Natural Home Goes to CHICAGO-Travel to Chicago and check out its ecological breakthroughs such as the Chicago Center for Green Technology

By Nicole Magistro

You might notice a green haze rising from Chicago. With the new Chicago Center for Green Technology—home to environmentally committed organizations and businesses—the city is raising awareness of urban sustainability. Along with a renewable energy plan, the city is growing natural restaurants by the bushel.

EXPLORING

CHICAGO CENTER FOR GREEN TECHNOLOGY

This ecologically renovated building features solar panels, recycled building materials, smart lighting, a green roof, and a geothermal exchange system. Open to the public.

445 N. Sacramento Boulevard
(312) 746-9777;
Ci.chi.il.us/Environment/GreenTech

GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY

The country’s largest public conservatory showcases international plant species within specialized greenhouses. The Monet, urban demonstration, and sensory gardens provide outdoor enjoyment during summer.

300 N. Central Park Avenue
(312) 746-5100;
Garfield-Conservatory.org

PEGGY NOTEBAERT NATURE MUSEUM

A hands-on expedition into the ecology of the Great Lakes region, this museum houses an expansive butterfly haven.

2430 N. Cannon Drive
(773) 755-5100; Chias.org

EATING

KARYN’S FRESH CORNER

A raw foodist’s heaven, this Lakeview café offers uncooked soups, vegan sushi, pizzas, and desserts. Most ingredients are organic, right down to the herbs in the health elixirs.

3351 N. Lincoln Avenue
(773) 296-6990

CHICAGO DINER

This casual Wrigleyville diner is a staple for vegetarians craving home cooking with a twist. Try the seitan fajitas or lentil-tempeh shepherd’s pie.

3411 N. Halsted Street
(773) 935-6696;
VeggieDiner.com

LULA CAFÉ

This trendy Logan Square restaurant offers organic, multiethnic fare for breakfast, lunch, and ­dinner. The meats and fish are free range and hormone free.

2537 N. Kedzie Boulevard
(773) 489-9554;
LulaCafe.com

BLACKBIRD

Chef Paul Kahan visits the Green City Market for organic herbs and produce for this postmodern French restaurant.

619 W. Randolph Street
(312) 715-0708;
BlackbirdRestaurant.com

SLEEPING

HYATT REGENCY CHICAGO

People sift through your trash at this downtown hotel. The Hyatt collects a million pounds of recyclables annually and uses linen napkins, glassware, and terry hand towels rather than ­disposable counterparts.

151 E. Wacker Drive
(312) 565-1234;
Hyatt.com