District 30's Environmental Awareness Committee News

District 30's Environmental Awareness Committee News

The Environmental Awareness Committee “Celebrates Earth Day Every Day.” 

District 30’s Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC) mission statement is to "promote responsibility to improve and preserve the environment." 

The Village of Glenview and the Environment & Natural Resources Commission have teamed up on a new initiative aimed at protecting the local ecology and pollinators like bees and butterflies.

"No Mow 'Til Mother's Day" invites residents to avoid mowing their lawn – or a portion of their lawn – through Mother's Day on May 8. Broad adoption of the initiative would have many beneficial effects on the environment, says Dr. Alan Molumby, Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Illinois-Chicago and director of Woodworth Prairie in Glenview. Molumby adds that rabbits, bees, and flies would all benefit from a reduction in mowing, and lawns would likely require less water and fertilizer.

Glenview residents who wish to participate in the program can learn more and sign up here.

Once registered, residents will receive a lawn sign and be exempt from lawn mowing code enforcement through Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8. The lawn sign must be visible from the street and placed on private property (avoid placing signs in parkways -- the space between the sidewalk and the street).

"No Mow" signs can be picked up at Village Hall once registered for the program. Please call the Village at (847) 904-4360 if special accommodation is needed. Lawn signs can be taken down and saved for next year or returned to Village Hall after Mother's Day.

Northfield Township Resumes Recycling Program on April 4

The Northfield Township Road District will resume its Recycling Program on Monday, April 4, 2022, at its facility garage, located at 237 Melvin Drive in Northbrook. This program, designed for Northfield Township residents only, is open 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, except for holidays.

Recyclable items include certain electronics, paint, art supplies, bikes, toys, and flags. A full list of items can be found here.

Invest in Our Planet - Earth Day 2022 - April 22, 2022

Now is the time for the unstoppable courage to preserve and protect our health, our families, and our livelihoods.

For Earth Day 2022, we need everyone to Invest In Our Planet. This year’s theme is focused on engaging the more than 1 billion people, governments, institutions, and businesses who participate in Earth Day to recognize our collective responsibility and to push the transition to an equitable, prosperous green economy for all. 

EARTHDAY‍.ORG is focused on accelerating action, reframing the conversation, and bringing us together to understand that this is within our reach if we harness our collective power. Only by uniting businesses, governments, and individuals to Invest In Our Planet will we magnify our energies to fight the biggest threat to our existence, the climate crisis.

From EarthDay.org - Achieving Climate Restoration through CO2 Removal

Restoration can make an impact in the climate fight. Go to https://www.earthday.org/achieving-climate-restoration-through-co2-removal/

From Go Green Northbrook

Upcoming Events

Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC's) Latest Update:

Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County March Newsletter Highlights: Electronics recycling, document destruction day, pesticide-free lawn care, and more!

Northbrook One of Seven Communities Leading in Monarch Butterfly Conservation

To demonstrate Northbrook’s commitment to environmental stewardship and pollinator conservation, Village President Ciesla signed the Mayors Monarch Pledge for 2021 After a successful year of milkweed giveaways, educational programming, and conservation initiatives, Northbrook is now just one of 7 towns in the Leadership Circle for the National Wildlife Federation’s pledge signatories!

See our community portal

America Recycles Day

On America Recycles Day 2019 (November 15), EPA recognized the importance and impact of recycling, which has contributed to American prosperity and the protection of our environment. The recycling rate has increased from less than 7 percent in 1960 to the current rate of 32 percent. An EPA study found that recycling and reuse activities in the United States accounted for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.

The recycling efforts of communities and businesses throughout the United States have helped with this success and growth. To build on our progress, EPA encourages every American to contribute by recycling right, not only on every annual America Recycles Day, but all year. 

This means checking with your local recycling provider to be certain that they will accept everything you place in your recycling bin. Items like cardboard, metal cans and paper are commonly accepted by local curbside programs, and items like plastic bags, electronics, and batteries can NEVER go in the curbside recycling bin.

