Chicago Sustainable Backyard Program

FOR ALL THE DETAILS FOLLOW THE BELOW LINK

Link to the Chicago Sustainable Backyard Program

2011 Sustainable Backyard Workshops

Learn how to make your back, front or side yard more environmentally sustainable. These workshops will cover the basics of installing a rain barrel, setting up a compost bin, planting a tree, planning a native garden and more. Unless noted otherwise, registration is not necessary.

2011 Sustainable Backyard Rebates

Rebate forms are available to Chicago residents for up to 50% off their next local purchase of:

TREES (up to $100 back)

NATIVE PLANTS (up to $60 back)

COMPOST BINS (up to $50 back)

RAIN BARRELS (up to $40 back)

TREES

The benefits of trees, beyond aesthetic appeal, are well documented and include the following:

• Improved Air Quality. Trees absorb air pollutants and help reduce smog.
• Stormwater Management. Street trees intercept and absorb rain, reducing and slowing the amount of runoff that makes its way to the sewer system.
• Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions. As a tree grows, it sequesters carbon dioxide and converts it to woody and leaf biomass.
• Improved Wildlife Habitat. Urban forests provide food and shelter to many important native and migratory birds and animals.
• Improved Energy Conservation. When strategically planted, trees can cut heating and air conditioning costs by providing shade and cutting the wind.

NATIVE PLANTS

Native Midwestern plants have evolved to thrive in our natural conditions and once established, require little maintenance. Native plants are deep-rooted plants and help direct rainwater into the soil. If planted in a rain garden in conjunction with a disconnected downspout, native plants are especially effective for managing stormwater. Native plants are ideal for rain gardens because many can withstand a range of wet-to-dry conditions, and their long roots absorb more water. Plus, they are beautiful and attract birds and beneficial butterflies and insects.

COMPOST BINS

Composting is a natural way to turn your fruit, vegetable, and yard waste into a dark, soil-like natural fertilizer for your garden, lawn, or indoor plants. Backyard composting helps recycle valuable organic resources, reduce air pollution from refuse trucks, and extend the life of our landfills.

RAIN BARRELS

Up to 40% of the water we use at home is spent on watering our lawns and gardens during hot summer months. Instead of using water from the tap, which requires energy and money to treat and deliver to our homes, we can use a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater from our roofs through a disconnected downspout.

STAY CONNECTED

To receive periodic updates about the program including new incentives and workshop dates, send us an email at rainbarrel@cityofchicago.org or call us at 312.743.9283. We will automatically add you to our contact list.