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PACK EXPO will be taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago November 9-13. Sustainable packaging will be high on the list of feature themes.

Sustainability is a fitting theme for Chicago, a city which, thanks to Mayor Daley’s leadership, has been extremely active in promoting green, eco-friendly living. For example, The Green Bungalow Initiative was instituted to make existing homes more eco friendly. Chicago is planning an ambitious new harborside green space, to go along with our well known green roof program.

Green Chicago Hotels
The Green Hotels Association lists four member hotels in Chicago proper. They are –

• The Peninusla
• City Suites Hotel
• Majestic Hotel
• The Willows Hotel

The Peninsula is close to the convention action. The other choices are further out but in very interesting neighborhoods. Rezhub ranks a few other Chicago hotels for green, including some in close proximity to McCormick Place.

Green Dining in Chicago
Going Greener is a Web site dedicated to Chicago dining, and includes a list of approved restaurants. The Frontera Grill and Shaw’s Crab House, two I’m familiar with, are fabulous.

From a Chicago Sun Times article, a few more dining choices for restaurants that emphasize home grown and organic foods.

Getting around Chicago Green
Chicago’s mass transit system may leave much to be desired, but it’s better than many people think. If you’re looking to get around with a small carbon footprint, the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority), offers rapid transit service from both Midway and O’Hare airports. For getting around within the city and outlying areas, the RTA offers visitors passes and even has a handy online trip planner so you can figure out your connections well in advance.

Chicago is a great city for the shoe leather express, assuming the November weather cooperates. Shoppers, people watchers, and lovers of architecture will enjoy strolls along North Michigan Avenue, and then perhaps a visit to nearby Rush Street, a popular area packed with lively bars and restaurants. (I recommend Tavern on Rush.) Walk Chicago Tours offers a number of options if you have the time to really take a close look at our wonderful city. A business associate of mine, Nancy Harris, offers guided, customized group shopping tours of Chicago, which is a novel way to see the city, shop without having to drop, and save on gas all at the same time.

Whatever you do, wherever you stay, welcome to Chicago, and enjoy PACK EXPO. If you have any other green tips for staying in Chicago, please let us know!