Community Environmental Action

Together for a Cleaner Chicago — Green Spaces, Clear Water, Brighter Future

We mobilize volunteers, partners, and resources to clean public spaces, restore urban landscapes, and inspire sustainable living — starting in Chicago.

10+ tons
Plastic waste removal target
1,000
Trees to be planted
500+
Volunteer participants
Upcoming Highlight

GREEN RIVER — Clean the Chicago River 2025

Dates: April 12–13, 2025
Location: Along the Chicago River, from Clark Bridge to Riverwalk
Theme: Every Clean River, A Greener City

Two days of action: waste collection & sorting, tree planting, public art, youth recycling workshops, and a closing celebration honoring volunteers and partners.

Explore the Agenda

Vision

Build a greener community where people and nature thrive together. We work to restore clean, healthy living environments and beautify urban landscapes while spreading environmental stewardship.

Who We Are

The Renee & Lester Crown Charitable Trust for Jewish Causes is a 501(c)(3) private foundation based in Chicago. Our current focus is community environmental cleanup and landscape improvement across neighborhoods and riverfront areas.

Mission

Mobilize for Impact

Unite individuals, nonprofits, and partners to clean shared spaces, restore landscapes, and encourage eco-friendly habits across Chicago and beyond.

Social Value

Cleaner, Safer, More Beautiful

Reduce waste, protect public spaces, and improve urban wellbeing while strengthening community bonds through hands-on action.

Approach

Practical & Inclusive

From park cleanups to river restoration and public art, we design activities for all ages and backgrounds — no prior experience required.

Core Programs

Action-driven initiatives that make visible, lasting change.

Clean Chicago • Green Future

Citywide cleanups in parks, streets, medians, and riverbanks with sorting stations for recycling and composting.

Hope Trees

Urban tree-planting and pocket-park creation in community spaces, playgrounds, and along sidewalks.

Green Arts & Spaces

Community murals, refreshed planters, and creative reuse pop-ups that turn overlooked spots into welcoming hubs.

Flagship Event

GREEN RIVER — Clean the Chicago River 2025

Two-day citywide activation to clean the riverfront, plant trees, and celebrate environmental stewardship.

Day 1 — April 12, 2025

  • Kickoff & pledge signing: “Chicago, Litter-Free Together”.
  • Riverbank waste collection & on-site sorting stations.
  • Mini exhibit: Our River’s Past & Green Revival.
  • Youth zone: upcycling and creative recycling lab.

Day 2 — April 13, 2025

  • Tree planting drive — 1,000 new trees along the river corridor.
  • Community mural contest: Chicago in Green.
  • Evening program: music & light installation — Light for the River.
  • Closing ceremony honoring volunteers and partners.
10+ tons
Plastic removed
1,000
Trees planted
500+ / 30
Volunteers & partners

Get Involved

Everyone can contribute — time, materials, ideas, or funding. Your support keeps public spaces clean and welcoming.

  • Volunteer: join cleanups, tree plantings, and mural crews.
  • Contribute materials: saplings, paint, reusable gloves, collection bins.
  • Submit a project idea: nominate a park, block, or river segment for action.
  • Partner with us: collaborate on multi-month green campaigns.

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