There’s a very cool article about WPA posters at ReadyMade. You can even download and print them out for your very own. My favorite:
You know what… pop this guy in a frame and you got a great looking yet affordable last-minute gift for a friend or colleague who has all the Go Bucks he or she can use…
Unlike a lot of people, I really dig airports and airplanes. Along with the herds of people to watch at the airport and the excitement of careening through the air in a metal tube on a scientific principle I never really understood, I really enjoy window shopping the SkyMall. SkyMall is the catalog in the little seat pocket that sells adult-sized footie pajamas, dangerous collector swords, and every almost-useful iPod accessory you could sort-of want. Oh, if I were a rich man…
Aaany way, in these times, our loved ones will surely appreciate gifts that will make their lives greener and easier rather than more wasteful and ridiculous. In my opinion, there is no greener or more useful gift than an I-GO membership – parents, coworkers, friends, siblings, cousins, etc. – anyone in Chicago who needs to get from one place to the other can do so more cheaply and easily if they don’t have to worry about gas, parking, or insurance.
Just get them some GO Bucks, which can be used for an existing membership, or if your people are already savvy, the bucks can be used for driving credits.
Also remember that suggesting GO Bucks to Grandma is a good way to head off a puffy-painted sweatshirt before it goes in the mail…
No doubt Obama will do more to advance a sustainable/green agenda than the current administration has- but just how “green” will the next administration be? Carol Browner is said to be Obama’s top choice for “Climate Czar”- dealing with environmental, energy and climate related matters. She previously served as Administrator of the EPA during the Clinton Administration. Check out these short clips to get an idea of where she’s coming from…
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY3OkWNbels&hl=en&fs=1]
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Ooey-gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce and a nice crispy crust. Sounds pretty good, right? But what does it have to do with I-GO and car sharing? Well, if you are an I-GO member, you can get 15% off your next order at APART Pizza Company–one of the best thin crust joints in the city. Just remember to show them your I-GO card. But don’t take my word, check out these reviews on Yelp and Time Out.
APART has two convenient locations: 2205 W. Montrose and 5624 N. Broadway.
And by the way, you’re welcome.
An electric car charging station was unveiled today in Tel Aviv – the system will be expanded and tested in Israel before coming to other countries like Denmark and Australia. Think these guys will come to Chicago any time soon?
Are you suffering from grinchitis? Are you hating December, with its wetness, coldness, manufactured nostalgia and hyperconsumerism?
Maybe you need to grab a friend or two, hop in your I-GO car, and head to Ben’s Tree Farm in Harvard, Illinois for some corny old-time fun. You can take a horse-drawn carriage ride to pick out an organically-grown Christmas tree that is fun to decorate and will make your apartment smell better. While you wait for Ben’s staff to bail your selection for free, you can hang out in the Warming Barn and enjoy free hot cho.
A road trip out to the country to escape the ads and icy sidewalks for a while and do some old-school holiday stuff might help bring you out of a Winter Funk – just be sure to drive safely.
Trees start at $19.95 and are totally Green as well as green – Ben’s has some tips for keeping it nice. The farm is open Weekends from 9 am-4:30pm, and Thursdays & Fridays from 11:00am-4:30pm until Sunday, December 21st. Here are some directions.
Will Barack Obama’s childhood island state become the first in the nation to fully support a transition to electric vehicles? The President-Elect has made it clear he plans to make sustainability and green-collar jobs top priorities during his administration. Now, Hawaii is attempting to lead the country in adopting use of all-electric vehicles. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the greed and lack of vision we’ve been witnessing on Capitol Hill as the Big Three automakers beg for a bail-out.
This past Tuesday, Hawaii announced plans to become the first state in the U.S. to create a statewide electric recharging network for electric cars. The Hawaiian state government has joined forces with Better Place, an ambitious start-up that I posted about earlier this year, in an effort to make all-electric vehicles a reality by building car charging and battery swapping stations around the islands and purchasing renewable energy from Hawaiian Electric Co., the state’s largest utility.
They plan to have the recharging stations up and running by 2011, and to have built 50,000 to 100,000 charging spots across the state by early 2012. Shai Agassi, Better Place’s founder and CEO, claims the electric cars will cost the same as gas powered cars — at first. However, over time, electric cars will be less expensive to make because they use far less parts than cars with internal combustion engines.
In late November, San Francisco and the surrounding Bay Area cities also announced plans to join forces with Better Place to create an electric recharging network by 2012. However, Better Place chose Hawaii as the first statewide rollout for several reasons: the size of the state, the contained environment and consistent climate the island offers, and the abundance of renewable energy resources, such as wind, solar, geothermal and wave power.
Here are two short clips: one of Agassi and Hawaiian Governor Linda Lingle driving one of the Better Place electric vehicles (hopefully, we’ll be seeing more of these cars in the near future), and one of Agassi answering a reporter’s questions about Better Place’s agenda for the Bay Area.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH-FyvwsrEg&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGD9aRC4Y5M&hl=en&fs=1]
Can’t get a ticket to Obama’s Inauguration? Who cares!
I-GO has a ticket for you that’s even hotter–our holiday party! I-GO members and their friends are invited to join us December 9 for some tasty chow, delectable libations and even sweet raffle prizes. Don’t miss our new I-GO Green Mojito and other eco-friendly cocktails courtesy of VeeV!
Here’s the 411:
When: Tuesday, December 9, 2008, 5:30pm-8:00pm
Where: I-GO Car Sharing, 2125 W. North Ave
RSVP by Friday, December 7 at holidayparty@igocars.org or 773-269-4018 and include your name, email, I-Go member ID and how many guests are attending.
CTA Travel Routes:
Red Line to North & Clybourn stop and transfer to #72 North Avenue bus to Hoyne. Blue Line to Damen stop and walk west on North Ave 1 1/2 blocks. Take the #56 Milwaukee bus or the #50 Damen bus to North Avenue and walk west on North Avenue 1 1/2 blocks.
It’s the first big snow of the year, and as I hear Chicago school closings listed, I am again bummed as heck that I won’t ever experience the joy of a snow day. Heart pumping as the list is read, the ecstasy as your school is called, the video games and PJs all day while you skip your homework again…
But now we grown ups have to soldier on in this weather, getting wet and cold waiting for the El, scrubbing salt stains from our shoes, wiping out on the ice, and also braving dangerous roads. For folks not used to driving in this mess, be sure to follow some of these important tips as you do your grown-up business in your favorite I-Go car:
More tips on Winter driving are at weather.com. Stay warm and safe.
(Image from WBBM CBS 2 Chicago)
In my family, our annual tradition on the Friday after Thanksgiving is to 1) eat leftovers and 2) make our Christmas wish lists. With the economy in the tanker, this holiday my list is not only pared down, but it only include things I actually need. Like an I-GO gift certificate for more I-GO Car Sharing driving credits. What could be better (for me) and easier (for my family) than that? My family can just click here, and their shopping for me is done. It’s not only a great gift to get, but it’s also a great one to give, so add it to your shopping list today!
Procrastinating cooks throughout the city might want to know where to go for last minute turkeys and fixings for the holiday. I checked it out – here are Thanksgiving Day hours for Chicago grocery stores:
I pretty much looked at websites and talked to some store managers, so double-checking is advised.
As always, I-GO cars are available throughout the day all over Chicago for lugging around turkeys and cranberries and sweet potatoes (or going out to the suburbs to eat your mom’s or grandma’s…). I’m gonna jump in one to go get my own sweet potatoes for some Thanksgiving hashbrowns:
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Merry Turkey Day everyone.
(photo from Google’s sweet LIFE photo archive)
Dudes. Been thinking about how environmental stuff is really mainstream these days. There are as many “green” products and services out there as there are “lite,” “premium,” and “improved.” This is great on some level, but I wonder how much making all the crap we buy and things we do slightly less awful for the planet does for the larger cause. Wouldn’t consuming less crap be much better?
