Com Ed Terrariums installed throughout the city feature simple “unplugged” environmental tips

For the second summer in a row, energy provider Commonwealth Edison teamed up with advertising agency Leo Burnett to get their “green” message out. Last year’s message focused on fluorescent light bulbs. This year, ComEd is encouraging users to unplug appliances and computers when not in use.

Project Manager Nate Combs said shop lead Mike Zaremba was assigned to this project because of his strong sculptural experience and superior carpentry skills. Leo Burnett submitted a concept sketch and Zaremba, using organic materials such as tree branches and pine needles supplemented with artificial leaves, replicated the original designs, collaborating with the client throughout the process. Electrical power cords were threaded through the materials in each terrarium and a bronze plaque reads, “Please Do Not Feed the Power Cords”.

Three of the terrariums, each measuring 52” x 32” x 5”, were installed in JC Decaux bus shelters (which were built by Chicago Scenic) at busy downtown intersections. The fourth, much larger, terrarium measures six-feet-tall x four-feet wide x one-foot deep. It was installed as a “stand alone” element near Lincoln Park Zoo’s east entrance.