With more than 550 members, the LPCC is in a unique position to lead the green message in both the neighborhood and business community, while offering concrete examples of what can be done, and what is being done to limit energy consumption, waste production and general environmentally-unfriendly business practices.  The Green Business Initiative will serve as a catalyst for current members to establish themselves as green-conscious, save money and energy, and greening Lincoln Park while appearing innovative in the business community and providing extra benefits to our membership.

Goals

• Provide businesses in Lincoln Park the tools necessary to limit both their energy use and business costs through green business practices.
• Contribute to the overall vitality and quality of the Lincoln Park neighborhood through repeated events, promotion and innovative programming that supports and encourages green business practices.
• Contribute to the City of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan and comprehensive goal to limit Chicago’s carbon emissions over the next half-century.
• Promote any new and existing green initiatives, products, programs, practices or policies to help limit the carbon footprint the Lincoln Park business community places on the City of Chicago.
   

Program Initiatives

Interal

• Limit energy use by turning off all lights and computers when not in use.
• LPCC encourages all staff to use reusable dishware to limit waste.
• LPCC encourages employees walk or take public transportation whenever possible.
• LPCC works to use double-sided printing only.
• Use CFL light bulbs whenever possible.
• Eliminate faxes whenever possible.
• All paper and cardboard is recycled (planning to recycle bottles and glass being started now).
   

External

• LPCC will dedicate one networking event each year to promotion of green products or practices by holding the event at a business that supports or sells environmentally-friendly items.
• LPCC will work in tandem with the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment to support and promote new services, initiatives, events or business models that limit costs and/or energy use.
• LPCC will reach out to membership for a series of best practices, suggestions, successes and more to share membership-wide to help lower our carbon footprint.
• LPCC will rally membership to support upcoming legislation when appropriate and practical for the business community to lend their voice.

Tips for Restaurants and Bars

All restaurants in the City of Chicago are required to have a recycling program.  Be sure to label recycling containers clearly and educate your staff to effectively establish and maintain your recycling program. As a specialized type of commercial establishment, restaurants and bars may choose to recycle fewer than three items and still have a recycling program that complies with Chicago law.

The City of Chicago recommends that each bar and restaurant create a recycling program that keeps recyclable items separate from the regular trash.

Approved Recyclable Materials for Resturants and Bars

• Newspaper, high grade paper, mixed paper, magazines and catalogs
• Glass bottles and jars
• Aluminum cans, foil, and pans
• Plastic containers and plastic film
• Fats, oils and greases

Tips for Limiting Waste

• Buy supplies in bulk
• Change paper towels to hand dryers in restrooms
• Buy as much post-consumer recycled products as possible
• Switch to chalk or dry erase boards for specials, etc.
• Return shipping materials to senders when practical
• Donate surplus food to soup kitchens and food banks

Other Tips

• Be sure your location is properly insulated
• Don't forget to insulate the walk-in freezer floor
• Have your refrigerators and other appliances maintained regularly
• Trade in incandescent lamps, lights and bulbs for CFLs

Resources

City of Chicago's Department of Environment
Chicago Climate Action Plan
United States Green Building Council
Green Festival Chicago
Green Chamber of Commerce
Chicago Green Restaurant Co-Op
Treehugger
LEED Council
The Green Restaurant Association
ENERGYSTAR Small Business Restaurant Guide
Illinois Energy Smart