On 10.10.10 communities across the world came together for the largest day of global political action in history. Approx. 7,380 work parties in 188 countries were organized by people hoping to inspire meaningful change in climate awareness and action. Fueled by the 350.org movement, Whitney partnered with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition to organize a tree planting event that provided ten residential homes with American Linden trees donated by Shemin Nurseries. Those trees will provide shade and energy savings for homeowners for years to come.
Sustainability is a vital part of Whitney’s everyday business, as we constantly look for environmentally conscious architectural solutions for our clients. As designers, we have a great responsibility and opportunity to inspire change and inform our clients of new sustainable strategies and products. This process can sometimes be long and difficult, as financial motives often drive decisions over “feel good” incentives. This was our opportunity to get our hands dirty and truly practice what we preach, even if in a somewhat symbolic fashion. Informative action and spreading awareness in our communities is crucial for us to make a dent in solving the environmental crisis we face today. Hopefully events like this will get people talking across the nation, and inspire them to get to work on creating real change in our world.
On the morning of 10.10.10, a group of twenty Whitney employees, friends and family gathered to go over our tree planting game plan. Armed with spiffy matching t-shirts and detailed hand-drawn diagrams created by our very own tree planting expert Mark Stenftenagel, we split up into 5 teams that would each tackle planting two trees at two Elmhurst homes. Each yard was marked by the city arborist to pinpoint the most environmentally beneficial planting spot, where the tree would provide the most shaded relief from the hot sun. It has been proven that when a tree is planted on the west side of a home it has six times the carbon sequestration of a tree planted in the open.
Upon arriving at the selected homeowners’ lots, we got to digging holes approximately 3’ deep and 4’ in diameter, as the sun kept us warm all day. We even enjoyed the assistance of a few little helpers who were beyond excited about helping dig the hole for their very own tree. We are certain all the enthusiasm and excitement of our young assistants was due to carbon emis
sion reduction and not the long, slimy worms crawling out of the clay dirt. After hours of Whitney crew members digging, watering and hauling dirt and fertilizer, the homeowners were thrilled to have a beautiful new tree in their yard and to be able to say that they took part
in the 350.org global work party.
At the end of a fun-filled and productive day, the teams rejoined at one of Elmhurst’s favorite pubs, where thrills, trials and tribulations were shared over a celebratory drink. The event was a great success and it will be one of many similar green community events organized by Whitney in the future. It feels great being able to make a difference in our local communities and to spread awareness to the realities of our challenges, in efforts to protect the environment and our future.
- Whitney Green Committee
On the morning of 10.10.10, a group of twenty Whitney employees, friends and family gathered to go over our tree planting game plan. Armed with spiffy matching t-shirts and detailed hand-drawn diagrams created by our very own tree planting expert Mark Stenftenagel, we split up into 5 teams that would each tackle planting two trees at two Elmhurst homes. Each yard was marked by the city arborist to pinpoint the most environmentally beneficial planting spot, where the tree would provide the most shaded relief from the hot sun. It has been proven that when a tree is planted on the west side of a home it has six times the carbon sequestration of a tree planted in the open.
Upon arriving at the selected homeowners’ lots, we got to digging holes approximately 3’ deep and 4’ in diameter, as the sun kept us warm all day. We even enjoyed the assistance of a few little helpers who were beyond excited about helping dig the hole for their very own tree. We are certain all the enthusiasm and excitement of our young assistants was due to carbon emis
sion reduction and not the long, slimy worms crawling out of the clay dirt. After hours of Whitney crew members digging, watering and hauling dirt and fertilizer, the homeowners were thrilled to have a beautiful new tree in their yard and to be able to say that they took part
in the 350.org global work party.At the end of a fun-filled and productive day, the teams rejoined at one of Elmhurst’s favorite pubs, where thrills, trials and tribulations were shared over a celebratory drink. The event was a great success and it will be one of many similar green community events organized by Whitney in the future. It feels great being able to make a difference in our local communities and to spread awareness to the realities of our challenges, in efforts to protect the environment and our future.
- Whitney Green Committee
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