building a sustainable city: environmental accomplishments ... · 4 city of elmhurst police...

Building a

Sustainable City:

Environmental

Accomplishments

in the Elmhurst

Community

Highlights of Sustainable Efforts by

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Members

2007-2012

2

At the beginning of 2013, the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition* set out to record as many of our community’s environmental accomplishments as we could with the help of organizations and residents that form our coalition. The following pages reflect the enthusiastic responses we received to our first documentation project. As you will see, the Elmhurst community boasts an impressive list of accomplishments documented as far back as 2007 with only a portion included in this report. From community institutions to individual residents, this document details our collective efforts in the hopes that we can help further define our city’s environmental vision, share resources, pro-mote our successes, and develop strategies to improve our overall environmental sustainability.

According to the Institute for Sustainable Communities, a sustainable community seeks:

• A better quality of life for the whole community without compromising the well being of other communities

• Healthy ecosystems• Effective governance supported by meaningful and broad-based citizen participation• Economic security

A sustainable community’s success depends upon its members’ commitment and involvement through:

• Active, organized, and informed citizenship• Inspiring, effective, and responsive leadership• Responsible, caring, and healthy community institutions, services, and businesses

We view this document as the first in a series of what we hope to be regular reports, with future documentation detailing the cost-effectiveness and quantifying the carbon-reducing impact of each of our efforts. We also hope these reports will become more comprehensive in nature to reflect the entire community’s efforts and impact. To our community, we say “Congratulations!” Our achievements are to be commended. We encourage you to continue in your efforts, and look forward to working with you, the City of Elmhurst and our other Coalition affiliates as we focus on the present and future environmental sustainability of Elmhurst.

Sincerely, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition

* See page 43 for more background on the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and this project.

A Climate for Change

3

A Climate for Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Table of Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Contributors

City of Elmhurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4AAUW - Elmhurst . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Elmhurst Bike Task Force . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Elmhurst College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Elmhurst Garden Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Elmhurst League of Women Voters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Elmhurst Park District . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Elmhurst Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Elmhurst Public Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29Sustainable Efforts by Elmhurst Residents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30CUB Energy Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Energy Impact Illinois Home Energy Efficiency Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35First Congregational United Church of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Heaven & Earth Growers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38St. Peter’s United Church of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Select Elmhurst School Group and PTA Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Background on the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44DuPage Cool Counties Resolution. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Table of Contents

4

City of Elmhurst

Police Department

• Six Police Department vehicles were purchased with E-85 Flex Fuel. This is a continued effort to reduce dependence on carbon dioxide producing fossil fuels and meet the Fleet Department’s plan of converting the City fuel island to E-85 within the next year.

• Members of the Elmhurst Police Department participated in the Elmhurst Bicycle Task Force promoting the use of bicycles throughout the community (Bicycle Friendly Community).

• Officers of the Elmhurst Police Department utilized Bicycle Patrols.• The Elmhurst Police Department recycled the spent lead from the firearms range.• The Elmhurst Police Department participated in the drug Enforcement Administration’s

(D.E.A.) prescription drug take back program.• Recycled documents from our annual records destruction. “RockTenn” Company located in

Aurora, IL, provided a free confidential document destruction process. The documents are pushed into the hydro-pulper, mixed with chemicals, and destroyed. The remaining paper fibers are then repurposed to manufacture 100% recycled paperboard.

• Retrofitted existing light fixtures in the police department locker rooms which improved the lighting conditions and did not increase energy use. This resulted in a brighter room for the same cost.

Community Development

• The Building Department has implemented and enforces the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2012 Edition, as required by the State of Illinois. The IECC is designed to opti-mize the use of fossil fuels and non-depletable resources and establishes minimum standards for energy efficient buildings.

• A two-year contract was signed with MC2 to provide lower electricity rates for Elmhurst residents. The new rate includes a 50 percent requirement of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), which funds future development of renewable energy sources.

• The City of Elmhurst supports and promotes the annual Recycling Extravaganza sponsored by Elmhurst College.

• The City of Elmhurst received a 2012 Illinois Cool Cities Achievement Award for its efforts in reducing greenhouse gases through the implementation of sustainable practices (as highlighted in this document).

Fire Department

• Elmhurst Fire Station No. 2 was named a Leadership in Energy Efficiency and Design-certified fire station from the National Green Building Council. Only five fire stations in Illinois have earned the designation. The building, designed by FGM Architects and built by McHugh Construction, earned a Silver rating for being built with sustainable materials.

Continued on following page

5

The fire station also earned a Bronze Award from Fire Chief magazine in the station style category. More than 100 stations nationwide entered the competition.

• As part of annual vehicle replacement, one fire department vehicle was replaced with a Toyota Hybrid Prius. This vehicle will be primarily used for in-town trips.

• Replacing all T-12 flourescent lighting with more energy efficient T-8 fluorescent lighting. Grant received from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity and Illinois Clean Energy Programs to replace all primary lighting at Fire Station 1.

Information Technology

• Recycled 2537 lbs. of electronic equipment.• Recycled 448 printer ink and toner cartridges.• Recycled 60 Konica Minolta Copier Toners.• Reduction of City Wide desktop printers from 140 to 85.• A paperless agenda system will eliminate approximately 200,000 City Council agenda packet

copies made annually at an estimated savings of $10,000 per year.

Public Works Department

• Planted 420 new trees per year over the last 10 years.• The total biological component of the diesel fuel consumed in 2012/2013 was 9,997 gallons in

an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and our dependency on foreign oil.• All utility covers atop the fuel storage tanks were inspected to insure proper attachment to

U.S.T. and related utilities and uneven concrete encompassing manholes were replaced.• Installed three new bike racks in the Central Business District.• Collected and recycled 514 lbs. of holiday lights from the Elmhurst

community in 2013.• Completed an energy audit of all City owned properties.• Posted 20 lane miles of roadway with Bike Route Signs and 64 Share The

Road signs.• Completed a lighting retrofit at Fire Station 1 that converted 106 T12

fixtures to T8 fixtures reducing electrical consumption.• Budgeted $10,000 in FY 2013 for Energy Consumption Reduction

Measures at the parking structures.• Installed three new bicycle racks in the Central Business District, three

bicycle racks at the parking decks, bicycle racks in the South York St. business area and 10 bicycle lockers at the Metra Station bicycle parking area.

