Eco-Extraordinaires October 2017

Check out this month’s local leaders in green.

Do you know a DuPage County organization or person that deserves some green kudos? We want to share your eco-efforts! Email [email protected] to tell us about your nominee – they might be featured in an upcoming post.

Indian Prairie Public Library Earns Earth Flag

Darien – Indian Prairie Public Library (IPPL) was presented their Earth Flag on September 20th for their efforts to go green. In addition to staff education by SCARCE, IPPL took many steps towards sustainability as part of the Earth Flag certification program. They conserved energy by installing more efficient lighting and creating lighting schemes that take advantage of natural light. The library also installed eco-friendly flooring and purchased a machine to repair DVDs and CDs so they can be reused rather than replaced. They also added native plants to their landscaping to absorb stormwater and conserve water plus much more! Keep up the great work!

DuPage County Board Member Greg Hart and SCARCE Director Kay McKeen present Indian Prairie Library with their Earth Flag.

School District 45 Adds Bottle Refill Stations to All Schools – Encourages Use of Reusable Water Bottles

School District 45 (Villa Park, Lombard, Oakbrook Terrace, and Elmhurst) installed new water fountains with bottle refill stations at all eight of their schools. Water bottle refill stations help encourage students, staff, and visitors to utilize reusable water bottles at school. They help decrease waste from single-use water bottles and encourage everyone to drink more water. One school that received their bottle refill station last year already has eliminated waste from almost 40,000 disposable bottles! Way to upgrade for your community and the planet!

Naperville Park District Expands Organic Landscape Maintenance

The Naperville Park District announced they will be expanding their organic park maintenance program from one park to eight. Over the last 13 years the park district has been integrating environmentally-friendly practices into their operations. Knoch Knolls park has been maintained with organic products since 2004 and will now be joined by College Park, Columbia Commons, Cress Creek Park, Crestview Knoll, Dorothea Weigand Riverfront Park, Kingshill Park, and Kroehler Park. The parks will be monitored for two years and, if all goes well, the park district intends to expand the organic maintenance program further. Way to be a leader for wildlife and healthy, natural, outdoor spaces!

Members of the group Non-Toxic Naperville celebrate with Naperville Park District staff.