Chicago Nightclub Goes Green

It seems as though more and more places are going "green." One fine example is the Butterfly Social Club in Chicago, Ill located on 722 W. Grand Avenue in the city.

The Butterfly Social Club isn't like any other nightclub in the city, or maybe even the country. In fact, it's so green, that employees actually pedal on bikes to create power to run the DJ stand and the nightclub's drink machines. The green nightclub also features many solar panels to run the lighting and other electrical needs, a lightup dance floor included. Employees also make sure that barely anything is wasted, including drinks and trash. The club makes sure not to waste energy in anyway. They also use frugal methods to keep the building at a comfortable temperature.

The brains beyond the operation is a man named Mark Klemen, who opened the Butterfly Social Club on Earth Day of 2007. In fact, the nightclub itself is made out of clay and straw and even the DJ's speakers are built into 100 percent recycled wood. The entire club looks green with plants and built in waterfalls. Seating blends in with the entire look and feeling of the club.

Drinks, alcohol included, is all organic, and affordable. As for the taste, it's all there as well. You most likely will not find your typical drinks at the Butterfly Social Club, but the ones offered are worth a try.

Aside from the organic building and drinks, the Butterfly Social Club completely bans smoking. All and all the club promotes good health, for both people and the environment.

The owner of the Butterfly Social Club hopes that more green-friendly places will catch on, although it won't probably be at a fast pace. Clubs that are green will teach younger generations of the important of the environment in a fun and hip way. Even if some clubs won't become eco-friendly, there are still tons of ways for them to cut energy usage without completely changing their look or meaning. Some clubs are just afraid they will lose their appeal.

"I think a green-friendly nightclub is a great idea. The trend is already catching on, even in some households. So why not go to a green bar? It's everything you support and it's a relaxing, green, getaway," said Chicago resident Erwin Sandil.

The Butterfly Social Club is open from 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. Sunday through Friday. It's open until 3 a.m. on Saturday nights.