City of Elmhurst (continued)


6

• Installed two recycling containers at the Metra Station.• Partnered with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition to collect old residential refuse and recycling

bins and cans which were replaced by new, wheeled carts. Old recycling bins were donated to various Elmhurst organizations, including Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, Elmhurst Park District and Elmhurst College.

Public Works – Engineering

• The majority of the demolition material for the 135 Addison site was sent off for recycling. In addition, a majority of the building brick was salvaged and bundled for use.

• The Waste Water Treatment Plant Paving Project directed storm water drainage from the site to vegetation strips, infiltration basins, and an infiltration trench. These methods direct the runoff away from Salt Creek improving water quality. Native plants hold and treat the contaminants, again improving water quality. The runoff recharges the groundwater supply.

• The new commercial development known as the Radu Orthodontic Center at 501 S. York Street, which is under construction, will be providing some of their required best management practices onsite with the design of a naturalized infiltration area. This will clean the water run-off prior to exiting the site.

• An existing commercial property at 737 N. Oaklawn Avenue known as Wesco International started construction of a parking lot expansion. The parking lot expansion triggered best man-agement practices and company has elected to modify their existing detention pond to provide the required best management practices which will significantly improve the quality of storm-water runoff leaving the property.

• The new residential townhome development known as the Elm Creek Townhomes has installed a naturalized detention basin. This basin will serve a dual purpose for detention and water quality. The basin is currently graded and will be established with vegetation during the summer of 2013.

• West Avenue pedestrian improvements were completed by the City and Railroad to better accommodate non-vehicular traffic along West Avenue. Sidewalks were installed from Alex-ander to Third Street and pedestrian crossing gates were added at the railroad crossing. Safer bicycle and pedestrian routes encourage residents to use alternate forms of transportation, reducing vehicular congestion and improving air quality.

• York at Brush Hill Intersection Improvements included the reconfiguration of the existing intersection to allow access to westbound Illinois Route 38 for northbound and southbound York Street and eastbound Brush Hill Road. In addition, a northbound right turn lane, south-bound left turn lane and southbound right turn lane were added. The improvements will reduce regional congestion therefore improving air quality by redistributing some area traffic away from other busy intersections while providing more direct routes of travel to westbound IL Route 38.

• Inlet baskets and erosion control measures are required as necessary on all public works con-struction projects to minimize dirt and debris from entering the storm sewer system.



7

Water-Wastewater Production and Treatment Division

• Completed installation of a new dual-fired gas generator at the Elmhurst Water Reclamation Facility (EWRF). The generator runs on both natural gas and methane gas. Methane gas is produced as a byproduct of the treatment process. This generator allows the City to save on fuel purchases as the equipment consumes methane produced at the treatment plant and produces electrical energy utilized in plant operations.

• Completed construction of the Anaerobic Digester No. 3. This project includes a natural gas/methane fueled main boiler for heating, and a natural gas/methane fueled boiler for the new digester. These were funded through the low interest loan program at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

• The EWRF sponsored a rain barrel program for Elmhurst Citizens.• The Production and Treatment division began a procedure to select paint for construction and

maintenance projects that contained minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in industrial paints.

Water-Wastewater Distribution and Collection Division

• The Atrium sanitary sewer force main replacement project was designed and constructed this year. The project included replacing 1,400 feet of pipe in Eldridge Park. In order to protect environmentally sensitive areas along Salt Creek, the City utilized directional boring techniques.

• The City cleaned and televised 15,000 feet of large diameter sanitary sewer line. The clean-ing operation removed large quantities of debris and sludge, thereby improving sewer system capacity.

• Completed annual fire hydrant flushing program and water leak survey in compliance with water conservation management best practices by repairing any leaks identified.

• Staff implemented a Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program in order to protect the sanitary system and prevent overflows. This program includes inspecting all of the food service estab-lishments (FSE) and automobile repair/fueling facilities in the City of Elmhurst. Another aspect of capacity, management, operation and maintenance of the sanitary system is root control and to that end, staff removed roots, flushed and cleaned 75,421 feet of sanitary sewers. In addition, 20,900 feet of sanitary sewer were treated with a root inhibitor to retard root growth.

• Completed three-year phased installation of radio frequency (RF) devices for full implementa-tion of the automated water meter reading system. This means that meter technicians are driv-ing much less and emitting less carbon into the atmosphere as a result.


8

AAUW - Elmhurst

As an organization, AAUW has been trying to reduce printing as much as possible. • Our newsletter is printed only for those without email.• Minutes, agendas, etc., are sent electronically. • Dues can now be paid online, too, which saves more paper and expense. • Our annual used book sale is a big recycling event. Every year, we receive donations of books

that might have been discarded and sell them to new readers. We work with other non-profits to get the unsold books donated or recycled rather than sending them to the landfill.

9

The Bike Task Force has been focused on making Elmhurst a more bike friendly community, with the end goal of hav-ing more people use their bikes for exercise, recreation and transportation. In doing this, we are reducing individuals’ carbon footprints by substituting a bicycle for their car. This is especially true when the bike is used for transporta-tion. When using the bike for exercise, it may also reduce trips made to the health club, often by car. The order in which these are listed has no relationship to their importance. Further, the Bike Task Force does not claim full ownership on these items. They have been accomplished with the support of our elected officials of the City, Park District and School District and their respective staffs.• Suggested routes for biking through Elmhurst have been sign posted and a map of suggested

routes through the City has been posted on the City’s web site.• Bike racks have been placed around City Centre, with more to come.• The amount of bike parking for Metra commuters has been doubled.• District 205 is actively engaged in the Safe Routes To School (SRTS) initiative, reducing the

number of students that are driven to and from school.• With our SRTS grant, we are teaching more students the rules of the road

and safe bike handling skills.• Elmhurst has adopted a Bike Parking Ordinance which requires that bike

parking be added whenever there is new construction or reconstruction in Commercial Zones 2 and 3. • The Bike Plan has been added to the Elmhurst Comprehensive Plan.

