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From AdlerGreenTeam

A group of concerned employees formed the Adler Green Team in 2005 to reduce the carbon footprint of the museum by promoting environmentally responsible practices.

I wish everybody could have the experience of looking back at the Earth and realizing that it's really no different from a spacecraft. The 5 1/2 billion inhabitants of Earth are all astronauts living on a spaceship that has limited resources. We have to use these resources very wisely if the ship is to keep us alive."

Captain James Lovell

Since the inception of the Green Team...

• Adler has stepped up the use of low odor paints, adhesives and solvents.

• Non toxic cleaning products are now used by our housekeeping staff.

• A renewed emphasis has been placed on recycling paper, glass, aluminum, batteries, light bulbs, electronics and chemicals. Electronic equipment, machinery oils, and construction debris are recycled as follows: electronics are taken apart in Chicago, used cell phones are donated for reuse by charitable organizations, machinery oils are returned to the supplier, and construction debris is sorted into metal, concrete, masonry, landscape material, wood and paper for reuse.

• Galileo’s cafe has been recarpeted using recycled carpet tiles.

• The recycling dumpster now has proper identification in all sides, in english spanish and polish, so passers by are less likely to dump trash on it. Bins are also locked during Bears games to avoid contamination of recyclables.

• Computers and printers have been replaced with energy saving models. Models that previously consumed 200 to 400 watts have been replaced with equipment that now consumes 85 watts.

• Duplex printers have helped reduce the use of paper. See Media:green_tips.pdf 100% recycled content copy paper is now used.

• Switching to compact fluorescent and LED lighting have lowered energy costs.

• Alternative wind energy which replaces fossil fuel power on the national grid is purchased to power our theaters.

• The Infinity Shop has shifted from plastic to paper bags to reduce environmental impact.

• Galileo’s extends an additional 10% discount when you bring your own cup and has begun offering some environmentally friendly service ware.

• 20% of the Adler staff participated in the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation’s 2007 Commuter Challenge, beating both the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum and winning top honors. Staff members bike to work throughout the year, reducing gas consumption and alleviating traffic congestion.

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Green Museums Page

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