Hot Topics September 2016

A handful of important articles from the news and other environmental organizations from the past month. Scroll down and click underlined sections of text for more details.

County Stormwater Division Offers Citizen Reporter App for Residents to Report Water Issues

Citizen Reporter is a mobile-friendly app for residents to easily and quickly report problems affecting stormwater in their area including illegal dumping, streambank erosion, stream blockages and more. You can even poke around as a guest to get started. There is a permanent link to the Citizen Reporter app at the bottom of SCARCE’s Green Bulletin and Ripples newsletters.

Get a Jump on Planning – Eco-Dates for the Coming School Year
Earth Day April 22nd – 147th Arbor Day April 28 – Climate Education Week (April 16-22)
Start planning for your classroom, school, or organization. Check out Arbor Day Foundation’s interactive history book. Earth Day Network has an ambitious goal to plant 7.8 billion trees by 2020 and has plenty of resources for teachers & schools for both Climate Education Week and Earth Day. Green Schools Initiative has even more ideas and resources from all over the web. And, of course, you can contact us here at SCARCE!

Environmental Groups Win National Victory for Clean Water

Check out how an alliance of organizations got the EPA to commit to stricter rules on industrial stormwater permits including first ever national limit on the use of coal tar products. EPA’s industrial stormwater multi-sector general permit (MSGP) covers activities from oil and gas sites, food processing, metal scrap salvage and more. Polluted run-off is a serious threat to our nation’s waterways. Stricter rules will help improve water quality in our communities rivers, streams, lakes and bays for the better enjoyment of all.

Action for Healthy Kids Grant Applications Due Sept 16th

IL Schools with active parents and PTAs are eligible to apply for grants to fund physical activity programs or nutrition initiatives in schools for the 2016-2017 school year.  Funding can be used to support initiatives such as: Recess; Play Space/Gymnasium Refurbishing; Physical Education Equipment; Classroom Physical Activity Breaks; Nutrition Education; School Gardens; Healthy Celebrations; And More!

Funding Available for Chicago-Area Alternative Fuel Stations

Drive Clean Chicago offers grant rebates for DC Fast Chargers and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Fueling Stations. Private, public and nonprofit organizations are eligible! Applications due by 5pm October 14th. Drive Clean Chicago is an innovative incentive program aimed at creating a roadmap for a greater alternative fuel transportation network for Chicago.