This incorporates into Elmhurst’s plans a number of environmental upgrades to the biking infrastructure to make it safer to navigate Elmhurst by bike.

• The Illinois Prairie Path crossing of the Canadian National railroad tracks has been modified to make it more user friendly and safe, including crossing arms and re-graded approaches.

• The addition of the sidewalk on West Avenue, north of the Union Pacific crossing, has greatly improved accessibility for both cyclists and pedestrians.

• The Prairie Path crossing at York Road has been improved, rerouting the Prairie Path at Berkeley St. and Spring Road has made these crossings much safer.

• The City staff and elected officials have begun to think in terms of “What does this do for the safety of cyclists and pedestrians if we do…..?”

Elmhurst Bike Task Force


10

Elmhurst Bike Task Force (continued)

• Organized bike collection drives with the Working Bikes Cooperative. This helped to keep bikes that were no longer used or wanted from the waste stream. In turn, Working Bikes repaired and repurposed the bikes for both domestic and international distribution.

• Each year, the Task Force has organized and led a clean up of trash along the Illinois Prairie Path.

• Much of our efforts around Elmhurst create an awareness of bikes and biking, as transportation and recreation. A good example of this is the upcoming Elmhurst Cycling Classic this summer. Though not originated by the Bike Task Force, we have been very supportive of the effort and assis-tive where appropriate. This will be a great awareness creating event. In addition, our activi-ties have stimulated the Front Porch, Fine Print and local newspapers to publish articles about active transportation.

11

Elmhurst College

The Elmhurst College Sustainability Plan

In 2009, Elmhurst College implemented an ambitious Sustainability Plan designed to:• Provide direction for the College’s sustainability efforts• Increase awareness and understanding of environmental issues• Encourage campus-wide participation• Improve the College’s support for green, sustainable practices• Educate students about their role in stewardship of resources• Engage higher education and community organizations involved in

sustainability• Connect sustainability to the College’s Strategic Plan• Create a five-year outline for measuring progress

Sustainability Initiatives on Campus

• Hit the Switch: Signage throughout campus to encourage reductions in energy use

• No Idling: Policies to reduce exhaust fumes on campus• Greenhouse Gas Survey: Indicates that Elmhurst College has a

smaller carbon footprint than many peer institutions• Do I Really Need Copies? Signage: To encourage reductions in copy

paper waste• Recycling Extravaganza: Annual public event to encourage

reuse and recycling• Organic Garden Project: Student-supported project launched in 2012• Food Scrap Composting Program: Ongoing program to bring together local

composters• Greening Your Home: Presentations to educate the College community about

recycling• Office Supply Swap: Annual event reduces waste and costs• Energy Impact Illinois: Sponsored presentation and developed student

internships• Learning Gardens Conference: Sponsored this conference in April 2013

Conservation and Recycling on Campus

• File shredding on campus has saved 34 trees since 2009.• Since December 2010, the College has recycled 646 mattresses, resulting in a savings of

$19,260.


12

• In 2011, we recycled 171 tons of single-stream recyclable material—saving 2,280 trees, 639 cubic yards of landfill space and 791,770 kilowatt-hours of electricity.

• The College recycles nearly 1,000 toner cartridges for campus reuse every year.• Resident students recycled 56.25 pounds of batteries and 33.74 pounds of plastic bottle caps.• The campus community collected 18,000+ used plastic bags to give to New Life for Old Bags,

which converts the bags into mats.• Since January 2009, the College has recycled 33,385 pounds of fryer oil into bio-fuel and

animal feed.• Plumbing modifications made to four residence halls in 2007 saved 1,065,000 gallons of water

by 2011.• All landscaping waste is mulched and used on College grounds.• The College’s April 2012 Recycling Extravaganza netted

more than 85,000 pounds of electronic equipment for recycling, and an additional 20,100 pounds during another electronics recycling event in October 2012.

• Commercial kitchen food scrap recycling began in Fall 2012.

Sustainable, Healthy Dining

Chartwells, Elmhurst College’s dining services vendor, takes a sustainable approach to food preparation and service. Features include:• Ocean-friendly seafood• Cage-free eggs• Antibiotic-free poultry and eggs• Hormone-free milk• Locally grown food• Fair-trade coffee and tea• Vegetarian options• Reusable takeout containers• Composting program for food scraps• Collection and recycling of used oil and grease• Distribution of used coffee grounds for gardeners• Compostable flatware, napkins, plates and cups

Elmhurst College (continued)


13

West Hall and Environs

West Hall, which opened its doors to 170 students in August 2008, is a residence hall that puts the principles of sustainable design to work in the day-to-day lives of students.• Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Level (certified by the U.S.

Green Building Council)• 42 roof-top solar panels heat 40% of hot water used in West Hall• Efficient lighting controlled by motion sensors• Underground cisterns collect rain water to irrigate

water-efficient landscape• Toilets and faucets are water savers• Uses 1/3 as much heat as a typical building• Surrounded by a prairie garden• Parking lot uses permeable pavers for clean runoff

Campus Engagement

Elmhurst College offers a wealth of student organiza-tions devoted to sustainability, including:• Greenjays: Student members of the Greenjays educate

the campus about ways to conserve energy and pro-mote sustainability. Look for announcements during Orientation and throughout the year.

• Living Green Team: This group focuses on compost-ing and recycling programs in the College cafeteria, the Bluejays’ Roost and the residence halls. Contact Residence Life about joining the team.

• Green Cup Competition: Each year, the Green Cup is awarded to the residence hall occupants who show the greatest reduction in water and electricity usage and waste during the school year.

• Sustainability Committee: Faculty, staff members and students work together to improve sustainability practices on campus.