For example, sharing cars (with I-GO, obvs) to get your people and groceries around seems to make a lot more sense than schlepping around town in a Cadillac Escalade Hybrid. What do you think? Are there some “green” things you’ve come across that don’t make much sense?
(Image from Earthfirst)
When the cold weather hits, there’s nothing better than a plate of warm, spicy Mexican goodness–like tamales or queso fundido. That’s why I recommend you take an I-GO car to Humboldt Park’s Maiz Anojitos Y Bebidas. Not only can you warm your belly, but you can save cash too. Here’s how: Maiz is an I-GO Chi-Town Reward partner, which means that if you show them your I-GO card, you can get 15% off your entire bill. In these economic times, that’s muy caliente!
I just found this list of Top 10 Ecolodges and Green Hotels at the website Independent Traveler. Back In The Day, an “ecolodge” would sound like some sort of hippie hostel in a log cabin where you sing songs about how great dirt is. Not now – check out Proximity Hotel in Greensboro, North Carolina:
Much of the hot water for the hotel and its restaurant is heated by 4,000 square feet of solar panels on the roof, and water-saving fixtures are used throughout the guestrooms and other facilities. Bikes are available for guests to ride on a nearby five-mile greenway.Guestrooms may be green but they’re also luxurious, featuring 32-inch flat-panel TV’s, original artwork, complimentary Wi-Fi, large windows that allow plenty of natural light, and many other amenities.
No communing with your inner dirt diety there. Have you ever been to one of these eco-green-all-natural hotels or lodges? What was it like?
The front page of today’s Chicago Tribune featured an article on the CTA’s quest to combine their transit cards with riders’ credit cards. The CTA wants to offer riders the option to use their credit or debit cards on buses and trains in the near future; they plan to start soliciting bids from the major credit card companies in early 2009. According to CTA President Ron Huberman, they “believe this is where the market is heading, and we don’t want to be chasing it. We want to be leading it.”
What wasn’t mentioned in today’s article was the fact that I-GO is a part of these changes going on at the CTA. As we’ve previously mentioned, the CTA and I-GO will begin offering one card for both your CTA and I-GO use. This pilot program is set to roll out in late December. If you’re interested in being contacted when the program starts, click here to provide us with your contact info.
There’s a rally/press conference this Sunday in support for The Illinois Clean Cars Act (HB3424), which would make Illinois the first Midwest state to adopt California vehicle emission standards for cars and light trucks. This from the Environmental Law and Policy Center:
- Passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks will be required to emit significantly reduced levels of volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxides, and other air pollutants including several carcinogenic air toxics
- Reduce global warming pollution from new cars by an average of 22% by 2012 and by average of 30 % by 2020 and slash air toxics by 13%-21% and reduce critical air pollutants by 5%-16% by 2030
- Apply to vehicles for the 2011 model-year and after
- The Secretary of State can prohibit the transfer of a new vehicle or vehicle engines if found to not be compliant with the vehicle emission standard
Sounds good to me – I-GO members won’t have to change any of their habits, except get used to breathing cleaner air.
The event is downtown at Federal Plaza at Dearborn and Adams this Sunday November 16 from 2-3pm. If you have any questions, email cleancarsillinois@gmail.com.
In a new report unveiled by the Center for Neighborhood Technology, transportation leaders across the country are calling for an immediate and robust investment in public transit, high-speed and intercity rail, neighborhoods that are less car-dependent, more walkable and more affordable, and restoring the thousands of roads and bridges in failing condition across the United States. Funding these important projects has the potential to create millions of good, green jobs nationally, save Americans thousands of dollars per year, and reduce America’s dependence on oil once and for all.
What do you think the new Obama Administration should do to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.
We all know life isn’t easy, but there’s an organization out there that’s working to change that. On November 13, more than 40,000 people in 175 cities in 41 countries will celebrate World Usability Day, dedicated to making the products and services in our lives easier to access and use, not to mention environmentally friendly.
This year, World Usability Day is all about transportation. And at an event in Chicago, I-GO’s very own CEO, Sharon Feigon, will be a featured speaker along with folks from the CTA and the Illinois Institute of Design.
Join the fun and register here. Of course it’s easy and also FREE. But register soon because space is limited.
Some big news, apparently – America picked a new president, a rather popular guy from Chicago, in fact. There was some party or something in over in Grant Park.
Kidding aside, among the many bits of historic and exciting news that came out of our TVs and computers last night was that first time voters were a huge factor in the outcome, especially the young and elderly.
A few of these folks from the South Side got to the polls in I-GO cars.
I-GO partnered with Rock The Vote and K.L.E.O. Community Center to help people vote and threw a “Party at the Polls” featuring performances by Robert Jones, The Youth for Christ, and the insanely talented Jessie White Tumblers, who would make terrific ninjas if anyone is hiring:
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These guys rocked the vote – how did you?
I-GO members who’ve reserved cars near Grant Park may want to take note of the following, which we pulled off a press release issued by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office:
“The following are some of the parking restrictions, street closures and event guidelines that will be in place starting as early as Monday, November 3rd.
PARKING BANS:
Parking bans will be in effect from Lake Michigan to the Kennedy/Dan Ryan Expressway, as well as the Chicago River to the north to 22nd Street to the south Tuesday, November 4th after the PM rush hour.
Residents are advised to pay special attention to posted signs.
STREET CLOSURES:
On Saturday, November 1, 2008, Balbo Drive will be closed between Columbus Street and Lake Shore Drive.
After the November 3rd AM rush hour, Columbus Drive will be closed between Congress Parkway and Roosevelt Street.
After the PM rush hour, the closure will extend as far north as Randolph.
Please note that residents may see additional rolling closures throughout the Central Business District from Tuesday afternoon thru Wednesday morning.
(Rolling closures are intermittent and temporary street closures used for motorcades as they travel on city streets. They are enacted for security purposes only.”
Bloggists in Chicago and beyond show love to I-Go, and we love them right back.
Here’s what they’re saying:
Do you have a blog? Sweet. Leave a link so we can check it out.
Looking for some frightening fun this Halloween? Use I-GO Car Sharing to hit the super-scary, suburban haunted houses. With names like Dragon’s Dome, Scream Scene and Nightmares: Basement of the Dead, your dreams may be haunted long after the 31st.
Dragon’s Dome. Deep in the heart of the dark woods, aka Frankfort is an abandoned castle creeping with dragons and other fierce beasts.
Scream Scene. Wind your way through a maze of creepy rooms, featuring crazed butchers, chainsaw maniacs and harrowing monsters. Who knew Skokie could be so scary?
Nightmares: Basement of the Dead. Ghouls and zombies haunt the deep tunnels that run under Aurora. So intense, you have to be 13 or older to visit.
For more haunted fun in the area, check out Haunted House Chicago.
Chicago Tribune reporter (and I-GO member! sweet!) Michael Hawthorne waxes poetic in the Oct. 27 paper on the virtues and growing pains of car sharing in a metro area (Hawthorne’s a resident of Oak Park, where I-GO’s suburban coverage extends, in addition to Evanston). It’s an excellent barometer of where I-GO stands in the public eye at present, and we’re pleased to report that, all said, Hawthorne’s column amounts to an advocacy piece. The Trib’s even posted a online reader poll to discern who among their general readership has used car sharing and who hasn’t. As of noon on Monday, the response was about split among approximately 800 respondents. We’ll consider that a resounding vote of confidence in the value and future of car sharing.
Far-Flung Fun will be an occasional series of posts here on Motormouth that will shed some light on fun stuff in some of the less glitzy corners of our city you can enjoy with I-Go. Impress your friends or dates with food, drinks, and entertainment you can’t find in Lakeview or River North.
