The State of Illinois has recognized September 15th, 2009 as the first annual Carbon Day. On this designated date, individuals, organizations, schools, and communities statewide will be urged to play a part in reducing Illinois's carbon footprint by planting trees and organizing special programs to educate the people about simple steps that can be taken to reduce carbon emissions.

On August 20th, the not-for-profit Chicago organization Carbon Day LLC held a fundraiser to increase awareness and raise money for the brand new official state of Illinois holiday. The event featured a prestigious "green carpet" and hosted local businesses, innovators, and state politicians to network, socialize, and discuss new technologies and opportunities in the Chicago Green Scene. Featured guests included:

-Illinois State Representative Karen May (58th District, Highland Park)
-Former Chicago Bulls basketball player Sydney Green
-Green apparel company I Pledge Eco
-Local indie-rock band The Giving Tree
-The first official Chicago sneak preview screening of the Independent Documentary Feature Film, "No Impact Man"
-Plus many more movers and shakers in the Green Community.

Guests at the event had an exclusive sneak peak at the September 15th "Carbon Day" Festival happening in Chicago's Lincoln Park. A portion of the proceeds from Green Carpet Gala will benefit the festival and several Green non-for-profits in the Chicagoland Area.

For more information please visit carbonday.com