The Chicago Muslims Green Team recently had the pleasure of attending the Green Teacher Gathering in Chicago—a vibrant event bringing together educators, gardeners, and sustainability advocates from across the city. Among the many inspiring sessions, one workshop stood out for its blend of science, culture, and hands-on learning: “Bacteria is my Gut’s BFF.”
Led by the dynamic and passionate Chef Sarai Blankenbaker or Chef BB, the workshop took us deep into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome. We explored how beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in digestion, immunity, and overall well-being, and how our gardens can be sources of healing and health.
Chef BB introduced us to an array of prebiotic and probiotic foods we can grow ourselves—like cabbage, carrots, and hot peppers—and demonstrated how to transform them into delicious, fermented creations.
We had the chance to taste homemade kombucha and sample vibrant fermented veggies made by Chef BB herself, learning about the unique flavors and health benefits of these traditional preparations. We left not only with new knowledge, but also with a kombucha recipe, step-by- step fermentation methods, and a deeper appreciation for how different cultures—including indigenous communities—have used fermentation as a sustainable, health-supporting practice for generations.
This workshop aligned beautifully with the Chicago Muslims Green Team’s vision of cultivating environmentally responsible, health-conscious communities rooted in Islamic values. It reinforced our commitment to connecting spiritual well-being with ecological stewardship, and highlighted how growing and preparing our own food can nourish both our bodies and our planet.
We’re excited to put this knowledge into practice and to continue creating spaces where learning, community, and sustainability come together.
Pictures from the Green Teacher Gathering at Academy for Global Citizenship on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
My journey with the Chicago Green Muslim team began when I stumbled upon their Instagram page. I was immediately drawn to their mission and vision of building a more sustainable and equitable future for all. After signing up for the Tree Ambassador program, I joined the team as a trainee. What inspired me most was their focus on addressing environmental disparities in Chicago’s neighborhoods—particularly those with fewer trees and green spaces. Meeting the founders and learning about their ambitious goal to support the City of Chicago’s Our Roots Chicago program in order to increase tree cover and plant over seventy-five thousand trees by 2026 resonated deeply with me. I knew I wanted to be part of this transformative work, contributing to the well-being of both the planet and the community.
After joining the Chicago Green Muslim team as a trainer, I collaborated with the Chicago Islamic Center (CIC) to expand our outreach to non-profit organizations and houses of worship. Together, we aimed to address environmental justice and promote an eco-friendly lifestyle rooted in Islamic teachings. I took on the responsibility of building a partnership between the two organizations, which was crucial for developing programs and community engagement initiatives. During this time, I was honored to be elected as a board member of the Chicago Green Muslim team. This role allowed me to help deliver training at the Chicago Islamic Center, where I reached out to community members, encouraging their participation and fostering a sense of active involvement in our environmental initiatives. By working together, we acted as ambassadors for sustainability, spreading awareness and inspiring others to embrace a greener lifestyle.
In our efforts to plant trees, we don’t just submit requests to the City of Chicago; we actively engage with the community through structured training sessions. Our training includes two parts. The first part is theoretical, where we emphasize the importance of trees and teach participants the criteria for selecting the right locations for planting. We discuss factors like how far apart trees should be, avoiding overhead wires, and ensuring there are no fire hydrants or water pipelines in the vicinity. We also provide brochures for residents, including our contact information, in case they’re interested in submitting requests individually, as all trees are free from the city.
The second part of the training is hands-on. We walk through the neighborhoods, discussing what we’ve learned and identifying potential tree-planting sites. Our Tree Ambassadors, who live in these neighborhoods, play a vital role as guardians of the trees. If one ambassador is unable to care for the trees, another will step in to ensure they thrive and that no vandalism occurs. This dual approach of theoretical and practical training reinforces our message and empowers community members to become true Tree Ambassadors, committed to fostering a greener future.
Additionally, as we engage with the community, we often encounter myths and misconceptions about trees. One common myth is that trees are dangerous for homes, potentially damaging houses or cars. The truth is that, when properly maintained, trees can actually protect your home by providing shade and reducing energy costs. However, if not cared for, they can develop weaker limbs.
Another misconception is that trees make neighborhoods more dangerous by increasing crime. Contrary to this belief, studies show that tree-lined neighborhoods tend to have lower crime rates, as trees can enhance community cohesion and a sense of safety.
Lastly, some people worry that tree roots will break their pipes and cause expensive plumbing issues. In reality, tree roots typically grow down only two to three feet and are unlikely to crack pipes. Often, it’s broken pipes that attract tree roots due to the moisture they leak.
By addressing these myths during our training sessions, we aim to foster a better understanding of the true benefits of trees and encourage community members to embrace the idea of planting more trees in their neighborhoods.