Today, we give you three reasons to point your I-Go car to Bridgeport:
Co-Prosperity Sphere – 3219 South Morgan
The center of old-time, blue collar, Machine Chicago doesn’t seem like a likely place for an “Experimental Cultural Center,” but here it is. The Co-Prosperity Sphere showcases artists, musicians, and performers in a 5,000 square foot gallery. In November, the space will feature INFOPORN, an exhibition of graphs, charts, and maps, presenting a “visual explosion of points and paths.”
Ed’s Pot Sticker House – 3139 South Halsted
One of the best, most authentic Chinese food in Chicago isn’t in Chinatown or on Argyle, it’s on South Halsted in Bridgeport – just follow the old-timey chasing lights outside Ed’s Potsticker House. Ed’s famous soup dumplings and cigar-shaped pot stickers are delicious treats that you won’t find at your local the take-out place and are a fun and inexpensive alternative to burgers or pasta.
Schaller’s Pump – 3714 South Halsted
Celebrate a Sox win, plot political power plays, and experience Chicago history at the oldest bar in the city. If you like old man bars, you need to experience the ultimate. Plus, like everything else in Bridgeport, a beer is a lot cheaper At Schaller’s Pump than in Wrigleyville.
If you’re a walker like me, Chicago is like another city while driving – one way streets, exits, construction… how’s anyone get anywhere with a car?
Yahoo Maps can help – it now has a feature that will send directions to your phone – just put in your digits and Yahoo will send the map and directions directly to your phone so you can get where you’re going with less wrong turns and missed exits.
Chicago isn’t the only city with a non-profit car sharing program. Cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Toronto and Vancouver (to name a few) have them too. And with your I-GO membership, you have access to them all. Call I-GO at 773-278-4446 a week prior to your trip and we’ll coordinate the details with our car sharing partners and get you driving.
To promote this feature of your I-GO membership, we are bringing you a series of travel guides to help you plan your trips to these fun and exciting cities. First up, Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Guide: PhillyCarShare
What to do: While there are can’t miss historic sites right in downtown Philly (like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall), use PhillyCarShare and head out to beautiful Bucks County. Drive scenic River Road along the Delaware River, tour eight wineries, explore historic towns and museums and check out 11 covered bridges. Antique shops, specialty boutiques, art galleries and open-air markets offer a variety of shopping opportunities.
Where to Stay: Check out Penn’s View Hotel located in the heart of Old Philadelphia, the birthplace of America. There are PhillyCarShare locations located within blocks of the hotel.
Where to Eat: It’s not Chicago deep-dish, but Osteria’s wood burning oven pizza was rated the city’s best. Unpretentious, lively and fun, Osteria is a Philly favorite serving up great Italian food.
Kids get pretty bored in the car, especially kids who aren’t used to staying put in the back seat for two or three Cosby Shows (the time increment used in the car when I was a wee one). When kids get bored, they get ornery – best to keep them occupied before mom or dad Needs To Stop This Car.
Travelhacker has posted 27 Free Games to Keep Your Kids Entertained on a Road Trip, which is a great place to start – from the classics I Spy and Slug Bug, to more outside-the-box ideas like that second grade favorite, the paper fortune teller.
These games result in a lot less tears and screams than my favorite car game as a child, Not Touching You Can’t Get Mad.
I-GO Membership Drive
Tues., Oct. 28, 5-7pm
6301 N. Sheridan Rd.
Hello, Edgewater! We recently added a new car at 6301 N. Sheridan Rd. (vehicle I.D. #4404), and I-GO staff will be there to answer all your questions about our service and to sign you up! Come for the membership sign-up discount (just $25 – a savings of $50 off the standard rate!), stay for the wine and cheese. Get a friend or family member to join, and we’ll give you $20 worth of driving credits!
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=6301+N.+Sheridan+Rd+chicago+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=27.919765,56.601563&ie=UTF8&ll=42.006639,-87.651329&spn=0.006379,0.013819&z=14&g=6301+N.+Sheridan+Rd+chicago+IL&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJru21Ne2trqFTO3vEKH1_pl6vgQrQ&w=425&h=350]
This week we relocated 2 I-GO vehicles.
Car #4511 (Blue Toyota Prius)
Old Location: 2136 W Damen Ave
New Location: 2154 W Wabansia
Car #4500 (Silver Honda Civic)
Old Location: 1953-55 W Leland
New Location: 3200 N Lake Shore Dr.
The Illinois Clean Cars Act is an important piece of legislation that will soon be voted on in Springfield. The act would require new cars sold in Illinois to have higher fuel efficiency standards, thus improving air quality and public health, while also reducing global warming pollution. This is Illinois’ opportunity to lead the Midwest in adopting standards that will require auto manufacturers to build cleaner cars. How will this benefit Illinois residents? Check out this interview with Joe Shacter, senior policy advocate at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQOV6tHU8Lc&hl=en&fs=1]
To learn more about or take action on this bill, visit the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s website.
This morning, I stumbled upon an article on going car free- with the help of car sharing!
Does Anyone Want My Lexus? IGO Car Sharing!
“Car payments, leases, insurance, gas, parking, washes, maintenance, I-Pass… it all adds up. Before you know it, you are in over your head. When I look at all the extras in owning our car, I always come back to the basic philosophy our family recently adopted. We want less.”
Part of I-GO’s mission is to get cars off the street and reduce urban congestion. But if you made it out to the 31st annual Chicago Marathon this past Sunday, you might have caught a glimpse of I-GO’s very own Sheena McNeal taking that ideal one step further. Or, rather, thousands of steps further. People power is about as low-emission as it gets.
Sheena has been our Outreach Coordinator for the past two years. This was her first marathon; although, judging from the glow on her face afterward, it won’t be her last. Congratulations to Sheena and all the other runners who participated and epitomize the most environmentally friendly mode of transportation of all.
I-GO Car Sharing and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) announced today the launch of a joint smart card program that will allow individuals to use one card for both riding the CTA and accessing I-GO vehicles. There are currently 10 CTA locations with I-GO vehicles and plans to add 8 more. I-GO has 200 cars in 32 Chicago neighborhoods. The combined smart card program is expected to launch by the end of the year.
With the economy looking weaker each day, I thought now would be a good time to remind I-GO members of our Chi-Town Rewards program.
Our Chi-Town Rewards program offers I-GO members a chance to save some dough at local businesses around the Chicago area.
Division Optical
1756 W Division
www.dvoptical.com
OFFER: 10% off purchase of $200 or more
Prospect Equities, Inc.
1920 N Lincoln Ave
www.ChicagosHomeSellers.com
OFFER: 25% off
845 N Michigan Ave
3343 N Broadway Ave
www.skinstinct.com
OFFER: 10% off
Knowledge Empowerment
1555 Sherman Ave, Evanston
www.knowledge-empowerment.net
OFFER: Complimentary proofreading & content editing
of 1 piece of text up to 10 double-spaced pages
An article in today’s Chicago Sun-Times highlights the green strides being made at Chicago’s tallest building, the Sears Tower. The Sears Tower now has an I-GO Car Sharing vehicle (a Honda Civic hybrid) in its garage, available for both tenants and businesses. Additionally, they’ve also made three “courtesy bikes” available to tenants through an online reservation system, and quadrupled their indoor bike storage program—although, admittedly, that only brings the indoor storage count up to 49 bikes, a rather small allocation considering the building’s tenant population. Tom Dempsey, Sears Tower vice president and general manager, says they plan to add more courtesy bikes, along with bike locks and helmets.
Check out this Canadian news report on car sharing in Canada. Car sharing is booming in Canada, just as it is in the U.S. and the rest of the world. In fact, the city of Tel Aviv also recently jumped on board with the car sharing concept.
