is imperative to increase the low recycling rates.
Lori E. Lightfoot Mayor of Chicago
No Garbage
No Tanks
No Tanglers (no hoses, wires, chains, or electronics)
Questions or Service Requests?
No Food or Liquid (empty all containers)
empty and rinse
Printed on Recycled Paper
empty and replace cap
Print this handy guide out and post near your trash to help make easy recycling decisions!
Visit or Call
No Plastic Bags
empty and replace cap
empty and rinse
Do Not Bag Recyclables
QUIZ ANSWERS from page 10
1. It’s true!
If it's a plastic bottle and it's empty, it's recyclable in Chicago. Put plastic caps back on, then trash all nozzles and pumps because of the metal.
2. It’s false!
The number doesn't mean a plastic item is recyclable. Size and shape matter too. The recycling program is designed to handle hard plastic bottles and containers. The system cannot handle odd-shaped plastics (like toys or plastic furniture), very small items (less than two inches), or plastics that are flexible – like bags and wrap. Chicago does not accept #6, polystyrene (aka: styrofoam), in any form.
3. It’s true!
All empty metal cans are recyclable in Chicago. Metal cans can be recycled into new cans again and again - forever - providing massive energy and resource savings. Recycle your cans, Chicago! Every one counts.
4. It’s none of them!
Scrap metal is not recyclable in the blue cart. Propane tanks can be dropped off at the City's Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility for recycling. Check with local scrap dealers to recycle scrap metal for a profit.
5. It’s false!
Shredded paper is not recyclable in the blue cart because it clings to other recyclable materials and clogs up the machines at the recycling facility. Shredded paper can be recycled at dozens of Shredding Events scheduled from Spring through November. Check recyclebycity.com for details.
6. It’s both!
Recycling conserves oil, water, and other precious resources. Plus, it costs less than landfilling trash. Win win. Recycle up, Chicago!
7. It’s the garbage cart!
Old hoses and other "tanglers" like ropes, chains, and cables aren't recyclable because they get caught in the equipment at the recycling facility.
8. It’s true!
Don't bag your recyclables, place items loosely in the blue cart. Plastic bags of all sizes and shapes are not accepted. They're another "tangler" that can't be processed at the recycling facility. Plastic bags can be recycled at nearby stores including Jewel-Osco, Mariano's and Target.
9. It’s true!
Leaves and grass are collected for recycling all year round. Just bag them up (in a paper or plastic bag) and call 311 to schedule a pickup.
10. It’s plastic wrap!
Plastic wrap, like the kind that comes wrapped around paper towels and toilet paper, is not accepted in the blue cart. They're basically just like plastic bags. Plastic wrap can be recycled along with plastic bags, at many local retailers.
11. It’s false!
Containers don't need to be spotless, but they do need to be empty. Food and liquids, including water, can ruin the paper and cardboard in your bin.
12. It’s true!
Packing peanuts can be returned to shipping stores for reuse. All other clean polystyrene items can be dropped off for recycling.
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ORGANIZATIONS FINDING STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS These recycling options wouldn’t be possible without organizations creating structural solutions. This is a powerful way to combat low recycling rates - businesses implementing policies to make recycling possible and to encourage it, like the jeans stores. For example, BGA reports on a campaign done by Waste Management in 2014 called Recycle Often, Recycle Right. Its goal was to educate community members on how and why to increase recycling, as well as to address the confusion on what’s recyclable and what’s not. It makes a difference when businesses use their sphere of influence to encourage environmental change. One organization in Chicago that is working to do that, which might surprise some people, is the Shedd Aquarium. “Shedd’s mission is to inspire curiosity, compassion and conservation for the aquatic animal world, and our vision is a world thriving with aquatic life, sustained by people who love, understand and protect it,” said Gabby Petrelli, the Conservation Action Coordinator at Shedd Aquarium. “The health of our oceans, rivers and lakes is vital to the health of our entire planet, and by working to conserve these places, we can protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for all.” The organization is doing its part and helping the community in a variety of ways, and one of the most impactful ways is leading by example. Shedd is constantly working on shifting away from disposable plastics and advocating for reusable or compostable items. They have started using more readily recyclable packaging like aluminum, reusable plates and silverware in their restaurant, they offer all packaged beverages in glass bottles or cans and they no longer provide plastic bags in their gift shops. “We lead by example at Shedd Aquarium by having a robust recycling and composting program that has allowed us to shift to compostable or aluminum food packaging in our cafes, leading to an 80 percent waste diversion rate from landfills,” Petrelli said. Beyond all of these methods, the aquarium also works hard to reach out to the community. One way they do this is by educating the public through providing programming and information on how to make sustainable lifestyle changes. Plus, they are advocating for the Plastic Free Water Ordinance in Chicago, which will not only help shift business practices away from using and providing singleuse plastics, but also help educate the public about proper recycling practices.