Becoming a Tree Ambassador not only benefits the community but also offers numerous personal rewards. First and foremost, Tree Ambassadors develop valuable leadership and community organizing skills. This experience empowers them to take charge of initiatives and inspire others to get involved.
Additionally, the program receives funding from the CRTI (Chicago Region Tree Initiative) Morton Arboretum to support Tree Ambassadors in their efforts, providing resources to make a real impact in their neighborhoods.
The role also fosters a deeper connection with the community, allowing ambassadors to meet neighbors and contribute to shaping the character of their neighborhoods. Finally, as Tree Ambassadors, they become part of a mission larger than themselves, working toward a greater good and fostering a more sustainable future for everyone.
Reflecting on my journey as a trainer, I’ve learned the importance of working directly with grassroots members in their neighborhoods. Engaging with those who live in the community allows us to deliver our message clearly and ensures we stay on the right path. This hands-on approach is vital, especially when requesting trees from the City of Chicago to enhance our green spaces. It’s been incredibly rewarding to empower individuals and foster a sense of ownership in our environmental efforts. Together, we are not just planting trees; we are nurturing a movement for a sustainable future.
In the CMGT’s Executive meeting on March 16, CEO Layalee shared this disturbing info from uselessplastic Instagram about water privatization.
“Nestle Waters pumped almost 79 million gallons of water from the area surrounding Flint, Michigan in 2016, and paid just $200 to the state to do so. They made $7.4 billion in bottled water sales alone that same year.”
Flint, Michigan is where the clean water crisis happened in 2014 after the drinking water for the city was contaminated with lead and possibly Legionella bacteria.
Back in 2019, the CMGT (Chicago Muslims Green Team) had a table at IMAN’s Farmer Market in Chicago Lawn, southwest side Chicago neighborhood. We helped a researcher from Virginia Tech to share free lead-test kits to the residents. Our campaign at that time was, “What’s in Your Water?”
Here are pictures from our activities.
This lead-contamination in Chicago drinking water may motivate many Chicagoans to buy water bottles which contributes to the amount of plastic waste. It also bring lots of profit for businesses on water privatization.
The article discussed the answer to “What does water mean to me?”, the issue of water supplies in Chicago, the value of water from Muslim’ perspective, and reminders from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), why and how we should save water and protect the water resources for the benefits of all.
It is no doubt that there are so many things we need to do to ensure the access of clean water for our communities’ health benefits, to protect our water resources, and to reduce bottled water plastic waste.
Layalee has volunteered her time to help grow Chicago Muslims Green Team. With her efforts, CMGT has expanded both financially and individually as a team.
Layalee is Palestinian/American and graduated high school in the West Bank, Palestine. There she discovered the true meaning of living through occupation. During her college studies, Layalee was president of MSA and Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa’s honors society at Moraine Valley Community. There, she won an award in Washington, DC for “Most Distinguished Chapter,” mainly due to a “2015 Student Success Conference” she helped run on campus.
She believes that all people deserve access to healthy lifestyle and resources to advance overall health. Receiving her doctorate in Pharmacy degree from UIC, she enjoys caring for people and advancing their health outcomes. She has a passion for the environment because she believes the environment is the root of having an “ideal” lifestyle. This could include eating wholesome food, being outside, being aware of resources available and working together as a community is a legacy she wishes to accomplish.
Living in Palestine for over 6 years has inspired her in wanting improvement in environmental services that include waste and recycle. After moving back to the states in 2014, she received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2021.
She has accepted her position after being appointed as Chief Executive Officer of Chicago Muslims Green Team.
As CEO, she hopes to fulfil CMGT’s mission and vision in connecting Chicago Muslims and the greater community to issues of environmental justice while spreading awareness on eco-friendly lifestyles based on Islamic teachings. Hoping to advance scopes of work that include Building Bridges, Green Ramadan, Green Mosque, and Capacity Building.
Layalee volunteered at VeggieMijasChicago to prepare 372 plant-based sandwiches that were distributed to 5 Chicago Community Fridges
Chicago needs 150 volunteers across the city on the Activation Day!
2023 Heat Watch Participating Cities
Why:
Identifying these hotspots, called urban heat islands helps local decision-makers take actions to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat, which often target the most vulnerable.
The data collected by volunteers will be analyzed and used to give Chicago residents and government decision-makers a clearer picture of ways to improve Chicago’s heat safety strategies.
When:
June – Volunteers will be contacted to be trained on the campaign. July – Activation Day (Date/Time TBD: To be Determined)
On the Activation Day, over three shifts (morning, midday, and evening), volunteers will travel the routes with heat sensors on their own cars. Each sensor records temperature, humidity, time, and location.
Heat sensor to be used to collect the data (source: NOAA)
