Environment Grades
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2007 Grade
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2007 Grade Prediction
for the Future
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2010 Grade |
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B+
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A-
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B
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Chicago continues to show remarkable vision on many environmental issues. As a regional leader in committing to green technologies, Chicago has consistently looked toward both existing and emerging technologies to improve the environmental efficiency of its own operations, setting the example for residents and businesses. The city’s foresight in championing sustainable development has driven the growth of a new local industry. Further encouragement has been gleaned from the Department of Environment’s measures to hold private developers legally liable for improper disposal of hazardous materials in residential communities.
That said, while the elimination of the Blue Bag program ushered in the more popular Blue Cart program, it has not been implemented across the entire city, with some of Chicago’s most blighted neighborhoods still without recycling services. And while many have looked favorably upon Daley’s Chicago Climate Action Plan, funding for such a plan remains a question in many people’s minds. Furthermore, the plan raises cause for concern, as it in no way provides solutions for the very specific health hazards Chicago’s air poses to residents, particularly those living in the communities of Little Village and Pilsen who are at risk for disease or death as a result of the poisonous gases emitted from neighboring coal-powered plants.
Recommendations
- Keep promise to expand curbside recycling to all fifty wards by January 2011.
- Find creative ways to encourage residential developers to incorporate green and sustainable design and technology into their developments.
- Ensure that industries that receive tax breaks for manufacturing near residential neighborhoods also receive assistance to make sure their equipment is state-of-the-art.