Prairie and Butterfly Gardens Provide Seeds for the Future and Help Endangered Insect Species at Wescott and Willowbrook

District 30's K-8 Math and Science Specialist, Kery Obradovich has been overseeing the gardens at Wescott and Willowbrook School since 2015, when we began working with native landscape expert (and more) Foot Stone, Inc.'s, Rob Sulski. His goal was to help establish, maintain, and enhance our native landscapes; and he has even provided his own homegrown plants; most recently in 2018, during the student-assisted planting of the butterfly garden in front of Willowbrook!

The green projects are overseen by Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Melissa HIrsch, who wanted to make sure that the district was providing places for pollinator insects and butterflies to land and to help preserve the insects' survival. Dr. Hirsch is also chair of the district's Environmental Awareness Committee.

On November 9, Ms. Obradovich and Mr. Sulski examined the prairie and butterfly gardens at Wescott School and the butterfly garden at Willowbrook School. In 2018, when Willowbrook students helped plant plugs provided by Mr. Sulski's home garden, the garden ended up flourishing in three years!

Wescott's gardens, long-established, have also continued to bloom with native plants and flowers, with occasional orphan trees that pop up!

Mr. Sulski's recommendation is to cut back the gardens in the fall, which allows them to be neater and to be more vibrant when they rebloom in the spring. It also "recharges" roots and other resources. He and Ms. Obradovich also discussed having another planting of plant plugs activity in spring with students during science classes.

Our gardens are an example of District 30's Environmental Awareness Committee (EAC) mission statement, which is to "promote responsibility to improve and preserve the environment."

 

From Southern Waste Agency of Northern Cook County - Pumpkin Recycling Information

Halloween is over and as pumpkins rot, DON'T put them in the garbage!

Here are better options:

1. Leave them outdoors to feed wildlife

2. Put them in your garden to fortify the soil

3. Put in your landscape organics cart

4. Find a pumpkin collection or smash

Composting is nature’s way of recycling that has environmental benefits:

· Avoids landfill greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing organics (currently, landfills are the 3rd largest producer of methane in the U.S.!)

· Pumpkins are 90% water which is great for our soil, not so good in our landfills

· Produces a useful, nutrient-rich organic product

· Restores eroded and nutrient-depleted soils

How to Prepare Your Pumpkin for Compost:

Only the pumpkins themselves can be composted! No plastic or metal of any kind. Check for and remove any contaminants in/on the pumpkin. If delivered in a garbage bag, remove the pumpkin from the bag.

Pumpkins Must be Free of Decorations

· No Candles

· No Yarn

· No Stickers

· No Googly eyes

· No Plastic ears

· No Non-biodegradable materials

Painted Pumpkins: Some residents may bring painted pumpkins, especially blue (it’s a way to designate their house as peanut-free). Most of this will be acrylic paint and is fully compostable.

For more information go to SWANCC

Electronics Recycling

SWANCC provides environmentally responsible recycling programs for end-of-life electronics for residents of its member communities. In 2012, Illinois adopted legislation that prohibits landfilling of "Covered and Eligible Electronic Devices" which are listed in the table below. Under the Illinois Environmental Protection Act, there is a limit of seven (7) items per household and no electronics can be accepted from municipalities, schools, businesses, or institutions.

Electronics Recycling

Weekly Electronics Recycling

Glenview Transfer Station

3 Providence Way, Des Plaines

Saturdays: 9:00 am - 11:30 am

Open Year-Round

CLOSED: NOVEMBER 27

Hoffman Estates Village Hall

1900 Hassell Rd

Mondays: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Closes for the season November 16

Winnetka Public Works

1390 Willow Rd

Thursdays: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Closes for the season November 19

Accepted Materials

  • Cable Receivers
  • Cell Phones
  • Computer monitors
  • Computers (Desktops, Notebooks, Tablets)
  • Converter Boxes
  • Fax Machines
  • Keyboards
  • Mice
  • MP3 Players
  • Portable Digital Assistants (PDAs)
  • Printers (Multi-function Printers)
  • Satellite Receivers
  • Scanners
  • Televisions (All Types)
  • Video Game Consoles
  • Video Recorders/Players
  • Zip Drives
  • Materials NOT Accepted
  • NO microwaves
  • NO toasters
  • NO blenders
  • NO coffee makers
  • NO vacuum cleaners
  • NO lamps
  • NO stereo equipment
  • NO speakers

These items can be thrown away in the garbage if they cannot be donated for reuse or recycled through other entities. See the Reuse and Recycling Directory for options and call the location first to confirm that your items will be accepted.

