Green is the New Black

By Andrew Peerless in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 19, 2005 2:19PM

You already know that Chicago is one of America's greenest cities, but a group of area architects are asking the ever-burning question: Why just be green when you can be green and stylish at the same time?

To remedy our recycling program's appalling lack of design innovation (come on, blue bags? So passé...), the Young Architects Forum of the Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) has teamed with the city's Department of Environment to create "the outdoor recycling receptacles of the future." More than 80 teams submitted designs for the competition, and prototypes of the top 25 will go on display today at Daley Plaza.

Festivites include a jury debate (by architects and recycling experts), a "Live Green" exhibit that showcases strategies and products for recycling at home and work, and - finally - an address from Da Mare himself. Here's a rundown of the full schedule, to satisfy all your recycling curiosity:

10:30 - Public viewing and jury deliberation begins
12:00 - Program begins
12:20 - Mayor Richard Daley's address
12:30 - Winners announced

Prototypes will stay on display until 8 p.m., so don't be afraid to skip happy hour tonight and get your recycling on instead. If that little green goblin above is any indication of how these things will look, it'll be well worth your time.