14

The Elmhurst College Arboretum

• Arboretum encompasses the entire 48-acre campus• Established in 1966 with a single oak tree• Now includes more than 800 trees and numerous shrubs and bushes• 120 labeled tree species, including exotic and rare specimens• Accredited by the Morton Register of Arboreta• A designated Tree Campus USA• A great resource for teaching and learning

Participation, Awards & Recognition

• Member of Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)• Winner of a Bronze Level Recognition Award as a member of the Illinois Campus Sustainability

Compact• Member, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and Elmhurst Bike Task Force• Designated as a Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation• Received Water Resources Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies• Earned Sustainable Development Award from the Conservation Foundation• Campus is accredited as a Level II Arboretum• Winner of a Green Initiatives Award from DuPage County• Earned a Making a Visible Difference Award from the Clean Air Counts Program


15

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition

Founded in 2007, the mission of the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is to address the difficult problem of climate change by bringing about a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through education, outreach and community action.

• Elmhurst Green Fest: 2008, 2009, 2010 & will partner with the Elmhurst Park District on the new 2013 Green Fest.

• Project Green residential energy efficiency program: 2010• Partnered with Whitney Design to plant 10 linden trees for 10

families in Elmhurst as part of 350.org’s 10.10.10 worldwide campaign to reduce carbon on that day. Each three-inch caliper tree was planted on the west side of the home in order to create a potential 30% reduction in air conditioning costs at maturity: 2010

• Great Donation Day: 2011• Awareness campaign for renewable energy with municipal

electric aggregation: 2012• Eco Cars Night at City Centre Cool Cars Under the Stars:

2012, 2013• Partnership with Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) Energy Savers

creating Elmhurst Energy Savers Team: 2012, 2013 • Partnership with Energy Impact Illinois, promoting the energy

efficiency of residential and small commercial buildings via public and business association presentations: 2012, 2013

• “Caught You Doing Something Cool” series of articles raising aware-ness of Elmhurst businesses, organizations and residents that are striv-ing for sustainable solutions: 2012

• “Positively Green” blog: 2013• Partnered with the City of Elmhurst to encourage re-use of residents’

old recycling toters during the switch to new automated toters. Used bins were collected and redistributed to local organizations and schools: 2013

• Community Sustainability Accomplishments Project: 2013

16

Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205

• The Elmhurst School District (District 205) has continued to schedule the heating, air-condi-tioning and, where possible, light usage on a weekly basis to reduce building utility costs by limiting occupied settings to only those times when the building or area is in use. Three build-ing managers have been trained in the use of our automated system and are responsible for their respective buildings.

• Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Grants have been utilized to upgrade lighting systems to more efficient models throughout the District.

• With financial assistance from the York Booster Club and District 205 Foundation, York’s Clarence D. East football stadium lighting was replaced with automated hooded lights that reduce light “spill” and will save $27,000 over 10 years due to increased efficiency. In addition, the sound system was upgraded to constrain “noise pollution” in the neighborhood.

• The installation of the synthetic Field Turf playing surface at York has eliminated the need for watering, fertilizing and greatly reduced the use of field lining paint.

• In the summer of 2013, the York High School Aquatic Center will become the District’s first space totally lit by LED lighting.

• District 205 adopted Illinois Green Clean Standards in 2008 and was the first K-12 district in the state to achieve gold status for compliance. Improvements realized include:

- Switched to ammonia-free glass cleaner - Using only low VOC floor finishes - Using non-acid bowl cleaner - Discontinued the use of butane-based cleaners - Utilizing eco-friendly floor stripper or chemical-free floor stripping - Eliminating yearly floor stripping and refinishing in favor of only doing so when

absolutely needed - Changing practices to encourage custodians to always use the least aggressive

option first - Utilizing reusable micro-fiber fabrics for cleaning applications - Moved to recycled products for toilet paper and paper towels - Moved to foaming hand soap that uses much less product per use

• The use of co-mingled recycling has been expanded and made standard. This method makes recycling easier by allowing users to recycle paper, plastic, metals and other recyclables in the same container. Cardboard shipping containers are bundled and recycled. One hundred percent of our florescent lamps are now recycled.

• Our Technology Department has moved to large-scale recycling of equipment, including com-puters, monitors and printers. Printer cartridges are recycled.


17

Elmhurst District 205 (continued)

• York High School has begun to move to virtual desktop computing. This uses significantly less energy than traditional desktop computers and results in less electronic materials to dispose of at the end of life.

• The first high-speed energy efficient hand dryers have been added at York High School and more will be added throughout the District as budget allows. These units are environmentally friendly and eventually pay for themselves through the reduction in the use of paper towels.

• District 205 now resells or recycles large items and appliances as scrap whenever possible. • Throughout all recent construction and remodeling projects, climate-appropriate plantings that

minimize the need for watering or fertilization have been installed. • District 205 continues to plant trees above the replacement rate for those that we have lost. • On a grand scale, Hawthorne Elementary School (completely renovated in 2008), as well as

other recent projects and additions throughout District 205, have utilized more efficient variable-output systems for heating and cooling.

• In new construction and rehabbing projects, motion-detecting lights, dual-flush toilets and water-saving faucets have become standard across District 205.

• Traditional water cooler drinking fountains are being replaced with ones equipped with bottle filling stations to encourage the reuse of water bottles (four are in place at York High School and one at Field Elementary School). In the past year, three such stations at York have reclaimed the equivalent of 200,000 bottles. The first month of use at Field has seen the equivalent of 3,000 bottles reclaimed.

18

Elmhurst Garden Club


1

Compilation Chart of Elmhurst Garden Club Eco‐friendly Activities Activity Year

implementedAmount/numbers of change

Number of Participants

‘Plant a Patch” project Planting native plants

2010‐11

70 plants, 43 species 20 members participated

Doug Tallamy’s bookEducate members on the need to plant native plants to preserve native insects

2010 ‐ ongoing Increased Club awareness on importance of native plants.

Membership (100+) educated at meetings and through monthly newsletter submissions and occasionally e‐blasts.