One-Day Events will resume in April 2022

 

The EAC has been an integral part of the school community for over 24 years.  Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Dr. Melissa E. Hirsch, has been working with a committed group of individuals by developing and initiating environmental activities district-wide. 

The EAC’s goals include supporting environmental activities at the schools and re-affirming sustainable practices in the lunchrooms. In addition, the committee’s focus is on continuing to build and maintain school gardens for conservation at  Wescott and Willowbrook School.

Initiatives 

• Upholding the no-idling rule during drop-off and pick-up at the schools

• Celebrating, supporting, and promoting Earth Day, America Recycles Day, Green Apple Day of Service, and  Walk and Bike to School Days

• Maintaining the prairie garden at Wescott School, as its plant species continue to enhance aesthetic and butterfly attractiveness. The group is also managing the butterfly and pollinating insect conservation gardens at Wescott and Willowbrook Schools.

• Hosting a pumpkin recycling and composting activity following Halloween for the past two years.

Other actions that have taken place to help raise environmental consciousness include the recycling of electronic equipment, clothing, books, and shoes at the schools. Earth Day assemblies and Arbor Day celebrations also help educate and promote sustainability at our schools.

Northfield Township's 2021 Recycling Brochure

 

Join EARTHDAY.ORG and over 1 billion participants around the world who took action on April 22nd.

TOGETHER, WE WILL RESTORE OUR EARTH.

GCC Midwest Becomes One Earth Collective

We’re getting a new look and a new name! GCC Midwest Inc. is now One Earth Collective. Our 501(c)(3) organization will retain the same board of directors and has a new logo and new digital home at www.oneearthcollective.org.

One Earth Collective has three program areas: One Earth Film Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary season in 2021; One Earth Youth Voices, which focuses on programs for youth ages 8-25; and One Earth Local/Green Community Connections, which focuses on local sustainability programs in Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois.

What You Can Do to Recycle Right Everyday

What happens when you #recycle right? Your recyclables are processed into new products and materials. Join us to advance recycling in the nation at the free, virtual #AmericaRecycles 2020 Innovation Fair and Summit: http://ow.ly/TqCx50CgCca

Fall Composting Available with Advanced Disposal: Leaves, Yard Waste, and Food Scraps

This fall, compost your leaves, yard waste, and food scraps through Advanced Disposal’s Composting Program. Residents may subscribe to a year-round program that runs weekly from April 1 to November 30 and every other week from December 1 to March 31.

Alternatively, residents may purchase disposal stickers at Jewel, Walgreens, ACE Hardware, and Village Hall for $2.08 each. Stickers can be used from April 1 to November 30. Acceptable items may be placed in paper lawn bags or metal/plastic cans and put out on your regular collection day for pick up.

Electronics, including televisions and computers, can be dropped off for recycling 9 a.m. to 12 noon Saturdays, at the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County's Glenview Transfer Station, 3 Providence Way.

Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) Update

SWANCC offers a free educational documentary "Kiss the Ground For Schools" which chronicles the history and importance of the buffalo to the Native American peoples. It's claimed as "The first climate change curriculum focused on drawdown and regeneration." http://bit.ly/3sm8rr6 #d30learns

As administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families continue to be challenged to figure out the best learning strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's important not to let fears interfere with established "green practices" at school AND at home! By continuing to prevent waste, recycle and compost, each of us can be uplifted knowing that our contributions make our environment and community a more sustainable place in which to live and learn.