Trash collects in Lake Michigan (Shedd Aquarium photo.)
“Our public outreach programs help build skills and confidence in the public for leading more sustainable lifestyles, and share ways we can raise our voice to local, state and federal policymakers to encourage them to act on the issue,” Petrelli said. Additionally, representatives from the aquarium attend events like environmental expos, farmers markets and other community events to talk to people about the problem with plastic pollution and share their advice for sustainable changes. They have also worked with over 300 businesses to help them switch from single-use plastic straws to paper and compostable options. They have two sets of restaurant collaborators: Sustainable Seafood collaborators and Shedd the Straw collaborators. As a part of these programs, restaurants have opportunities to host events with Shedd and educate their patrons on these important issues. All of these businesses work with Shedd to learn about how to be kinder to their environment in many ways, including recycling. “Conservation has long been a priority for the aquarium,” Petrelli said. “It is part of our mission, as we aim to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. We’ve been conducting field conservation research for more than 20 years and rescuing animals for more than 50. The aquarium has grown over time, and developing conservation programs has been a natural fit for an organization dedicated to animal care and welfare.” This care for conservation isn’t stopping any time soon, as the Aquarium already has special campaigns set up for April, like their #EarthMonthIn digital campaign. Then, when they’re able, their teams will take advantage of the warmer weather to engage community members in wildlife conservation and stewardship activities.
“It takes all of us to safeguard species and preserve biodiversity,” Petrelli said. “We are in constant need of volunteers and citizen scientists to join us in our action, stewardship and research programs. Check out Shedd’s website for ways to get involved.” This organization is a perfect example of a business in Chicago fighting for local conservation and recycling. However, Shedd isn’t the only organization in Chicago doing this. Another example is Mariano’s, which has an extensive recycling program, and accepts many nontraditional items in addition to having normal recycling bins. For example, plastic bags cannot be placed into traditional recycling carts in Chicago, but Mariano’s will take the bags for recycling. They also take things like food storage bags, plastic overwrap, case stretch wrap, plastic cereal-box liners, shipping materials and more all things that would’ve otherwise ended up in a landfill. This program has been successful, as they recycled 52.2 million pounds of plastic in 2018. Therefore, this is an example of a business creating change in the community by instituting structural solutions. In addition to businesses, city government can make a big difference. In the beginning of 2019, when Lori Lightfoot was still campaigning to be mayor, she released a nine-point policy proposal to address environmental issues. This proposal included bringing back the city’s Department of Environment, as well as improving “Chicago’s abysmal recycling rates by holding City waste contractors accountable.” There are no current updates on whether or not the policy was implemented upon her election, or if the policy was successful, but even just the conversations about the importance of these issues can make an impact on a community.
These structural solutions, as well as the resources for education on how to recycle and how it affects individual communities - they all give hope that Chicago’s recycling rate can be improved. Recycling doesn’t have to be a paradox, and Chicago doesn’t have to be exponentially behind other cities. Instead, all community members can get involved, and these ways are just the beginning.
www.streetwise.org
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As coronavirus outbreak worsens, streetwise participants respond collected by Amanda Jones
Charles Hudson STEP Participant
Sitting here at Northside housing shelter in Chicago and I have to say, it's real boring but it's safe. We only have 16 people in the shelter where I stay, we had about 55 to 60 but they were all moved because they were in good health. The ones that remain have other health problems and are more likely to catch COVID-19, which I hope I don't. Everybody that lives is the shelter got tested for COVID-19, will soon have the results. I was scheduled for a biopsy last week which got cancelled so I just sit around doing nothing. I was working at Concord Music Hall and Deadbolt Hip Hop Bar but because of the pandemic, both jobs are closed. Now I have nothing to do but stay inside and stay safe and healthy. I am trying to find things to do to pass the time.
The police just came to the shelter, they had some masks with them and instructions that everyone has to put the mask on and we have to have them on at all times.
David Tillman
I am leaving for Texas to stay with my sister.