Established Monarch Waystation in Eldridge Park in conjunction with EPD

2006‐2007 80 butterfly bushes, several flats of milkweed and verbena

Four Scout, Den and Cub Packs; 10 Club members

Presentations on Monarch butterflies

Since 2009 Schools (includes students and teachers) in Elmhurst, DuPage County, Chicago and organizations in same.

Elmhurst: 792 DuPage: 3819 DuPage County, Adults and families: 2694 Chicago schools: 65 Chicago adults: 285 TOTAL: 7655

Arbor/Earth Day distribution of free native bushes and trees

2011 2004

40 native bushes and trees planted44 native trees planted

30 members 20 members

Reuse containers purchased at resale shops and garage sales for plant designs and exhibits (Christmas, Chinese New Year, demonstrations, etc.)

Since 2000

Designs and Exhibits Committee has five to six individuals/year that shop and purchase flower containers

Two liter (soda) bottles cut down and used as container for arrangements with senior citizens

Since 1990s Members provide bottles as needed and Committee cuts down.

Garden Therapy Committee

Use flowers and branches from our gardens for floral arrangements (rather than purchase)

2000 Ten to 15 members provide floral materials from their gardens.

Designs and Exhibits Committee and Garden Therapy

19

Elmhurst Garden Club (continued)


2 Conduct two plant sales each year

Since 1970s Reuse/recycle at least 40 plant containers /plant sale (exchange) and two plant sales are conducted in a yr.

Horticultural

Baskets are collected and recycled among members

2009 Baskets are saved and shared for raffle prizes twice/yr.

Ways and Means

Club is using PowerPoint for meeting agendas

2013 No printed agendas President

Promotion of coffee grounds as soil amendment

2000 Interested Members

Most communication with members is done electronically (newsletters, bylaws, copies, etc.

2006 Gradual switch made from paper to electronic. Members asked to pay additional dues for paper copy of newsletter

Newsletter Chair initiated

EGC has encouraged EPD to use recycling containers in Wilder Mansion

March 2013 Membership of EGC. Hopefully this activity will be continued to other organizations using Wilder Mansion.

60

20

Elmhurst Garden Club (continued)

List of EGC Conservation Program Topics

Fall 2008 to spring 2009

9/08: Shedd Aquarium 1/09: Monarch Butterflies 3/09: Woodies 101


10/09: Vermiculture and Composting 11/09: Attracting Birds and Bird Feeding


9/10: "No Child Left Inside" by Elizabeth Dierksheide, Churchville Middle School; Prairie planting and wellness garden for students.

10/10: Weather 2/11: "Winter Sowing" by Kelly Bryant‐‐planting seeds outdoors using repurposed plastic

milk jugs. 3/11: "Why Every Garden Should Use Yogurt, Vinegar, Molasses and Gypsum" by Bill

Scheffler, Pure Prairie Organics. 5/11: "Conservation Gardening" by Jim Kleinwachter, The Conservation Foundation 6/11: Second Annual Garden Swap: Member exchange of books, tools and other garden

items. Fall 2011 to spring 2012

10/11: "Fruitful Returns" by Judy Wherly‐‐landscaping with fruit bearing trees and shrubs. 1/12: Water Issues and the DuPage River Salt Creek Work Group, Dennis Streicher and

Stephen McCracken 3/12: Pruning Techniques, Elmhurst College horticulture department 5/12: Beekeeping 6/12: Third Annual Garden Swap


10/12: “Mini Climates” by Cindy Tyley‐‐understanding why there are cold and warm spots in the garden and planting the right plant for the location to save water and other resources.

1/13: “Going for the Green” by Kevin Goss, Superintendent, Sugar Creek Golf Course ‐ understanding the role municipal golf courses play in storm water management, wildlife habitat, and the community.

2/13 “Night: The Overlooked Natural Environment” by Drew Carhart, Illinois Responsible Lighting Coalition‐ ‐ understanding the importance of night and darkness for a healthy ecosystem.

EGC Member Education Programs: Approximately 30 to 45 members participate per program.

21

Elmhurst League of Women Voters

On a chilly evening in October 2006, the League of Women Voters of Elmhurst (LWVE) spon-sored a showing of An Inconvenient Truth at the York Theatre. The movie sold out with a line stretching around the block! Seeing this extraordinary response, The League of Women Voters joined forces with the Sierra Club to form the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition. The League has been a partner with the Cool Cities Coalition since that time.

Local Initiatives

• The LWVE sends our monthly newsletter, Shop Talk, electronically to all but six members who have requested paper copies. In the past two years, we have periodically included information in this publication on “green initiatives” that members can use.

• Monthly Observer Reports, summations of meetings of public bodies, are emailed to the membership.

• The LWVE offers a carpool service to any member wishing to take ad-vantage of this gas-saving method in order to attend League events.

• All dues for local events can be paid online.• Recent public programs (held at the Elmhurst Public Library)

have included natural plantings, water management, energy efficiency for your home, waste management, the Salt Creek Greenway Trail and food safety.

• The LWVE developed information for voters on the Electric Aggregation issue on the ballot and spoke about this important choice at a LWVE Candidate Forum in 2011.

• Featured questions for city and school board candidates about environmental sustainability on the 2013 voters guide, and at the 2013 LWVE Candidate Forum.

• Action alert items regarding pending legislation on environmental and resource issues are emailed to members.


22

Regional Initiatives

The LWVE is a member of the Lake Michigan League of Women Voters, an Inter-League Organization made up of the local Leagues of Women Voters within the Lake Michigan watershed and/or regional planning areas. Through participation in this regional organization, the LWVE supports their ongoing goals which include:• Educating the public and the Lake Michigan Leagues on the problems of Lake Michigan and

the Great Lakes.• Encouraging public participation in planning for the protection and restoration of the

Great Lakes.• Supporting scientific research for the Great Lakes.• Encouraging shoreline management planning and implementation.