SWANCC Link to Redesigned Website with Green Guides, Brochures, and Informational Videos

SWANCC Link to "How To Manage Paint and Household Chemicals" Video

SWANCC Link to "Electronics Recycling - Know the Law"

SWANCC Link to "Recycling/Document Destruction"

SWANCC Link to "Reuse and Recycling Directory"

Check Out These Resources:

RECYCLING PROGRAMS for RESIDENTS

America Recycles Day, a Keep America Beautiful initiative, is a nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. Every year on or around November 15, America Recycles Day event organizers educate neighbors, friends, and colleagues through thousands of events.

Go to the America Recycles Day site where you can pledge to recycle, view a list of events around the country, or organize your own event. https://kab.org/events/america-recycles-day/

Keep America Beautiful provides guides, tools, templates, and tips to make it easy to organize your local event and promote recycling awareness, commitment, and action in your community.

Ongoing electronics collections and one-day events are listed on SWANCC's calendar.

Electronics Recycling -Illinois legislation prohibits landfilling select electronics. SWANCC provides environmentally responsible recycling programs for end-of-life computers and banned electronics for residents of its member communities.

The Glenview Transfer Station location is open year-round on Saturdays, from 9 to 11:30 AM.

The semi-permanent locations at Hoffman Estates (Mondays from 10 AM to 12 PM), Mount Prospect (Wednesdays from 10 AM to 12 PM), and Winnetka (Thursdays from 1 PM to 3 PM) are now open.

Document Destruction -  The Agency provides seasonal Document Destruction Events hosted by Member Communities for residents who have sensitive documents to destroy such as medical records, tax forms, bank statements, etc.

Special Materials - SWANCC Member Communities offer programs for various materials that have reusability, recyclability, or need to be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. These included fluorescent bulbs, and mercury-containing devices, medications, and sharps.

Many of these remain closed so please call your community to determine if the collection is open at this time.

Document Destruction only

All SWANCC drop-off locations and events are open to residents of any SWANCC-member community. Please bring an ID or utility bill to verify residency. There is no fee for these services.

Green Pages Reuse and Recycling Directory

The Green Pages Reuse and Recycling Directory lists reuse opportunities for books, clothing, office equipment, sporting goods, toys, and other materials. This guide also provides information on various aspects of recycling and waste, featuring sections for appliances, batteries, construction debris, electronics, office machines, cartridges, metals, motor oil, and many other items.

  1. Visit Green Pages
  2. Recycling Guidelines
  3. Eco-Cleaning Guide
  4. Eco-Friendly Marketplace
  5. Eco-Landscaping Guide ‌  ‌

SWANCC | (847) 724-9205 | info@swancc.org | swancc.org

From Go Green Northbrook "Trees Northbrook"

As with everything else, our state’s stay-at-home order has affected our effort to plant one hundred trees this year. However, we haven’t changed our goal, we have changed the direction of our efforts!

Originally, we reached out to local schools, houses of worship, and other public entities to ask them to join us in planting trees. This work became more difficult as these sites shut down or minimized their meetings. We continue to work with the three sites we had partnered with before the world changed with the pandemic.

As it became difficult for our Master Gardener to safely visit sites, we used the social website Next Door and our newsletter to reach out to the Northbrook Community and asked YOU to plant trees. We also posted a tree planting pledge that readers could use to show their commitment to planting.

  •  The Village’s Parkway Planting program has delivered and planted 218 trees this spring. Thank you to everyone who has ordered a tree through the Village. And thank you to everyone who has planted a tree on their private property. 
  •  Do you want to plant a tree?... When it re-opens the program, the Midwest Water Reclamation District gives away free oak trees (18” tall) at its various sites. Both spring and fall are appropriate planting times for trees so no one has missed the planting window for this year. We continue to ask everyone who has space in their yard to think about planting one tree this year
  • Go Green Northbrook is researching and applying for grants from local agencies that would provide free trees to be planted in public spaces. As this work progresses, we will let the community know.

This pandemic reminds us that we are interdependent. What we all do affects all of us. If everyone uses this window in time to help our shared environment become healthier, we have created something good out of something difficult and dangerous.