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I-GO is already partners with 2 car sharing organizations in Canada- AutoShare, in Toronto and Co-operative Auto, in Vancouver. This means that as an I-GO Car Sharing member, you can also drive AutoShare and Co-operative Auto’s cars when you’re in their respective cities- cool, huh?
This morning I stumbled upon an interesting, detailed article on Bicing- the thriving bike sharing program in Barcelona. Earlier this month, I talked about the accretion of bike sharing across the globe. The more I learn about these successful bike sharing programs, the more I want this in Chicago! I mean, Mayor Daley did pledge to transform Chicago into the greenest city in the U.S…. What do you think? Would you utilize a bike sharing system if it came to Chicago?
I’m happy to inform you that we have added 3 new I-GO spaces over the past few weeks.
1250 W Van Buren (Car #4540: Silver Prius)
1501 Maple, Evanson (Car #4441: Orange Element)
6301 N Sheridan (Car #4404: Blue Prius)
The Mystik Krewe of LaffI posted earlier this week about The Center for Neighborhood Technology’s 30th anniversary party and now I have pictures as well! Check out the photo album of the night’s festivities here.
This past weekend I finally got around to reading an article in WIRED’s September issue that a colleague had recommended. It was weighty subject matter for a Sunday, but I’m glad I did. The piece, headlined “Driven”, outlines visionary entrepreneur Shai Agassi’s audacious agenda to put electric cars on the road. It lays out a bold, yet totally believable, plan to transform personal transportation and help achieve global energy independence in our lifetime.
Agassi, a prominent Israeli-born software programmer who switched gears a few years ago to devote his energy toward solving the transportation emissions problem, is turning complex theory into exciting and optimistic reality. Agassi’s environmental engine was sparked in 2005 at a Young Global Leaders conference in Switzerland. Just three years later, he’s already got a country, millions of venture-capital dollars, and automakers on his assembly line.
Early on, the electric car became the focal point of Agassi’s plan. While the idea of electric vehicles is far from new, “Agassi reimagined the entire automotive ecosystem by proposing a new concept he called the Electric Recharge Grid Operator,” writes reporter Daniel Roth. “It was an unorthodox mashup of the automotive and mobile phone industries. Instead of gas stations on every corner, the ERGO would blanket a country with a network of ‘smart’ charge spots. Drivers could plug in anywhere, anytime, and would subscribe to a specific plan—unlimited miles, a maximum number of miles each month, or pay as you go—all for less than the equivalent cost for gas. They’d buy their car from the operator, who would offer steep discounts, perhaps even give the cars away. The profit would come from selling electricity”.
In May 2007, Agassi launched Project Better Place, the world’s first global electric-car grid operation. Since then, Agassi has been spreading his vision of Better Place on an international scale. In January 2008, Israel became the first nation in the world to declare a plan for oil independence by 2020. Partnering with Better Place and Renault-Nissan, Israel has committed to widespread deployment of an electric recharge grid to power electric vehicles by 2011. The renewable energy needed for such an operation will be supplied through Israel’s growing solar power sector.
Denmark also jumped on board, in March 2008, when DONG (Danish Oil & Natural Gas) energy company partnered with Better Place and Renault-Nissan to power electric vehicles with energy generated from wind turbines. Renault-Nissan is already developing the first line of battery-powered electric cars for Better Place.
Through Better Place, Agassi is ushering in a new chapter in sustainable, personal transportation. Better place your bets now.
Check out this picture Craig, our brand-spanking new Communications & Marketing Coordinator, took this past Tuesday just down the road from the I-GO offices. The big, RedBall has been making appearances all over Chicago this past month and has 4 more stops to make- so if you haven’t seen it yet, you still have a chance to check it out.
RedBall Project: Chicago Schedule
1 Millennium Park
3 Spertus Institute
5 Wishbone on Washington
6 Field Museum
7 Grant Park Underpass
10 Wacker & Wabash
12 LaSalle Bridge
13 Damen & North Ave
14 Chess Pavilion
17 Union Station & Jackson
19 Hyde Park Art Center
20 IIT Campus Center
23 19 S. LaSalle
24 Federal Plaza
25 Cultural Center
The Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT)—the larger non-profit org that first conceived and rolled out I-GO Car Sharing in 2002—celebrated its 30th anniversary in style last night at Chicago’s Garfield Park Conservatory. The evening featured a lineup of eco-conscious speakers, including Sadhu Johnston- Chicago’s resident green guru, as well as a festive soundtrack furnished by the post-bop Patrick Mulcahy jazz quartet and a New Orleans-style Mardi Gras marching band.
The verdant landmark venue, designed in 1908 by legendary landscape architect Jens Jensen, is celebrating its own significant birthday this year—100 years of cultivating plants, folks—so the setting couldn’t have been more apropos. Garfield was green long before green was cool.
CNT is a creative think-and-do tank that focuses on issues related to climate change, energy, natural resources, and transportation and community development. Founded in 1978, it has been a leader in promoting more livable and sustainable urban communities, both in Chicago and around the country. I-GO is proud to be affiliated with CNT, and we wish them many more decades of successful innovation.
I-GO had the honor of appearing at the University of Illinois’ Sustainability Roadshow this past weekend. The Sustainability Roadshow is made up of a group of environmental activists and educators who are traveling around the U.S. highlighting issues related to sustainability, with an emphasis on going local and renewable. I-GO participated in the event, along with other Chicago-based green businesses; there were booths on green education, sustainable clothing, toxic-free cleaning products, natural health and environmental activism.
The event had an interactive and informal feel to it, with live music and games. According to Zach Carson, co-founder of the event, they wanted to “bring in the circus vibe, the music. It’s education and entertainment”. Click here to check out a recent article on the roadshow from the the Chicago Flame, UIC’s school newspaper. Next up, the Sustainability Roadshow travels to Knoxville, New Orleans and Austin, TX.
The weekend is once again upon us and I-GO is gearing up for a busy weekend around Chicago. If you swing by any of the events below, make sure to stop by our booth and say “hello”!
Edgewater GRalley Festival
September 13; 12-6pm
Corner of Glenwood & Granville
Event will feature 18 bands and a Battle of BBQs staffed by Chicago’s top culinary schools and restaurants competing in dueling pig roasts. Ecoscene, one of my favorite online eco sites, will also be there handing out organic lollipops and educating people about their great new website and newsletter.
Q101 Block Party
September 13-14; noon-6pm
3320 N Campbell
Come by the I-GO booth at Q101’s annual block party for $50 off the cost of membership and to pick up a copy of the second annual Audio Emissions cd.
DePaul University Involvement Fair
September 14; 1-5pm
2250 N Sheffield
Interested in learning more about I-GO Car Sharing? Ready to join I-GO? Visit us at DePaul University’s involvement fair to join I-GO for only $25!
Hope to see you around town this weekend!
The orange Honda Element that used to be located in the 1800 Maple Ave Garage in Evanston has been moved to 1501 Maple Ave (see below).
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1501+Maple+Ave,+Evanston+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=55.059959,113.203125&ie=UTF8&ll=42.054901,-87.680855&spn=0.006374,0.013819&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJquJQxPA3zaVPTSSC3N9-mDyveHcA&w=425&h=350]
As I-GO members, you’re already familiar with the idea of car sharing. But what about bike sharing? Bike sharing is rapidly spreading in major cities and is also a concept that I-GO has been considering.
Barcelona, Paris, Stockholm, Vienna and Washington DC are the cities currently leading the pack in bike sharing. Paris has the largest bike sharing program of them all, with more than 20,000 bikes in service. Washington DC has the smallest operation, kicking off just last month with 10 stations and 120 bikes. An annual subscription to the SmartBike DC program costs only $40 and this fee includes rental of the bike; as long as the bike is returned within 24 hours of the start of the rental, there are no additional charges for use of the bikes.