State and National Initiatives

Local, State, and National Leagues have adopted very specific environmental issues for ongo-ing study and advocacy. The overarching goal of these initiatives is to promote an environment beneficial to life through the protection and wise management of natural resources for the public good. The LWVE has participated in exploring and promoting these efforts through public forums, participation in regional conferences, and legislative advocacy. These issues include:• Global Climate Change – Climate change is the greatest environmental challenge of our, or per-

haps any, generation. The League is calling for prompt action to cut this country’s greenhouse gas emissions, freeze construction of new coal-fired power plants and invest in a new clean energy economy. This a priority issue for the State of Illinois League.

• Fracking – The League supports safe drilling and mining practices and the significant strengthening of appropriate regulation, oversight, inspection, and penalties associated with the development of fossil fuel resources through hydraulic fracturing. Preservation of a healthy environment is a top priority

• Natural Resources & Resource Management – Promote the management of natural resources as interrelated parts of life-supporting ecosystems. Promote resource conversation, stewardship and long-range planning, with the responsibility for managing natural resources shared by all levels of government. Promote public understanding and participation in decision making as essential elements of responsible and responsive management of our natural resources.

• Environmental Protection & Pollution Control – Preserve the physical, chemical and biological integrity of the ecosystem, with maximum protection of public health and the environment, specifically air quality, energy, land use, water resources, waste management and nuclear power.

• Food Systems – Promote adequate supplies of food at reasonable prices to consumers; support economically viable farms, environmentally sound farm practices and increased reliance on the free market to bring safe foods to the public.

League of Women Voters (continued)

23

Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare has partnered with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition for several years and has implemented several green initiatives: • Implemented a comprehensive recycling program at the new hospital which includes:

paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard and batteries.• Selected energy efficient equipment for heating and cooling the new hospital.• Implemented smart lighting at the new hospital which minimizes lighting in areas that

are not in use.• Incorporated green spaces with natural vegetation at the new hospital which reduces

the use of fe rtilizers, watering and mowing.• Utilizes a committee to look for strategies to improve recycling and minimize waste

throughout the organization.• Utilizes paints and finishes throughout the organization that are low in volatile organic

compounds (VOCs).• Utilizes several cleaning products which carry the Green Seal for eco-friendly.• Recycles electronics equipment.

Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare

24

Elmhurst Park District

The Elmhurst Park District (EPD) is dedicated to the health and safety of its employees, custom-ers, community and environment. It is the intent of the EPD to assume a leadership role in the development and use of sound environmental policies, practices, and opportunities. Our commit-ment to the prevention of pollution as well as compliance with relevant environmental regula-tions and other requirements also extends to contractors who perform work for the EPD.The Elmhurst Park District created an Environmental Committee (also known as the Green Team) in 2008 to assess the agency’s environmental needs and incorporate strategies to meet those needs. The current committee consists of 11 staff members representing all EPD departments. The Green Team developed a comprehensive Environmental Policy and Long-Term Action Plan in order to track implementation of green objectives. An increased awareness and support of green initiatives within the agency has been very encouraging and this ongoing commitment throughout the agency is of the greatest benefit to the Elmhurst community. Both of the above-mentioned documents can be found on the EPD website.The Elmhurst Park District’s Green Team has outlined the following Priorities for its 29 parks and facilities:Environmental Policy: Established to assess development projects and programs as they related to environmental benefits vs. cost to the EPD vs. payback (time).Purchase and Use of Environmentally Safe and Sensitive Products: Guidelines to assist with the purchase of environmentally-friendly products, and identify opportunities to purchase in bulk or in quantityProtection of Air, Water, Soil and Wildlife: Participate in the Clean Air Counts (CAC) program. Create (Implement) specific plan with procedures for Ozone Action Days. Develop a maintenance plan for Eldridge Park Lagoon (aeration, wildlife management, chemical usage). Seek new opportunities to conserve water (e.g. recharge pool water back into environment).Use of Energy Sources: Develop new building environmental checklist (energy efficiency, alter-native energy systems); create an energy audit; consolidate existing appliance inventory/replace-ment plan and develop criteria for replacement of appliances.Reduction and Handling of Waste: Reduce paper usage, implement poo-free parks, recycling Wilder Park playground, collect holiday lights for recycling, enhance and expand indoor recycling.Open Space Planning and Preservation: Develop and implement park environmental checklist (e.g. incorporate native planting schemes, restrict park encroachment that impacts natural area management, design landscaping around facilities with energy conservation in mind, etc.).Environmental Education: Communicate existing EPD recycling program guidelines. Create and implement external programs to promote environmental awareness (e.g. how to use new recycle bins in picnic areas and concessions, Promo Plan or mascot, webpage). Expand current camp offerings to include environmental camps. Participate in local environmental advo-cacy groups (e.g. Clean Air Counts, Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition).


25

2009 Accomplishments

• Recognized by Clean Air Counts program for reducing smog forming emissions by 2,233 lbs. as a result of the implementation and expansion of native landscaping in Eldridge Park.

• Created a recycling mascot to educate the community on recycling in Elmhurst’s parks.• Completed lighting audit at Wagner Community Center.• Incorporated environmental policy training into full- and part-time employee orientation

program.• Compiled list to assess which environmentally safe products are already in use, and began

researching which eco-friendly products are available and economically feasible to purchase.• Created and implemented an employee green suggestion program; a total of ten suggestions

have been received, of which four have been implemented.


• Reduced smog-forming emissions by over 2,350 lbs. through expanded native landscaping at Berens and Eldridge parks.

• Through the use of low-voc paints and cleaning supplies, our pollution prevention is 57.41 lbs.• Partnered with EnerNOC to shed electricity strain on the power grid during times of peak

usage.• Co-hosted Green Fest 2010 and assisted with recycling boutique.• Developed new environmental programs including Nature Camp and Eco Adventure Camp.


• Assembled a resource list of on-line calculators that evaluate benefits and costs of a specific product.

• Developed a Green Product Assessment Tool to serve as a first step in the assessment process of evaluating a switch to a green product versus a traditional product.

• Created a co-op purchasing list for many items within the EPD.• Developed criteria for purchasing new or retrofitting existing vehicles that address potential

environmental impact of the replacement vehicle (e.g. recent trends and technology, alternative fuels and alternative energy technologies).

