Restaurants, Seven Generations Ahead partner for  Earth Month

During the days leading up to and following Earth Day on April 22, Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) has been encouraging supporters to “buy local and go green” for Earth Month. No matter if you are craving spring ramps, blue and green bagels, or a sip of sustainable wine, local restaurants are celebrating Earth Month by making donations to Seven Generations Ahead (SGA) through the sale of specialty products. In turn SGA is highlighting sustainability practices across the community via social media.

“We wanted to do something with a local focus to bring awareness and raise a little money to support the work we do,” said Liz Lukehart, SGA communications director.

The 20-year-old nonprofit organization, known for working to build more sustainable communities, partnered with Takeout 25 and Downtown Oak Park to encourage local businesses to honor Earth Month by fundraising for SGA. More than 20 local restaurants are offering Earth Month themed products and menu specials to aid in amplifying SGA’s mission.

The fundraising concept was the brainchild of Karen Pauwels, SGA office administrator. As the former general manager of Sugar Fixe Patisserie, Pauwels was well connected in the business community and suggested partnering with Takeout 25 to bring awareness to SGA’s Earth Month plans.

“Sustainability is a Takeout 25 core value and an integral element of our mission,’ said Ravi Parakkat, Takeout 25 founder and an Oak Park village trustee. “To support our mission and to live our values, we are excited to partner with Seven Generations Ahead by raising funds for them while supporting local restaurants.”

Establishments are offering a vast array of Earth Day nibbles and sips. Proceeds from Brewpoint Craft’s Wildflower Matcha and Kribi Coffee’s Green River Matcha will go directly to SGA. A dollar from every sale of Carnivore’s beloved ramp cream and Green Goddess dressing will benefit the initiative. Buzz Café is whipping up “The Earth” cookies and The Daly Bagel is baking up blue and green bagels for the cause on Earth Day — April 22.

River Forest School House has created special Fried Rice Scavenger Hunt Meal Kits and Compost Cookie Kits for the cause — register at iloveschoolhouse.com by April 21 for pick up on April 22 or 23. Look for a sea green poster of a “happy earth” hanging in the window of participating restaurants or visit Takeout 25 or SGA on Facebook for updates.

“Through the PlanItGreen Initiative our community came together to create a 10-year sustainability plan involving all sectors,” said Gary Cuneen, founder and executive director of SGA. “The business community is a really big part of that plan, and it has been a while since we have worked this directly with them.”

Cuneen views SGA’s Earth Month collaboration as an opportunity to connect with local businesses and restaurants and hopes the community-wide efforts celebrate the importance of tackling climate change at the local level.