Litter Caterpillars

Discover young professional networking events: 8 Chicago picks for connections

I remember it. The stale air. The forced smiles. That lukewarm glass of wine in my hand, a flimsy shield against the awkwardness. You’re supposed to be "networking," but it feels like you're performing a role in a play you never auditioned for. It’s a transaction. A hollow exchange of titles and elevator pitches. I’ve…

January 24, 2026
7 Incredible Charities in Chicago You Can Get Behind in 2026

I'll tell you a story. For years, my apartment was a perfect mirror of my life: cluttered, chaotic, a fortress built of memories I couldn't part with. Every jam jar, every half-eaten bag of almonds, felt like a 500-pound anchor chaining me to the past. It was a physical manifestation of feeling stuck, a mess…

January 23, 2026
Our Top 12 Game-Changing Grants for Gardens in 2026

It started with a single plastic bag. Just one, snagged on a fence. That’s how I got my group, the Litter Caterpillars, going. A few friends and I, armed with trash grabbers, just fed up. We were cleaning our little corner of Chicago. But as we filled more bags than I can count, something shifted.…

January 22, 2026
My Guide to 7 Amazing Chicago Community Gardens & Resources for 2026

I remember standing on a cracked sidewalk, surrounded by the rumble of the ‘L’ and the distant wail of sirens. A freak hailstorm had me huddled under a lonely tree with two strangers, all of us determined to clear trash from a forgotten lot. That awkward, muddy moment unlocked a different Chicago for me—one where…

January 21, 2026
Your Guide to Chicago Hazardous Waste Disposal

Figuring out Chicago hazardous waste disposal is about way more than just making room under the sink. It's about taking care of our neighborhoods, our city. I'm here to turn that dreaded cleaning task into something you can actually feel good about, showing you exactly how to get rid of that stuff safely. You've got…

January 20, 2026
Your 2026 Guide to the Top 12 Recycling Centers Chicago Volunteers Trust

My life felt like a cluttered garage. You know the one. Full of things I couldn't part with. An old bike tire wasn't just rubber; it was that one perfect summer afternoon. Every piece of junk had a story, a weight that pulled me down, even if it was just a few ounces. It’s funny…

January 19, 2026
Solutions for Pollution in the Oceans: Quick Actions for 2026

Have you ever stood on a beach, looked out at the vastness of the water, and felt a pit in your stomach thinking about all the trash out there? I have. It's easy to feel overwhelmed. You might think one person can't possibly make a difference against such a massive problem. I know that feeling…

January 18, 2026
How to Reduce Plastic pollution: Your First Brave Step

I’m going to tell you a secret: you can absolutely make a dent in plastic pollution. I know, I know. It feels like this giant, overwhelming global crisis. But forget that for a second. It all starts when you decide to take direct, local action—even if it’s just picking up a single, lonely piece of…

January 17, 2026
Environmental Stewardship Programs: How to Transform Your Community Today

You might think environmental stewardship programs are just about picking up trash. But you’d be missing the best part. They’re really about personal transformation and community building. I’m telling you, these programs take the simple act of caring for your neighborhood and turn it into a journey. It’s a journey that can change your whole…

January 16, 2026
What Is Environmental Stewardship: A Practical Guide to Caring for Our Planet

Let me tell you what environmental stewardship really is. It’s about taking care of this place we all call home. It’s a simple, yet wildly powerful idea: you and I have a personal responsibility to look after our natural world. We do this through smart, sustainable choices, ensuring this planet stays healthy and vibrant for…

January 15, 2026