• Recognized for reducing smog forming emissions by a total of 124,260.15 lbs. during 2011 with the installation of energy efficient lighting at the Wagner Community Center, the use of permeable pavers in southeast and southwest corners of Wilder Park, and the use of low-impact materials in much of the Wilder Park playground surfacing. (Since joining Clean Air Counts in 2008, the Elmhurst Park District has been recognized for reducing smog forming emissions cumulatively by 149,355.85 lbs.).

• Implemented Ozone Action Day Plan.• Created Eldridge Lagoon Ecology and Management Plan.

Elmhurst Park District (continued)


26

• “Facility Development/Energy Audit Checklist” developed to assess potential opportunities for conserving resources.

• Paper, outside printing and postage were reduced due to digitized distribution.• Poo Free Parks™ service implemented saving $9,000 on staff time, vehicle expenses and

waste bags.• The Wilder Park Project contractor recycled the old asphalt paths/used material for new path

base.• Non-profit organization Kids Around the World recycled the Wilder Park playground to an

underdeveloped country.• Partnered with the City of Elmhurst to offer two collection locations for the Holiday Lights

Recycling Program.• IT recycled electronics at a free event hosted by DuPage County.• A “Park Development Environmental Checklist” was created incorporating native planting

schemes, restriction of park encroachment that impacts natural area management, and design of landscaping around facilities with energy conservation in mind.

• New Saplings Nature Preschool for ages three-four was introduced.• 2011 Adopt-a-Park District savings amounted to $16,006. The kickoff included several new

volunteer groups and some parks now have two or three groups.• 2011 Prairie Restoration Group volunteers have saved the District $11,438.• Boy Scout Eagle cooperative projects included chairs/tables for the Saplings preschool, plant-

ing prairie grasses and wildflowers northeast of the walking bridge at Eldridge Park, trail map-ping/identification of trees within ten feet of the path at Eldridge Park, and removing trash and BMX ramps from the wooded area north of Eldridge Park.

• Participation in Great Donation Day, a cooperative recycling effort with the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and the League of Women Voters.

• Received the Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Award for Continuous Improvement.


Energy Audits, Reduction of Usage and Cost Savings• Revised the Energy Audit Checklist. • Completed energy audits at the Hub and Wagner Community Center. • Investigated the use of an electrical energy usage database. • Updated plumbing and electrical fixtures at the Wagner Community Center. • Installed timers on eight tennis court fans at Courts Plus. • Replaced fourteen ball field lights at Plunkett Park. • Installed a new controller on the Butterfield Park irrigation system.



27

Reduction of Waste & Recycling• Implemented the use of 136,000 recycled tires for the Berens Park new playground surfacing. • Donated the existing Berens West playground to Kids Around the World; existing structure was

recycled to a Thailand orphanage. • Implemented the availability of agenda, minutes and sub-committee memos on a projector

versus paper. • Executed the availability of presentation projector for visiting speakers. • Implemented biodegradable, compostable, “all-natural” and sustainable resource products at

The Hub and Courts Café. • Utilization of recyclable products made from recycled materials at Sugar Creek Golf Course. • Initiated hanger recycling by Courts Plus to a local dry cleaner. • Held a shoe recycling event at Courts Plus -- “Soles for Africa.” • Collection of holiday lights in cooperation with the City of Elmhurst and SCARCE.

Green Education and Programming• Created Elmhurst Park District Environmental page on Facebook listing environmental

initiatives. • Placement of an “acceptable item” sticker on sixty-five outdoor recycling bins and five indoor

receptacles. • Offered several “Eco” Family Events -- Winter Nature Walk, Indoor Composting, Maple Syrup

Cooking, Windowsill Herb Gardening, Rain Barrels, Food Preservation. • Participated in the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s Eco Elmhurst Exhibit -- Sunday Funday. • Held several Conservatory Youth Education programs at the Conservatory.

Greening the Future• Continuation of the Adopt-A-Park Program. • Earmarking of budget funds for green improvements. • Development and implementation of the 2012 Emerald Ash Borer Plan. • Restructuring of building space and parking lot usage in Wilder Park. • Wilder Park Conservatory and Horticultural Complex Restoration Project. • Implementation of Ozone Policy on twenty-four “unhealthy for sensitive groups” days. • Development of Commitment to the Environment guidelines for use by EPD contractors. • Cooperative material vendor purchasing recommendations. • 143 trees planted throughout District parks during Spring Tree Planting, Fall Tree Planting, and

the Berens Playground Project . • Cooperative effort to secure grant for Bur Oak tree planting in Churchville Middle School’s

native area.• York Commons Park clean-up by Staff and Webelos Cub Scouts.


28

Elmhurst Presbyterian Church

• All incandescent light bulbs in the basement classrooms replaced with fluorescent tubes reducing the wattage by one third.

• New boilers with new controls installed in 2005 are much higher efficiency than the old boiler resulting in a saving of natural gas.

• The new sanctuary lighting reduced the wattage used previously. They are on dimmers that allow us to conserve energy and increase lamp life.

• Whenever we install new toilets, we use the water saver type.• All of our exit lights are now LEDs. (from 40-60 watts each to about 10 watts)• CFL bulbs in exterior lights, wall sconces and ceiling lights.• We are now in the process of replacing the 75W halogen bulbs around the cross

with 10W LEDs. This is a significant reduction.• Maintain a Heaven & Earth Growers garden in our church yard.

29

Elmhurst Public Library

One of Elmhurst Public Library’s values is to minimize our environmental impact. The following is a list of some of the actions we take:• By its very nature, public libraries promote less consumption by loaning the same materials

over and over.• We have recycling containers (paper and can/bottle recycling bins) in public and staff areas. • We offer public programming on environmental topics.• We offer canvas bags for checkout by patrons.• New patrons receive their “new patron materials” in recyclable bags instead of the paper

folders that we used in the past.• Starting 2013, the Kids’ Summer Reading Program will use recycled cloth bags instead of

plastic.• By moving more of our printing in house, we decreased the quantity of paper we use.• We depend more on web site and the LCD screen in lobby instead of paper handouts.• When possible, patron notices are sent through email.