Would you utilize a bike sharing service if it was offered in Chicago? Share your thoughts!
Hank Sartin, from Time Out Chicago, recently blogged about being an I-GO Car Sharing member. Not only did he give some props to I-GO, but he also pointed out something I myself have noticed before- the correlation between I-GO members and NPR.
When first hopping into your reserved I-GO vehicle, you usually adjust the mirrors and seat, buckle up and obtain a glimpse into the personality of the previous member as the radio turns on to the station (and volume level) it was last left at. And I’ve got to admit, more than often when I turn that key in the ignition, the radio is on NPR. However cliche this may be, I can’t say it’s a bad thing. Has anyone else noticed this or are we the only ones? Click here to check out Sartin’s TOC blog post.
Many of our cars are MP3 ready. All you need to bring is your I-Pod or MP3 Player AND an Auxiliary Cord. To find cars that are MP3 compatible, under “Amenities,” check “A.U.X. Input.” While I-GO does not provide the MP3 player or the required Auxiliary Cord, we do bring you the cars that will keep you rockin’.
Can you believe Labor Day weekend is already upon us? While I’m sad to see summer start to fade, we’ve got a bunch of great events going on in Chicago this September that I-GO is going to be a part of. So come on by and join us or- better yet- lend a hand and be an I-GO volunteer at one of the events and earn free driving credits! If you’re interested in volunteering, please email Sheena, our Outreach Coordinator, at sheena@igocars.org
SEPTEMBER EVENTS
Whole Foods Market Eco-Fair
September 6; 1-4pm
1111 Chicago Ave, Evanston, IL
Join I-GO along with other sustainable organizations like Greener Cleaners, Twist Sponges and more to show Chicago how to green up!
Magellan Rewards “At Your Service” Festival
September 6; 11am-2pm
The Park at Lakeshore East
Magellan Development will showcase partner organizations
Boulevard Lakefront Tour
September 7; 1am-5pm
59th & Woodlawn
Choose from 15, 35, or 62 mile routes through the City’s parks, boulevards and neighborhoods. After the ride, cool down with live entertainment and a picnic lunch by Goose Island- with Goose Island beer and soda as well!
Sustainable Living Roadshow
September 12; 10am-6pm
UIC Campus
I-GO fits right in this eco-carnival, with experimental learning villages, workshops, speakers and entertainment
Edgewater GRalley Festival
September 13; 12-6pm
Corner of Glenwood & Granville
Event will feature 18 bands and a Battle of BBQs staffed by Chicago’s top culinary schools and restaurants competing in dueling pig roasts
Q101 Block Party
September 13-14; noon-6pm
3320 N Campbell
Lots and lots of bands!
DePaul University Involvement Fair
September 14; 1-5pm
2250 N Sheffield
University of Chicago Graduate School of Business Fair
September 15; 4:30-6pm
5807 S Woodlawn
Estrojam
September 23-27
I-GO Car Sharing is co-sponsoring Estrojam this year! Events will be held all over the city and proceeds will help fight human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assult
The car rental giant Hertz has just announced that they will be entering the car sharing market later this year. Rich Broome, Senior Vice President for Corporate Affairs and Communications, didn’t reveal many details but did confirm that Hertz would start the program in only a handful of major U.S. cities (I’m assuming that includes Chicago). U-Haul and Enterprise have also been testing out the hourly car rental market. Only time will tell if these car rental giants will become true competitors with the various independent car sharing organizations within the U.S
Car sharing continues to spread through the country and is about to take hold in Vermont. CarShare Vermont recently launched their new website and will begin operations this September.
Similar to I-GO Car Sharing, CarShare Vermont will be a locally-run, non-for-profit car sharing organization (CSO). They plan to launch next month with 6 Burlington pod locations (see below map).
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=111933241009612582250.0004533eb00068e5f2689&ll=44.4759,-73.21323&spn=0.021435,0.036478&output=embed&s=AARTsJrKRgvugQa09yY2D9SSNr8EAB2Q_g&w=425&h=350]
Zipcar is raising prices across the country- Chicago included! I’ve been working at I-GO since last September, in that time I’ve realized that there are a fair number of I-GO members who are also Zipcar members. So anybody with such dual membership will want to check out the Zipcar price increases.
The CTA Tattler recently reported on the growing partnership between I-GO Car Sharing and the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA). Recently, I also wrote a Motormouth post on the future of I-GO’s partnership with the CTA. Click here to check out the CTA Tattler posting.
We’ve got some brand new cars in old locations. We’ve recently replaced 3 I-GO cars with newer cars; the locations with brand new cars are as follows:
-Car #4423 at 540 W Madison now has a new 2008 Honda Civic
-Car #4436 at 4753 N Broadway now has a new 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid
-Car #4454 at 5020 S Lake Shore Dr now was a new 2008 Honda Civic
Happy Driving!
Join I-GO Car Sharing at the Lincoln Square Garden Walk this Saturday, August 2nd. I-GO will be participating in the Green Fair portion of the walk, which will be held at Giddings Plaza on Lincoln Ave. The Green Fair includes info on composting, recycling, natural gardening treatments, tree health, neighborhood space, green building materials and environmentally-oriented organizations. In cooperation with the Lincoln Square Chamber of Commerce and Alderman Schulter, the Green Fair helps to highlight all the city is doing to beautify and protect the environment. I-GO will be at the event from 10 am to 5:30 pm Saturday, August 2nd.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?q=Giddings+Plaza+,+chicago&ie=UTF8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ll=41.975891,-87.768145&spn=0.025333,0.055275&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJqgvL1mUsSmTFSCJ1hCtUlrEMBlmw&w=425&h=350]
Greenwerks- Chicago’s Green Contractor- is not only a participating Chi Town Rewards business but is also spreading the I-GO love on their blog, click here to check out a recent Greenwerks post on I-GO Car Sharing.
We’ve recently put in 5 new I-GO cars:
-3053 W Montrose (Albany Park) Car #4591; 2009 Scion xB (silver)
-5240 N Sheridan (Edgewater) Car #4592; 2009 Scion xB (purple)
-2500 N Milwaukee (Logan Square) Car #4594; 2009 Scion xB (grey)
-655 W Irving Park (Lakeview) Car #4595; Toyota Matrix (gold)
-900 S Clark (South Loop) Car #4596; Toyota Matrix (black)
Do any of these new locations make life any easier for you? If not, where else would an I-GO car be helpful to you?
I-GO Car Sharing will have booths at two Chicago festivals this weekend- Wicker Park Fest and Taste of Lincoln. Stop by the I-GO booth at either festival to get discounted I-GO memberships, information on car sharing, free I-GO tee-shirts & buttons, and enter to win a free I-GO membership!
Wicker Park Fest is a free, 2 day event at the six-way intersection of Damen, North and Milwaukee. This year’s Wicker Park fest features performances by Bassnectar; Prefuse 73; Bob Schneider; Charlie Hunter Trio; Future Rock; Daedelus; Nomo; Dub Trio; Van Ghost; Skybox; Company of Thieves; Algernon; and Dark Party featuring Elio Lipp & Leo123.
The Taste of Lincoln is also this weekend; located on Lincoln Ave between Fullerton and Wrightwood, the event includes food vendors, crafts for sale, 5 stages and a Kids’ Carnival Area. Performers at this year’s Taste of Lincoln include Trippin’ Billies; Big Sky String; Radiators; JJ Grey & Mofro; Big Ray and Chicago’s Most Wanted; The Lee Boys; Vanessa Davis Band.
