Dye-ing to Know: The Green Mystery of the Chicago River
Every St. Patrick's Day, a magical transformation occurs in the heart of Chicago. The normally murky brown Chicago River turns a brilliant shade of green, a feat that has baffled and amazed onlookers for decades. Now, let's dive into the murky waters of this peculiar tradition and uncover the secrets behind the annual greening.
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| How Much Dye Do They Put In The Chicago River |
A River Runs Green
You might be wondering, "How do they do it?" Well, it's not magic, but it's pretty darn close. The Chicago Plumbers Union Local 130 takes on the Herculean task of dyeing the river each year. They've been at it since 1962, and they've perfected their green thumb (or should we say green river?) over the years.
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The Green Formula
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So, what's in the secret sauce? It used to be a fluorescent dye that kept the river glowing for days, but those were the wild old days. Nowadays, they use a much more environmentally friendly vegetable-based dye. It's less potent, but it's better for the river's ecosystem. Think of it as a green makeover for the river, not just a green color.
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A Dash of Green, A Splash of Tradition
The amount of dye used might surprise you. It's not buckets and buckets, but a mere 40 pounds of green magic. That's enough to turn a significant portion of the river into a green ribbon flowing through the city. It's like adding a splash of color to a giant canvas.
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A Green Thumb for Tradition
While the science behind the greening is fascinating, let's not forget the heart of the tradition. It's a celebration of Irish heritage, a nod to the Emerald Isle, and a way to bring a little bit of luck to the Windy City. So, next time you see the river glowing green, raise a glass (of green beer, perhaps) and cheers to the Chicago Plumbers Union for keeping this quirky tradition alive.
How-To Green Your World (Probably Not)
How to dye a river green? Don't try this at home. It takes years of training, specific permits, and a whole lot of caution. How to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Wear green, eat Irish food, and enjoy the parade! How to appreciate the Chicago River? Admire its transformation, learn about its history, and respect its ecosystem. How to impress your friends? Share this post about the green river! How to keep the tradition alive? Spread the word and support the Chicago Plumbers Union!
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