After overcoming years of community opposition, Patriot Acres in Des Plaines has entered its first full year of operations, rapidly expanding its composting facility to recycle organic waste, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local agriculture, and help build a sustainable, job-creating ecosystem in Illinois. Rhiannon O’Berry dives deep into the facility’s history and current operations.

Staffer and assistant editor Cate Bouvet explores the complex impact Trump’s policies have on Evanston’s local climate policies, and how local groups are working to further climate initiatives.

Contributor Meadow Neubauer-Keyes recounts a transformative canoe journey through Northern Michigan that deepened her connection to Indigenous traditions and underscores the urgent need to prioritize Indigenous knowledge in protecting the Great Lakes and combating the climate crisis.

Chicago residents react to President Trump’s lifting of a plastic straw ban in federal buildings. The true impact of plastic straw use and how Chicagoland fights back.

The decision represents a significant shift in U.S. climate policy with profound implications for local communities, the national economy and the global effort to address climate change. 

This week… wildfires rage across Los Angeles, oil and gas corporations continue to amass wealth and native residents of the Wind River Indian Reservation protest against land theft.

Plant Futures may be the newest club on Northwestern’s sustainability scene, but it’s already making big moves. See how founder and president Sam Rappin combines passion with profession to make a difference in the world of plant-based food.

Jade Sasser’s book provides a talking point for the inequalities wrapped up inside climate advocates’ population argument.

Feel your hay fever worsening when you’re on campus? Northwestern’s selective tree-planting practices may be to blame. Find out more about “botanical sexism” and what it means for urban environments.

This week… 31,000 acres of public land returned to the Penobscot Nation in Maine, an inadequate climate financing deal at COP29, and protests across Aotearoa (New Zealand) to protect Indigenous land rights.

Contributor Meadow Neubauer-Keyes recounts a transformative canoe journey through Northern Michigan that deepened her connection to Indigenous traditions and underscores the urgent need to prioritize Indigenous knowledge in protecting the Great Lakes and combating the climate crisis.

Chicago residents react to President Trump’s lifting of a plastic straw ban in federal buildings. The true impact of plastic straw use and how Chicagoland fights back.

Meet three people in diverse environmentally focused careers making a difference in their respective fields.

Plant Futures may be the newest club on Northwestern’s sustainability scene, but it’s already making big moves. See how founder and president Sam Rappin combines passion with profession to make a difference in the world of plant-based food.

Jade Sasser’s book provides a talking point for the inequalities wrapped up inside climate advocates’ population argument.

Feel your hay fever worsening when you’re on campus? Northwestern’s selective tree-planting practices may be to blame. Find out more about “botanical sexism” and what it means for urban environments.

How one Northwestern course offers students a chance to tap trees, collect sap and cook their own maple syrup.

During Earth Week, Northwestern’s environmental student organizations host a bevy of events to promote sustainability and mindfulness on campus. Although students can and do take action to reduce their individual footprints, corporations that drive systemic consumerism are the biggest players in the current climate crisis. By working together, we can confront large companies and bring about real change. 

Editor Nicholas Rose explains the ins and outs of surfing the Lake, whether it comes to location, board or gear.