Take our Pledge to Plant a Tree @ gogreennorthbrook.org

For information about Go Green Glenview, go to https://www.glenview.il.us/Pages/GoGreenGlenview.aspx

Electronics Recycling Information at the Village of Northbrook

Did you know that electronics cannot be thrown out in the trash or regular recycling? The Village of Northbrook offers two free electronics recycling events a month, but the program is temporarily postponed until Stay-At-Home Orders are lifted.

If you're spring cleaning, we ask that you hold onto your old electronics a little longer or look into reputable companies offering e-recycling. Let's do our part to keep electronics out of landfills! ♻️

Download the flyer here: www.northbrook.il.us/…/Vi…/3621/Electronics-Recycling-Update

Recap of the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day 2020 - "Digital Earth Day connects millions in global calls to action" @ https://bit.ly/3f5gthY

 Arbor Day

The first Arbor Day occurred on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It's estimated that nearly one million trees were planted on this day. Many schools across the country began celebrating Arbor Day by dedicating the trees they planted to special people.

Some Important Facts about Trees

*Trees help clean our air
*Trees contribute to our health
*Trees provide us with oxygen
*Trees help clean our drinking water
*Trees help reduce the effects of climate change...
arborday.org

In honor of Arbor Day, here are a few activities that can be enjoyed as a family!

*Livestream a tree book reading or share videos of librarians reading the poem Trees by Joyce Kilmer to integrate some tree-related activities into your day. Try out some of the suggestions @ https://celebratearborday.com

*Celebrate Arbor Day by joining the Arboretum's Facebook Live event, “Ask a Plant Clinic Expert," on Friday, April 24. From noon to 1 p.m. Plant Clinic Manager Julie Janoski will be live, answering questions about how to care for gardens and trees as spring arrives. Have questions now? Comment below for an opportunity to have them answered by Julie during the live online event. #ArborDay #mortonarboretum #plantclinic arborday.org

*Did you want to do some fun, educational, and engaging Arbor Day activities with children? Here are some activities that are widely used by teachers, moms, dads, and child care providers for learning and teaching while being fun for the kids! Go to https://www.childfun.com/holidays/spring/arbor-day/

April 22, 2020, was the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

https://www.earthday.org/

The first Earth Day was the biggest civic engagement demonstration the world had seen. The 50th anniversary of Earth Day will take mobilization to the next level. We’ll be in touch with ways you can participate in the coming days.

Interesting Fact:

  • District 30's refuse handler, Waste Management, recycles enough materials in one year to fill the Empire State Building more than 27 times. Find out how you can recycle at home and work. Visit www.thinkgreen.com

2019 NEWS

Fourth Graders Share Energy Projects

Math and Science teacher Kery Obradovich has been working with Wescott School fourth-graders on a special energy project this year. Their goal was to obtain and combine information to describe that energy and fuels are derived from natural resources and how their uses affect the environment; and generate and compare multiple solutions to reduce the impacts of natural Earth processes on humans.

Here is their project outline:

*Students analyzed primary source images for each energy resource to generate research questions, and learned basics about each energy.

*Working in groups, students researched 1 of 6 renewable or nonrenewable resources.

 *After research, students were regrouped with 1 student representative from each energy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages.

 *Students then chose the energy that is least harmful to the earth and humans.

 *Students wrote scripts to demonstrate and share their knowledge of their energy.

 *Students used the Apple Clips app to film energy commercials.

View the students' energy commercials at  https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Mp9bQVapedrZknEhupdwHf0ExNRSsweQf3UzFQCdulA/edit?usp=sharing

Glenview Lions Help Revitalize Arbor Day at Schools

The Glenview Lions Club is king when it comes to helping local elementary schools learn about the importance of trees to the environment. On Arbor Day, April 26, for the sixth year-in-a-row, representatives from the Glenview Lions Club visited fourth-graders at Wescott and Willowbrook Schools to share information about tree care and to distribute Norway spruce saplings to the students. The Glenview Lions’ members were Terry and Rita Dooley, President Thomas Zanoni, and Secretary, James Martin.