INSIDE STREETWISE
Right now, at this time, I am looking on this coronavirus disease! I AM STAYING IN THE HOUSE NOT WORKING... AND GOING ABSOLUTELY NUCKING FUTS!! But I Am Taking All Precautions!
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The Depression Rate Has Gone SKY HIGH. My graduation is CANCELLED! I won't be walking the stage or receiving my diploma until the printing company opens up again. Even tho I am now 8 years sober from alcohol and 19 months sober from cigarettes, being sober from those is a bad mutha (SHUTYOMOUTH!) Be Blessed And Safe!
Debbie Booker
Just got home kind of slow today. Everyone telling me to go home. Another funeral my cousin died 2 weeks ago, his funeral is Saturday. He had cancer for 5 years and soon he got COVID-19 and he died. Cookie said she going to the funeral with me, she knows some of my kids and family.
My challenges are just feeling nervous about getting within 6 feet of people. I wear a mask but it is very hot. I wear gloves too.
Streetwise 3/23/20 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
Sudoku
Crossword Across
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Commotion 34 Terminate Cambrian 36 Music category Dullard 38 Con game Camera setting 42 Keyed up Goulash 45 Stubble Congers remover Wizardry 49 Take the gold Noncommittal 51 Twilled answer woollen fabrics 22 Busy airport 54 Poverty24 All over the stricken place 56 Destiny 25 Prefix with 57 60’s hairdo surgery or 58 Swain transmitter n 59 Electrical units Certain captives, 26 See 40 Across 60 A deadly sin in brief 27 Don’t just stand 61 Call from the Pearl Harbor there flock locale 29 Rewards for 62 Beaks Aerobic bit waiting 63 Orders to plow Astute 31 Mixed bag horses High regardCopyright 32 ©2020 Nary a soul 64 Vortex PuzzleJunction.com Wine choice 33 Lay to rest 67 Waikiki wear Format Leg part Popular street name Avarice Emulates Eminem Sandra of “Gidget” Implant Dethrone Yang’s opposite Impudent
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Solution
Sudoku Solution
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Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org
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Zenith Writer Wharton Squabble Hockey score Recluse One of the Three Fires of Buddhism Aquatic plant Keys Slender reed Side dish in India Jack’s inferior League members “Middlemarch” author Hosp. areas Start of a cheer Sei halved Carte start French friend Ionian gulf Having wicked thoughts Grub Tippler Lingerie item Sailor’s granny Wedding wear Set one’s sights Twenty-four hours Whipped cream serving Stewed legumes dish in India Radioactive Yields Banana oil, e.g. Meal starter Eiffel, for one Like hen’s teeth
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9 Store posting (Abbr.) 10 Pumps and clogs 11 Sunblock ingredient 12 Proton’s place 13 Some souvenirs 21 Computer key 23 Mannerism 25 Intense anger 26 Kind of beetle Down 27 Chip dip 28 Basra native 1 Lab gel 29 Pull strings? 2 Fizzy drink 31 “___ now!” 3 Wise men 4 Cheer up 32 Tallied 33 TV, radio, etc. 5 Biblical high 34 Tennyson poem priest 6 Russian novelist 36 The second Mrs. Sinatra 7 Sound 38 Charge carrier 8 Minor Top dog Miner’s quest Asian sea name Siesta Empty Rewards for waiting 72 Man with a mission 73 New newts
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Calif. neighbor Passion Dig in The fox in Disney’s “The Fox and the Hound” Get in a pool Cobbler’s stock Like a superhero Figure out “Hoc ___ in votis” Madras dress Pitfall Cantina cooker Kennel sound Redact Some wines Egyptian cobra Bruiser
How StreetWise Works
Our Mission
Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.
Finacial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.
Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.
S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.
THE PLAYGROUND
To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.
Puzzle
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THE CHICAGO PREMIERE
THE MOST SPECTACULARLY LAMENTABLE TRIAL OF
MIZ MARTHA WASHINGTON James Ijames Directed by Whitney White By
The recently widowed “Mother of America”—attended to by the very enslaved people who will be free the moment she dies—takes us deep into the ugly and thorny ramifications of America’s original sin.
RADICALLY VULNERABLE, OUTRAGEOUSLY HILARIOUS
APRIL 2 – MAY 17 | steppenwolf.org | 312-335-1650 MAJOR PRODUCTION SPONSOR
2019/20 GRAND BENEFACTORS
2019/20 BENEFACTORS
