AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/recycling/)
Two Austin-based art organizations offer paid opportunities to residents who pick up trash and help transform it into functional art pieces. Stop by an event Saturday to learn how to make functional plastic objects.
There are a few West Side locations to drop off Christmas trees to be recycled for mulch. Trees can be dropped off at one of 26 Chicago parks starting Jan. 8. Mulch will be available at six locations starting Jan. 10.
Residents will be able to drop off live holiday trees through Jan. 18th inside tree corrals set up at 25 designated Chicago Park District sites, including Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., and Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Megan Ervin will make a stop at Because I Care Inc., 5811 West Chicago Ave., at 11 a.m. Aug. 7 to talk to youth about healthy habits in urban communities.