Meet Our July 2021 Eco-Extraordinaires

Check out this month’s local leaders in green.

Do you know a local organization or person that deserves some green kudos? Email [email protected] to explain who you think should be one of our next Eco-Extraordinaires.

First United Methodist Church of West Chicago Awarded Water Quality Flag
This past month, DuPage County Stormwater Management and SCARCE proudly awarded the First United Methodist Church of West Chicago with the DuPage County water quality flag. Their long list of initiatives included installing rain gardens, applying storm drain medallions, and eliminating the use of pesticides and fertilizers on church grounds. The entire church has been working on these initiatives for years now, demonstrating a deep commitment to water quality and the environment as a whole. Other notable efforts include collecting shoes for the Shoe Crew Water Projects to sell on the world market and purchase equipment to access and purify water in Kenya. They started collecting in 2012 and have collected 31,155 pairs of shoes so far! To view their full list of initiatives, check out their beautiful PowerPoint. Thank you to each and every member of this church!

Jane Hiller Wins 2020 South Carolina Environmental Awareness Award
Former Elmhurst resident Jane Hiller was recently awarded the prestigious S.C. Environmental Awareness Award for 2020. Jane was the first teacher SCARCE Founder Kay McKeen ever hired, and is now serving as the Education Director with Sonoco Recycling in Columbia, South Carolina. Nominees of this award are judged on “excellence in innovation, leadership, and accomplishments that influence positive changes affecting the natural environment.” In 2003, Jane co-founded the South Carolina Green Steps School Initiative, which enlists mentors statewide to support thousands of K-12 students and teachers to engage in environmental projects. Apart from her day job at Sonoco Recycling, Jane is a leader in the Environmental Education Association of South Carolina. At Sonoco, Jane is responsible for educating local governments, businesses, and other groups on the importance of waste reduction, recycling, reuse, and conservation. All of these amazing efforts from one single person are truly astounding. Jane educates thousands of people every year and has made an immeasurable impact on the environment. Congratulations, Jane!