Some Key Climate Actions YOU Can Take

Know the impacts for your mode of transporation

Emissions from personal vehicles count for a fifth of all emissions in the Cook County. While battery electric vehicles are a greener option, they will only halve the amount of emissions from personal vehicles.

Learn the routes and lines

There are many walking paths, bike routes, and transit lines you may not know exist. These can be used both to get around the city or out to neighboring communities and knowing how the fare systems work can save you money too.

Use other mobility options when possible

Not all trips require a car to get around, with most being within walking or biking distance. For trips that are longer than that, there may be public transit options, especially along heavily used corridors.

Don't drive with just yourself

More than half of all trips done in a car are just to move a single person. When needing to drive, see if anyone else needs a ride to remove redundant car trips.

Rent a car instead of buying one

The emissions produces when a vehicle is manufactured count towards a tenth to a third of its lifecycle emissions. Instead of buying an extra vehicle for the few times you actually need it, rent one instead.

Informing residents about transportation projects or service changes

There are many proposals and projects that take place both in and around Evanston. We do our best to ensure that residents don't miss out on their opportunity to provide input about them.

Holding the city to its Complete and Green Streets Policy

Evanston's Complete and Green Streets Policy mandates that all new transportation projects meet the needs of micro-mobility and transit users. We hold the city accountable for adhering to this policy.

Contacting local officials about transportation funding

Transit demands have quickly expanded beyond commuter service, and the number of people biking continues to grow exponentially. However, state funding for these modes of transportation has not kept pace, and we are working to address this gap.

Hosting transit and micro-mobilty focused events

We understand that it can be challenging to find a safe bike route or proper transit connections. By hosting events that utilize our transportation network, we aim to teach residents how to make full use of it.

Advising transit agencies on service changes

The three agencies providing transit services to Evanston often either focus on Chicago proper or the entire metro area. We make sure that Evanston receives proper representation and improvements to transit services.

Hard To Recycle Collection Event

Gather your hard to recycle STUFF and bring it on Saturday, June 28 to our first annual Collection Event for Hard-To-Recycle Items co-sponsored by Climate Action Evanston, Rebuilding Exchange, and Reduce WasteChicago. We will be accepting hard-to-recycle plastic and styrofoam packaging, shipping materials, books, bikes and parts, Legos, phone cases, contact lenses and cases, dental products, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, aerosols*, latex paints*, car seats*, highchairs*, strollers*,smoke and CO2 detectors*, small propane and MAPP canisters*, and MORE. (*signifies that a fee will be charged). Note: This event will be intentionally held on the same day as the City drop-off for electronics, paper shredding, and medications at ETHS. Please visit both!

Click Here to RSVP and See List of Accepted Items Click Here to RSVP and See List of Accepted Items

Jun 28

Sat

9:00 am

–

2:00 pm

1245 Hartrey, Evanston — Please Enter from Dempster and Proceed South

You're Needed! Here Are Some Involvement Opportunities

Let people know how you got somewhere

Whether its visiting family and friends or patronizing a business, saying how you got somewhere can get others thinking about mobility options. Most people assume everyone gets to a location by driving but hearing that there are other ways may get them to support it more.

Sign up for our newsletter

Newsletter Sign-Up Sign up for our newsletter

Stay informed by signing up for the Go Evanston newsletter. We will send out updates about city projects and changes to our transit network alongside information about micro-mobility and transit related events.

Contact your ward's councilmember

Find Contact Info Contact your ward's councilmember

If you have issues getting around your area or feel unsafe doing so, letting your city representative know is the first step towards changing it. There are ward meetings regularly held to meet them in person, but they can also be emailed at any time. They will either let you know what they can do or forward your concern to someone who has that jurisdiction.

Take part in transit project discussions

City Projects List Take part in transit project discussions

Multiple public works projects happen every year with a majority of them involving the public right of way. Attending these meeting or writing a response to the proposal can help make sure that the projects account for all modes of transportation

Contact State Officials

Find My Official Contact State Officials

While most major capital projects are federally funded, smaller local projects and transit operations receive a majority of their funding from the state. Write in to your state representative or senator to let them know how transportation funds should be distributed.