Forbes recently published an article listing the 10 most fuel efficient neighborhoods in the United States. Chicago’s own Logan Square came in 3rd in the nation! Brooklyn Heights (New York; $643/month) took top honors, followed by Koreatown (Los Angles; $658/month). Logan Square finished 3rd with the average Logan Square resident spending $742 per month on transportation costs. Sounds high, doesn’t it? It’s a good reminder of just how expensive owning a car really is! Arlington, VA (Washington D.C.) came in just behind Logan Square; in Arlington the average being spent on transportation costs is $747/month.
I-GO Car Sharing is holding a member drive tonight at 5210 S Woodlawn (where we recently put in a new 2008 Toyota Prius) from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. I-GO staff will be on hand to answer questions and give out I-GO materials. There will also be promotions for $50 off the normal $75 sign-up cost. And to really put the icing on the cake- there will be wine and cheese served as well! So be sure to swing by and say “Hello”…
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=5210+S+Woodlawn+Chicago+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=53.300127,108.984375&ie=UTF8&ll=41.809196,-87.592535&spn=0.01238,0.026608&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJp2UtUlpMJoZ1zBe7bPlmMf9jrihA&w=425&h=350]
Car sharing continues to grow along with rising gas prices. Buffalo, New York is the newest U.S. city to jump on the car sharing band wagon. Click here to check out an article on car sharing in Buffalo written by Creighton Randall, Board Member of Green Options Buffalo.
It has come to my attention that many of our members don’t even know about a great rewards program that I-GO offers. So I’m here to spread the word! If you’re an I-GO Car Sharing member and don’t know what I’m talking about when I mention the Chi Town Rewards program- listen up!
Chi Town Rewards is a member benefit program that I-GO offers to our members. This program entitles all I-GO members to rewards at participating businesses. It simple, if you shop at a Chi Town Rewards business, just show them your Smartcard to receive your special discount! Click here for a full list of all of our Chi Town Rewards partners.
Recently added Chi Town Rewards businesses include:
GreenWerks
Katherine Anne Confections
773-727-3248
www.katherine-anne.com
OFFER: 20% off any purchase
ComedySportz
929 W. Belmont, 773.549.8080
www.comedysportzchicago.com
OFFER: 2-for-1 tickets Thursdays at 8 pm and Fridays at 8 pm and 10 pm
Pivot Boutique
1101 W. Fulton Market, 312-243-4754
www.pivotboutique.com
OFFER: 10% off total purchase
The Common Cup
1501 W. Morse Ave, 773-338-0256
www.commoncupchicago.com
OFFER: 10% off your purchase
The Green Maid, Inc.
877-677-MAID
info@greenmaidinc.com
www.greenmaidinc.com
OFFER: 10% off first cleaning
5624 N. Broadway at Bryn Mawr
773.784.1550
www.apartinc.com
OFFER: 15% off
Genuine, thin crust Italian pizza and love for local art in Chicago
As I mentioned in a previous post, I-GO Car Sharing is releasing it’s 2nd Annual Audio Emissions CD this month. One of the talented bands to make the cut was Cobalt & the Hired Guns. This band not only talks the green talk, but actually walks the green walk. To check out a recent Chicago Sun Times article on the band and their eco-efforts, click here.
Last week the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) approved adding 45 parking spaces along various El lines for car sharing vehicles. I-GO was chosen for 34 of the 45 CTA spaces- great news, eh?!
“It has been extremely convenient for our users,” I-GO Chief Executive Sharon Feigon says. “We basically see ourselves as an extension of the transit system. We exist to reduce congestion and pollution while at the same time getting people where they need to go.” The new CTA spaces will be added between September and June of 2009 and will be located under the El along the Blue, Brown, Green and Red Lines. Stay tuned to Motormouth for updates on specific locations…
[googlemaps http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=5922+N+Clark+Chicago+IL&sll=41.981697,-87.655063&sspn=0.012346,0.026608&ie=UTF8&ll=41.998986,-87.665834&spn=0.012344,0.026608&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJojVpSIvRob4-_Dctb3zAdfNMxwqw&w=425&h=350]
Any other suggestions on new car locations? Post here to let us know!
More than 80 bands competed for a spot on I-GO’s 2nd Audio Emissions CD, but only the best were selected by I-GO members. Available this month, the CD features Chicago’s coolest and most popular bands, including fan favorites Wilco and Neko Case.
The CD begins with legendary Studs Terkel interviewing the late Queen of Gospel and fellow Chicagoan Mahalia Jackson. Neko Case sings about driving and Wilco sings about singing. Award-winning rapper and I-GO member Kid Sister donated her track “Control.” The Golden Ranch Square Dance Band, known for their tongue-in-cheek barn dances, rounds out the CD with “Hummer”, reminding us that you will never get to heaven in a Hummer.
Winners of the online contest to be on the CD include Kaotic Drumline, a south side percussion band that performs at WNBA half-time shows; Brighton, MA; and a local rock group Cobalt and the Hired Guns. Fellow winner Judson Claiborne gives us a song inspired by Finkel Steel and Justin Petertil and Seth Vandek experiment with the sounds of the el.
“While I-GO members don’t spend a lot of time in cars, when they do, we want to provide them with fun, new music that they like and choose. By providing this cd, it’s also a way for us to thank our members not only for their business but their commitment to reduce car usage and carbon emissions,” said Sharon Feigon, CEO of I-GO Car Sharing.
Swing by Welles Park this weekend to check out the 11th annual Chicago Folk and Roots Festival! I-GO Car Sharing will be at the event from noon till 8 pm on Saturday and from noon to 6 pm on Sunday. This years festival features Kinky, Mother Truckers and Slavic Soul Party. See below for the full schedule.
***CHICAGO FOLK & ROOTS FESTIVAL LINE-UP***
(artists and schedule subject to change)
MAIN STAGE
Saturday, July 12
Special Music By Special People – 12:55pm to 1:20pm
The Astronomer – 1:30pm to 1:50pm
Unibrow – 2:00pm to 2:25pm
Grupo Miel – Nuestra Música Performance – 2:45pm to 3:30pm
Jon Langford and the Burlington Welsh Male Chorus – 3:45pm to 4:45pm
David Davis and the Warrior River Boys – 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Charro with Jorge Duran & Jorge Duran Jr. – 6:00pm to 6:30pm (in the park)
Slavic Soul Party! – 6:30pm to 7:45pm
The Mother Truckers – 8:15pm to 9:45pm
Sunday, July 13
Midwest Invitational Fiddle Contest – 12:55pm to 1:55pm
Los Vencedores del Norte – 2:15pm to 3:00pm
The Iguanas – 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Les Primitifs du Futur – 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Read My Hips – 6:00pm to 6:25pm (Belly Dance in the Park)
Dobet Gnahoré – 6:30pm to 7:45pm
Yaneida Rivera & Michael Reyes (Poetry) – 7:45pm to 7:50pm
Kinky – 8:15pm to 9:45pm
Admission: $7 suggested donation for adults / $3 suggested donation for seniors and children
The Chicago Folk & Roots Festival will take place from noon to 10pm on Saturday, July 12th & Sunday, July 13th at Welles Park- see map below.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=welles+park+chicago+IL&ie=UTF8&ll=41.973147,-87.683172&spn=0.012349,0.026608&z=14&iwloc=A&cid=41963135,-87687367,9861978743144515646&output=embed&s=AARTsJqaCrGgNHO4egTs4SVjylQLqgG2Nw&w=425&h=350]
Membership in car sharing programs is on the rise across the country. Membership in I-GO Car Sharing is up 43% since June of last year. Check out the official CBS report below.
Remember- if you refer friends or family to I-GO Car Sharing and they become members, you will get $20 in driving credits. Happy driving!
As you may already know, I-GO is partners with many of the independent car sharing organizations in the United States and Canada. This means that, as an I-GO member, you can sign up for a complimentary membership with any of our partnering organizations and share their cars while you’re there. Click here to see the full list of I-GO’s car sharing partners.