Since the Glenview Lions have been visiting Wescott and Willowbrook, they have handed out over 800 trees since 2014. The saplings they provided were courtesy of the Fourth Grade Foresters USA, an organization that aims to revitalize the celebration of Arbor Day in schools. The group has distributed 750,000 saplings to fourth graders in over 7,100 schools across the country since 2006. The organization's current goal is to distribute a million trees by 2021.

Mr. Dooley talked about how to plant and care for their saplings. 

He reminded the children, “In the era of global warming and air pollution, tree planting is even more important than ever. Norway Spruce saplings do not spread on their own, but need to be planted to grow and prosper. Trees take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere to help reduce warming and help clean the air we breathe. Planting trees is a simple, inexpensive, and easy way to address the problem.”

A Tree Grows in Northbrook

At Wescott School, there was a planting ceremony before the Glenview Lions’ representatives handed out the Norway Spruce saplings to the kids. Wescott parent Tracey Becker brought her daughter Molly’s two-foot tree which she received as a sapling in fourth grade three years ago. They decided to donate it to the Wescott grounds, next to the butterfly garden. Horticulture expert Rob Sulski (Foot Stone Inc.) with custodian Lucio Castrejon dug the hole for the tree. Students helped pat the earth around it after it was inserted into the ground. Care of the tree was discussed, and many of the kids were excited to see how large a sapling could grow in just a few years.

Those individuals who helped coordinate this activity included Assistant Superintendent Dr. Melissa Hirsch, Wescott Principal Dr. Chris Brown, Willowbrook Principal Dr. Scott Carlson, with fourth-grade teachers Jane Eilhauer, Julie Molay, Jennifer Murnick, Jessica Schutz, Betsie Onsrud, Jennifer Lund, and Molly Shanahan.

Northfield Township Road District’s Recycling Information
 
The Northfield Township Road District is located at 237 Melvin Drive in Northbrook. The Northfield Township Road District’s recycling facility accepts a wide variety of items for charitable reuse or responsible recycling, which are listed in detail on the Road District’s website

In addition to weekday recycling, the Road District also hosts off-site recycling and paper shredding events at locations around the community. Residents are encouraged to check the Road District website for scheduled events. For more information about Northfield Township recycling programs, call the Road District at (847) 724-7055.

About the Northfield Township Road District

Located in northern Cook County, Northfield Township represents nearly 78,000 people. Under Highway Commissioner Tim Rueckert's leadership, the Road District provides efficient and economical services for residents in the unincorporated areas of Glenview, Northbrook, and Northfield. Working together in a cooperative and professional manner with neighbors, Cook County, the State of Illinois, and the surrounding villages, problems are identified, and practical, cost-effective solutions are developed utilizing the resources at hand. The Road District is located is 237 Melvin Drive, Northbrook. For more information visit Northfield Township Road District or call 847-724-7055.

Recycling 

What can and can't be recycled in Northbrook at https://www.advanceddisposal.com/il/northbrook/northbrook-collection/guideline/northbrook-il  

What can and can't be recycled in Glenview at https://glenview.il.us/Pages/GarbageRecycling.aspx

SWANCC Offers Environmental Programs for Glenview Educators

Invite SWANCC staff to give a presentation about solid waste technologies, waste reduction tips, and what individuals are doing to be more “green” to groups of 25 or more. Information will be adjusted for age-appropriateness.

Join the Elist for Educators to be notified of resources for educators related to waste reduction, recycling, composting, and resources relevant to the classroom.

Chances are good that we have previously hosted a workshop with your current needs in mind; however, there is always room for new topics. If you have suggestions, call SWANCC at (847) 724-9205 or write info@swancc.org.

SWANCC Display for Loan

Community groups, organizations, or schools in Glenview can borrow a display board highlighting community and educational programs offered by the Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC), along with examples of Agency resources. Contact SWANCC for details at info@swancc.org.