Our “Green Team” leads the charge. This is our “think tank” made up of staff members from all departments who brainstorm ideas, make plans and encourage their colleagues to think green. We call our efforts “Renew the Blue” because we’re always thinking water around here.   

Recycling is a big deal at Shedd. We recycle paper, glass, aluminum and plastic. But we go a step further. We recycle CDs, batteries, empty ink cartridges, old cell phones and other electronics. Even gym shoes. And old prescription eyeglasses that can be distributed to people in need.

We do other things at Shedd in the name of Planet Earth. For example, look at our food service. We serve organic locally grown produce and sustainable seafood.  And you won’t find plastic plates or utensils in our food court. We use only washable tableware. And no more of those little mustard and catsup packets: All our condiments are served in large dispensers.

We also compost — naturally. Our plant-based food scraps are made into a nutritious, delicious (for plants, anyway) mixture that ends up as organic fertilizer in gardens around Shedd.

Our employees think green outside of Shedd, too. We sponsor beach cleanups and take part in local conservation projects like cutting down invasive bushes and trees, and collecting wildflower seeds. We also participate in Chicago’s Bike to Work Day — and lots of other (green and blue) awareness activities.