Just this week, a new car sharing organization was launched in Ithaca, New York. Click here to read more about Ithaca Carshare.
If you have taken advantage of our complimentary memberships with other car sharing organizations- or plan to- please post your experiences below.
I-GO is hosting a member drive tonight at 2800 N Lake Shore Dr. from 5-7:30 p.m. There will be wine and cheese provided. And remember, as a member, you will receive $20 in driving credits if you refer a friend and they join I-GO Car Sharing. Hope to see some of you tonight!
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=2800+N+Lake+Shore+Dr+Chicago+IL&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=53.300127,108.984375&ie=UTF8&ll=41.94168,-87.632017&spn=0.012355,0.026608&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJoQamBqo1P_JvgQkf2ZKm3cvr_WjA&w=425&h=350]
I-GO Car Sharing has 6 new cars rolling your way this weekend! All of the new cars are brand spankin’ new Priuses and will be in service by this weekend.
-Edgewater: 6214 N Winthrop (3rd car at this location)
5555 N Sheridan (1st car)
-Rogers Park: 1624 W Morse (3rd car)
-Lincoln Square: 4877 N Lincoln (2nd car)
-Lakeview: 2800 N Lake Shore Dr (1st of 2 cars)
-Uptown: 4753 N Broadway (3rd car)
Are these new locations good for you? Let us know where you need more cars!
While working at I-GO Car Sharing I have had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our members- and let me tell you, we’ve got some interesting, involved and inspiring members! So, I have decided to interview a different I-GO member each month and post what I learn here, for all to enjoy.
Last week I interviewed I-GO member Jessa Brinkmeyer. Jessa started, runs and owns Pivot, Chicago’s 1st boutique devoted to eco-fashion. Last week we chatted by phone about her life at Pivot and how I-GO Car Sharing helps her get everything done.
When I asked Jessa why she opened Pivot and what she wanted to accomplish through the eco-boutique, she spoke of her desire to show people that they can have more conscious wardrobes without sacrificing fashion, style, personal taste or comfort.
Before opening Pivot, Jessa worked as a journalist at a small magazine in Chicago. She was primarily responsible for covering the fashion industry and soon became fascinated with the fast-growing, eco-friendly segment of the industry. Jessa wanted not only to wear the eco-friendly fabrics and support the sustainable designers herself, but also to spread the word. She was disappointed when she was unable to find anything like this in Chicago. After visiting eco-boutiques in New York City, Jessa realized that the best way to promote her passion was not through her writing but by opening the first ever eco-boutique in Chicago.
These days it seems like everyone is “going green” and it can be hard to tell who not only talks the talk but also walks the walk. Pivot definitely walks the green walk! All of the designers use sustainable and organic materials and low impact, eco-friendly dyes. All of Pivot’s fixtures were designed and built by local artist, Joshua Height, out of recycled materials. Indoor air quality at Pivot is improved by using zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint and they also use CFL lightbulbs. In an effort to give back to the Chicago community, Pivot donates 1% of its profits to Growing Home, a local organization that provides job training and employment opportunities within the context of a non-profit organic agriculture business.
Jessa’s environmental awareness was also what led her to car sharing in Chicago. She specifically likes I-GO Car Sharing because we’re a non-profit and use only hybrids and low-emission vehicles. Jessa uses I-GO to take her recycling to a sorting center and to take old light bulbs and batteries to a hazardous waste center. She also uses I-GO for grocery trips and for checking out urban farm sites and events for Growing Home. Jessa sees I-GO as a great way to get things done a little more efficiently without having the burden of car ownership or contributing to the greenhouse gas problem.
To learn more about Pivot, check out their website, or swing by the store. Pivot is located at 1101 W Fulton Market.
We’re adding new cars to 2 new locations this week at I-GO Car Sharing! The 2 new I-GO cars will be put into the Lakeview/Uptown and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.
-Lakeview/Uptown Car Sharing: 655 W. Irving Park (2008 blue Honda Civic). New car, new location.
[googlemaps http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=420+W+Fullerton&sll=41.959554,-87.647038&sspn=0.01235,0.029182&ie=UTF8&ll=41.935232,-87.635708&spn=0.012356,0.029182&z=14&iwloc=addr&output=embed&s=AARTsJpjOsAXoDxvdOzJRY6TpsWw1UVQPg&w=425&h=350]
Are these new locations convenient for you? If not, where else should we be adding cars and expanding the reach of car sharing in Chicago? Post below and let us know!
I-GO is look for 2-3 people to join the I-GO Street Team. Street Team members will attend summer festivals and other I-GO events, flyer bus and train stations during rush hour and participate in other outreach related activities. We are looking for people who are outgoing and able to work 20-25 hours per week (the times will vary, so a flexible schedule is desired). If interested, send your resume to Sheena, I-GO’s Outreach Coordinator, at sheena@igocars.org.
We will be adding 10 new cars before the end of May. The locations (some new, some old) are as follows:
-3053 W Montrose (New Location; adding 2 cars)
-655 W Irving Park (New Location; 2 cars)
-420 W Fullerton (New Location; 1 car)
-2036 N Clark (1 car)
-821 Davis (1 car)
-2021 W Chicago (1 car)
-1355 N Dearborn (1 car)
The 10th car will either be added to our 17 W Hubbard location or our 1120 N LaSalle location. Do you have a preference on which of those two locations we chose? If not, what do you think of our other locations? Post your comments!
Stay tuned to Motormouth for the exact dates these new cars will be going in…
Green Fest is taking place May 17th and 18th at Navy Pier and I-GO is proud to be attending for the 2nd year in a row! Come check out the I-GO booth and receive sign-up promo codes, play games, meet the I-GO staff and learn more about Chicago’s only non-profit car sharing organization. We’ll be there from 10 am to 8 pm Saturday and 11 am to 6 pm Sunday.
The Green Fest showcases 350 + local and national green businesses and more than 150 speakers presenting panel discussions, presentations and main stage speaking events. Find eco-friendly, fair trade and sustainable products. Green Fest also features great how-to workshops, green films, a yoga and movement classes, kids’ zone, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine and live music.
So head on down to Navy Pier May 17-18th and check out the Green Fest!
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year with a great meal from one of I-GO’s Chi Town Rewards Business Partners!
El Cid 2 is a brand spanking new Chi Town Rewards Business Member. They’re located at 2645 N. Kedzie in Logan Square. El Cid 2 is famous for their fish tacos but all of their food is good (if not great) and their prices are equally as good! The fabulous food, friendly service and cute patio make El Cid 2 the perfect place for some Cinco de Mayo fun- and the best part is they offer I-GO members a 10% discount when they show their I-GO card.
Maiz Restaurant is another great Chi Town Rewards Business Member! Maiz offers authentic Mexican dishes that are easy on the wallet and hard to find elsewhere. However, keep in mind that it’s cash only so don’t forget to stop by the ATM on your way. Maiz is located in Humboldt Park at 1041 N. California and offers I-GO members 15% off their final bill.
Does anyone know of any other great Mexican restaurants in the city?
I can’t believe it’s already May! I feel like New Years Eve was just last month- apparently, I shouldn’t trust my sense of time…
This month we will be adding 10 new cars- 6 of which will go into service by May 22nd; the other 4 by the end of May.
Last week we added one new car at a new location:
-Hyde Park: 5541 S Everett (Red Toyota Prius)
By the end of this week, we’ll also have added one new car to another new location:
-Hyde Park: 5210 S. Woodlawn (Silver Toyota Prius)
And one new car to an old location:
-Lakeview: 1232 W Belmont (Blue Toyota Prius; this new car is replacing an older car that was moved to 60 E Lake St)
Check back soon for more new cars and new locations! And don’t forget to post below and voice your opinion on where we need more cars and what kind of cars you prefer to drive.
