Small changes have positive impacts on the environment

Everyday Environment explores the intricate web of connections that bind us to the natural world. From water, air, energy, plants, and animals to the complex interactions within these elements, we aim to unravel the ties that link us to our environment. Through podcasts, blogs,  webinars, and videos, you'll gain a deeper understanding of and appreciation for these connections in Illinois and beyond. Each fall and spring, we'll explore a new topic in detail. 

In the spring of 2025, we're diving into everything about water! Learn more about how water works related to where it comes from, agriculture, aquatic invasive species, rain gardens, watersheds, community science opportunities, and more. Together, we can protect and preserve our vital water resources. 

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Webinars

The Everyday Environment webinars explore environmental topics to encourage sustainable practices. Tune in and learn how you can do your part to protect the planet for generations to enjoy. All sessions are free.

Follow the Drop: Illinois Water from Source to Tap | March 13 at 1 p.m. 

Illinois is a diverse state when it comes to water resources, and where your water comes from depends on how much is available, the quality of a water source, and its contamination risk. Explore sources of drinking water in Illinois, get an understanding of what your community water or well water goes through from source to tap, and find out how geology or natural contaminants limit the availability of drinkable water. 

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Actions to Reduce Water Pollution | May 8 at 1 p.m. 

What’s in your water? How can your actions help reduce and prevent water pollution? Discover what the most common water pollutants are and how you can prevent water pollution by paying attention to what you put down the drain at home and how you manage your yard. Explore how the water treatment process cleans water before it returns to lakes, rivers, and streams. 

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Looking for previous programs? Recordings are posted several weeks after the program to allow time for closed captioning. The most recent sessions are available below.

Watch Past Webinars on YouTube

Follow the Drop: Illinois Water from Source to Tap

Do you know where your drinking water comes from? Illinois is a diverse state when it comes to water resources, and where your water comes from depends on how much is available, the quality of a water source, and its contamination risk. Explore sources of drinking water in Illinois, get an...

Everyday Environment Podcast
From the Mississippi River to Lake Michigan, Illinois’ waters are incredible environmental and economic resources, supporting a diversity of plants and animals, providing drinking water for millions of people, and allowing for transportation and recreation. However, aquatic invasive species...
Everyday Environment Blog

PFAS exposure can be reduced with simple swaps and habits

What are PFAS chemicals?Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS (pronounced pea-fass) for short, are a group of more than 15,000 man-made chemicals that have recently made their way into the news for all the wrong reasons. PFAS is an incredibly useful group of chemicals sometimes added to...
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mussel in sand substrate

If Illinois freshwater mussels could talk...

The spring rains have come, and the streams are running. Gliding over the somewhat cloudy waters of a creek in west-central Illinois, I took my kayak out to explore the changing landscape.  A few years ago, a friend of mine introduced me to the wild world of freshwater mussels.  So,...
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A woman in a vest, long sleeved flannel shirt and gloves prunes a tree branch with hand clippers

Late winter tree care sets the foundation for trees to thrive

Late winter and early spring are critical transition periods for trees, making the shift from dormancy to active growth. Proper care during these seasons sets the foundation for healthy, vibrant trees throughout the year. Late-winter care along with spring practices, will help trees transition and...
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antler on dried leaves

Look for early spring wildlife

The transition zone between winter and spring is a fascinating time to explore the wildlife of Illinois.  Here are a few of the neat opportunities for watching wildlife in early spring. Want to learn more? Check out the...
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close up photo of insect hole on tree

Cantankerous cavities

Most cavities in a tree are caused by some type of living organism, either an animal or a pathogen of some sort. Some cavities will only be found in dead trees or a portion of a live tree with dead wood. Other cavities can be in otherwise completely healthy trees. Let’s take a look at some of the...
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Climate Change in Illinois

In the fall of 2024, Everyday Environment explored the different facets of climate change. Take a look at the full collection of climate change videos, blogs, and podcasts below.

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Climate Change Blogs

Reduce methane generation with composting 

Exploring the Potential of Agrivoltaics

Renewable energy offers benefits for our future

How agricultural carbon markets are investing in policy and interest for farmers

Saving the planet is child's play! Empower youth about climate change

Adapting to climate change can have added health benefits

Pollinators' complicated relationship with climate change

What to expect with invasives and climate change

Soil carbon addresses climate resiliency for the future

The urban forest is a climate tool for all

How plants respond to rising carbon dioxide concentrations

Climate expert breaks down the basics of climate change

Climate Change Podcast Episodes

Coffee grounds are green: composting reduces methane and builds up soil

Investigating solar energy and agriculture: agrivoltaics and climate change

Exploring carbon markets as part of emissions reduction goals

Cover Crops not Mudslides: empowering youth on climate change

It’s all about risk: how climate change increases our risk of health concerns and how we can adapt

Exploring the challenges facing pollinators

Will invasive species be helped or hindered by climate change?

Understanding soil as a system

708 million tons of carbon storage: Urban Forests and climate change

Too Much of a Good Thing: A Plant’s Perspective on Climate Change

Shifting to a Silver Lining: Climate Expert Talks Climate Change Basics

Climate Change Videos

An Introduction to Climate Change in Illinois

How renewable energy transitions are happening in rural Illinois

Can your lawn be climate friendly?

An Interview with a Buckthorn Tree

Reduce your energy use to help fight climate change

Webinar: What Illinois Residents Should Know about Climate Change 

 Webinar: Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

What Illinois Residents Should Know About Climate Change

Discover what climate change means for Illinois now and in the future and explore practical solutions. Learn how you can play a vital role in helping your community be healthier and more resilient to the effects of climate change. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the conversation and...

Actions for Illinois Residents to Combat Climate Change

While there are many strategies to reduce risk and adapt at global and regional scales, individuals can also take action. 

In this video you will learn how you can address climate change in your home, landscape, and community, explore how different methods of managing your lawn,...

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