As environmental protections face growing challenges at the federal level, state and local advocacy has become more important than ever. For the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), that means bringing communities together, meeting directly with lawmakers, and pushing for policies that protect Illinois residents and the environment.

On Monday, 10/26/2026, I interviewed Hannah Flath about IEC’s upcoming Lobby Day, what her vision of environmental advocacy looks like, and more. Hannah Flath, who has been involved with IEC since 20240, is preparing for her sixth year of helping advocates make their voices heard in the Illinois State Capitol. From regulating the growing impact of data centers to protecting the state’s remaining wetlands, IEC works to keep environmental concerns a priority for legislators.

The Young Filmmakers Contest celebration started in September with a screening of the top 10 winning films and will continue with an exclusive virtual screening of all seven Honorable Mention films on Saturday, Oct. 24.  This is a chance to see these stories in their entirety and support these young filmmakers whose films were just a hair’s breadth away from a top prize. Tickets are free, but registration is required to receive the link.

Get Free Tickets Here

Homeowners interested in sustainability often want eco-friendly smart homes, but face a real tension: upgrades can feel like a choice between disruptive green home remodeling and confusing tech that may not deliver on its promises. The most practical path blends energy-efficient home design with smart home technology benefits, so comfort improves while waste drops in the background. Done well, smart features support everyday habits instead of adding more devices to manage. The payoff is a home that runs cleaner and more predictably.

Travel to Earth’s core, listen to an AI bird translator, discover goats preventing forest fires, and more. View all 10 winning short films from the One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, in person at Davis Theater, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago, or online virtually anywhere in the world. Be ready to stretch your imagination and expand your understanding of going green. A special online screening for those in Asia/Pacific will also be available.

Get Tickets Here

OG. Original Gangster. An accolade for the coolest and most “with it” guy or gal on the block. The OG behind the Chicago-based organization “Share Your Soles,” Mona Purdy, was seeking a new headquarters for her expanding non-profit that recycles thousands of hardly-used American sneakers and other shoes discarded for the latest fashion.

The One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest (OEYFC) and the Oak Park Illinois Film Festival (OPILFF) are proud to announce a new partnership dedicated to uplifting and showcasing the next generation of filmmakers.