So far all of my posts have been related to what’s going on here at I-GO. That seems to make sense, since this is the official I-GO blog. However, I know that I-GO members have at least a few other sides to their personalities and may be interested in things other than I-GO (gasp!)…
Most members also seem to be quite eco-conscious. Therefore, I thought it might be worthwhile for me to update members on new environmental trends.
I know I try to reduce my environmental impact through a combination of recycling, driving very little, buying organic and reusing, reusing, reusing! Another key way to reduce your footprint is by buying locally grown food. Only problem is- where do you go to find such food? Problem- did I say problem? Well, problem no more- introducing: LocalHarvest. 
LocalHarvest is America’s #1 organic and local food website. They maintain a nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets and other local food sources. Their search engine helps people find products from family farms and local sources of sustainably grown food. Click here to check out their website.
Make sure to post below and share with me your methods and tricks for reducing your environmental impact. What do you do to lessen your footprint?
It’s looking like spring is actually, finally here! (Knock on wood!) And we have 3 new car locations to go along with the new season.
-Downtown: 60 E Lake St (Honda Fit)
-Edgewater: 5240 N. Sheridan Rd (Toyota Prius)
-Rogers Park: 1218 W. Morse Ave (Toyota Prius)
Both the 60 E Lake and 5240 N. Sheridan locations will eventually have two cars, but for now there is just one. What do you think about these new locations? Will you use these new cars? Post your feedback and let us know!
Do you tell your friends and family about I-GO? If you like car sharing and are helping spread the word about I-GO you can earn driving credits! Members who refer new, approved members receive a $20 credit per new member. So, tell your friends about I-GO and have them note your name and/or Member Number on the application when they apply. The referral credit happens automatically and you should see it on your next statement.
How do you promote I-GO? Do you talk about I-GO at parties or at work? Post below to let us know how you promote car sharing in Chicago.
As many of you may have noticed, we recently revamped I-GO’s website and reservation system. Our goal was to make it even easier to reserve one of our cars; to help accomplish this we have added a number of functions to our site- such as the ability to search for only day rate vehicles and the ability to search for a car by intersection, address or neighborhood. As with any new technology, we are working out a few minor glitches, but we are confident that you will find the new reservation system easy and convenient once you’ve used it. What do you think of the new look of our reservation system? Post below to make your questions, insights and ideas for improvement heard!
I’ve got good news for all of you today! Not only is today officially the last day of winter, but we’re also adding 6 new cars by April 1st! We’re adding a 2nd car at 800 S. Clark and another 2nd car at 5020 S. Lake Shore Dr. We’re also adding two new spaces at 2350 N. Racine- right in the heart of De Paul University’s Lincoln Park campus. Additionally, we are adding two new cars at Ashland and Foster, in the Trumbull Elementary parking lot. Are these convenient spaces for you to use? Do you have suggestions for other locations? Let us know!
It’s that time of year again! You know what I’m talking about- the Chicago River runs green, the beer flows freely and everyone seems to be wearing something green- it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day! To celebrate the day, I-GO is offering a $40 discount on I-GO memberships. Sign up for I-GO before March 25th and it costs only $35 to join! The promo code for this special is: D35IRISH. If you are already a member, refer a friend and receive $20 in driving credits for your referral.
And if you’re in the mood to celebrate, head to Mrs. Murphy & Son’s Irish Bistro (3905 N. Lincoln Ave), not only do they offer contemporary Irish cuisine in a traditional setting but they are also an I-GO Chi Town Rewards business. That means that all I-GO members will receive a 10% discount off their bill when they show their I-GO Smartcard. So dig in, put on your best green gear and enjoy the weekend!
Check out the video below – a news report with Chris Balish, a network TV news reporter and author of the book How to Live Well Without Owning a Car.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JN3-jkTs_og&hl=en]
Ten Speed Press describes the books as:
“The first practical, accessible, and sensible guide to living in North America without owning a car. • Exposes the true costs of car ownership and shows how getting rid of your car can simplify your life and put you on the road to financial freedom. • Packed with realistic, economical alternatives to owning a car, including chapters on carsharing, carpooling, and even car-free dating. • Includes more than 100 real-world tips, strategies, and success stories from people who are happily car-free or “car-lite,” from cities to suburbs. • According to a 2004 American Automobile Association study, the average American spends $8,410 per year (roughly $700 per month) to own a vehicle.”
Ever wonder just how easy it would be to go car free in your neighborhood? Or simply been curious to find out just how walkable your area is? Check out the handy Walk Score widget on the right side of the screen. You simply type in your home address and it tells you just how walk-friendly your neighborhood is. It only takes a minute and it’s quite interesting to see the results!
Good news! We’re adding 4 new car locations this week.
Stay tuned to Motormouth for new car locations coming to Albany Park, Evanston, Hyde Park, Lakeview, South Shore and West Town! And, judging from the member survey and the opinions that have been expressed on this blog, you’ll be happy to hear that many of the new cars will be hybrids. Currently 1/3 of our fleet is made up of hybrid vehicles, but by the end of the year we’ll proudly be able to say that ½ of our cars are hybrids.
The results are in on I-GO’s 2008 Member Survey. A big “thank you” (and some good karma) goes out to all of you who took the time to answer our questions! You’ll be happy to know that we’re taking in all of your suggestions, comments, complaints and pats-on-the-backs and adjusting I-GO’s practices accordingly.
Now to the interesting stuff! We asked members what their three favorite car models are, within the current I-GO fleet. The results scream HYBRIDS! The top three car models chosen were (in order of preference): the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic. Rounding up the other end of the spectrum, the Toyota Scion XB came in dead last- by a long shot.
So just what is it about these cars that you like? And why all the hatred for the sweet little Scion XB? We need details! Should I-GO have only hybrids? Should we buy more American-made cars? Post your thoughts below and let us know!
Happy New Year I-Goers! Hey- better late than never, right?!
There are a number of new things going on at I-GO this year that you should know about. First, we are reintroducing the I-GO Blog- “Motormouth”. Motormouth is a great source of info for all things I-GO- including the 50 new cars we are adding to our fleet, our new reservation system and much more! Motormouth will be updated weekly and the goal is to provide a forum for member discussion, feedback and new ideas.
By now you may be asking yourself- just who exactly is going to provide all this great info to your nearest computer screen?? That would be me, Clare, the newest addition to the I-GO team. I started at I-GO in September, fresh out of DePaul University, as an intern. I hoped the internship would boost my resume and to help me land my first job in the so-called “real world”. Well it turns out my “real world” is right here at I-GO and I am now a full-time employee excited to get “Motormouth” off the ground!
So welcome to my blog and remember, whether you use I-GO each week or only every so often, I encourage you to be a part of this community that shares information, offers useful tips, asks questions and… shares cars!
Sign up now for our monthly newsletter and other mailings on special offers, new developments, and exciting initiatives at I-GO.
City Council unanimously approves 24-hour liquor sales at O’Hare and Midway. Good idea or not so much? http://fb.me/A719v3t8
“Thanks to a federal grant, Chicago’s I-GO municipal car sharing program will be one of the first to add electric… http://fb.me/CrVqjCHb
thinks this is all the more reason to go electric. http://fb.me/ANrNUkdr
I-GO Car Sharing CEO, Sharon Feigon, watches as Mayor Daley cuts the ribbon at today’s B-cycle event: http://fb.me/ubKn02Vo
is proud to say that Chicago just became the 4th major U.S. city to set up a bike sharing program! We attended… http://fb.me/D7snGcr0
We recently asked I-GO members: “Why did you join I-GO?” and “What do you like most about the service?”
