Our water is worth more than we think
From Lake Michigan to the Fox River, how we use our water resources—including what we conserve, how much we waste, and what we choose to invest in water quality—is up to all of us. What Our Water's Worth is an ongoing campaign led by the Metropolitan Planning Council and Openlands to raise awareness about the value of water in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana.
Water stories
Chicago produce distributor goes bananas saving water
By Tina Seaman, photos by Emily Cikanek. As Testa Produce, Inc., a family-run, Chicago-based wholesale food distributer, celebrates its centennial, President Peter Testa and company are equally proud of the company’s latest accomplishment: receiving the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Platinum certification for Testa’s new facility built in 2011. Demonstrating an unprecedented level of energy efficiency and water conservation in any green building of its kind, Testa Produce’s facility has also earned distinction as the nation’s first LEED Platinum Refrigerated Food Distribution Facility. To build on Testa’s successful, 100-year track record in the produce business, Peter set out to build… Continue »
The WOWW factor
100 percent Testa's solar hot water tubular system uses the sun's rays to heat 100% of the building's water.
Conservation tip
Harvest your rainwater. By collecting your rainwater, you not only can lessen the strain on your sewer system, but it's also free water to use.
Featured resource
- The Chicago Center for Green Technology can help you learn lots of ways to be greener at home.
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