• We installed hand blow dryers in bathrooms and eliminated the paper towels.• We recycle many materials for projects/exhibits/etc. (e.g. used old signs

to create a giant CLUE-like game board to advertise for ELMHURST READS: Mysterious Tales.)• Have dual flush toilets in lobby restrooms.• We use green cleaners when appropriate.• We wash and reuse cleaning towels in energy efficient washers

and dryers.• We use CFL bulbs and lamps where possible.

• We send our used copier cartridges to Cartridges for Kids (http://www.cartridgesforkids.com/).• Discarded books from the Sale Room are donated to organizations that reuse them.

30

Sustainable Efforts by Elmhurst Residents

The following lists contain a sampling of environmental sustainability efforts taken on by the residents of Elmhurst.

Solid Waste Reduction & Recycling

• Participate in the Terra Cycle recycling brigades and often collect items from other people and then mail to the organization for them to up-cycle into different products

• Take a glass to-go cup for all my trips to local coffee/tea shops• Use compostable kitchen bags for garbage• Compost garden, kitchen scraps, coffee grounds in back yard• Use compostable diapers inserts with washable outer diapers

and when using disposable, use a biodegradable brand• Bring reusable shopping bags and produce bags to grocery

stores and also the mall• Save egg cartons, boxes, toilet paper rolls, etc., to conduct

art projects with my son, and his school• Buy in bulk when possible to reduce packaging• Do not buy individually-wrapped food items• Recycle plastic bags at grocery store• Recycle holiday lights at city• Dispose of household hazardous waste, batteries and old medications at

proper locations• Pack waste-free lunches for school and picnics in reusable containers• Weekly household landfill waste is less than the amount of recycling

produced• Keep two bins in the kitchen and bathrooms - one each for recycling

and landfill• Buy resale vs. new when available• Donate outgrown kids’ clothes, shoes, household items to Goodwill or charity• Wash and reuse plastic ziploc bags and aluminum foil when possible• Reduced dry-cleaning plastic by using reusable garment bags• Reuse disposable containers for seedling starters and other household uses• Print double-sided• Reuse backs of paper for scratch paper or note paper• Reuse greeting cards for postcards


31

Energy Efficiency of the Home:

• Use CFL and LED light bulbs in most fixtures• Nicor/ComEd/Energy Impact Illinois home energy assessments and upgrades,

resulting in increased energy efficiencies of 10+% • Hosted Energy Impact Illinois house party for 8 neighbors• Increased attic insulation from a R12 to a R49• Air-sealed leaky spots around the house• Purchasing Energy Star/energy efficient equipment

air conditioners, furnaces, refrigerators, triple pane windows and upgraded programmable thermostats, tankless water heaters, washing machines, attic fans

• Upgraded exterior doors for energy efficiency• Air dry clothes year-round, indoors and out• Wash laundry in cold water only• Installed solar electric panels on roof• Installed geothermal heating system• Constructed a new green home certified by NAHB• Used deconstruction company for teardown of

existing home• Added 3-foot eaves for summer cooling with 2nd floor addition• Installed motion sensor lights in kids’ bedroom rooms and outside;

turn off lights when not in use• Turn down thermostat at night and hot water temperature• Upgraded to LED holiday lights• Utilize ceiling fans for cooling• Little A/C usage in summer• Take advantage of community recycling events and county

re cycling resources• Participated in the ComEd refrigerator and freezer recycling program• Unplugged spare freezer• Use power strips to reduce phantom/vampire electricity consumption by

household appliances• Awarded the Better Homes & Gardens 2009 Home Improvement

Green Remodeling winner for energy efficiency upgrades• Use cloth napkins vs. paper; use rags vs. paper towels

Elmhurst Residents (continued)


32

Transportation

• Lease or purchased a hybrid vehicle• Got rid of second household car• Ride bike for short errands around town• Walk or bike to work• Commute via Metra• Kids walk to school daily• Telecommute once per week• Turn car engine off if stopped for more than 30 seconds at RR crossings or long stop lights• Shop local when possible • Use E85 for trucks

Food

• Grow vegetables in the backyard, containers or public garden plot• Buy and grow organic food • Reduced red meat consumption• Became a vegetarian• Prepare more meals at home• Joined a CSA (community supported agriculture)• Use Irv & Shelly’s local food delivery service

Lawn & Garden

• Installed rain garden• Use no pesticides on lawn• Use electric lawn mower instead of gasoline powered mower• Use native and prairie plants for drought tolerance and less watering • Collect rainwater in rain barrels or cistern for watering garden• Created a Monarch waystation in yard• Installed permeable paver driveway; created wildlife habitat in yard• Reuse fallen leaves on our property for mulch• Mulch lawn mower clippings



33


Cleaning & Indoor Air Quality

• Clean home with vinegar, baking soda, borax and alcohol solutions vs. commercially made chemicals and bleach

• Use natural soap nuts for washing laundry and stopped using fabric softener• Painted rooms with low VOC paint• Installed low VOC cabinets in the kitchen

Indoor Water Conservation

• Shut off water while doing dishes and brushing teeth• Reuse grey water• Installed water-saver shower head and faucets• Installed low-flow toilet

Consumer & Community Actions

• Calling or writing to companies to: request greener practices, request less packaging, request recycling

• Buying less from the “want” list• Purchasing items resale vs. new when possible• Volunteer for Elmhurst community and school environmental projects• Purchase eco-friendly products: recycled paper, unbleached coffee filters, non-toxic personal

care products, lead-free garden hose, 100% recycled toilet paper, etc.• Purchase products made or grown locally or in the USA when possible

34

CUB Energy Saver

The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) is a nonprofit, nonpartisian organization that nonpartisan organization that represents the interests of residential utility customers of Illinois. CUB Energy Saver provides tools that:• Create ways for you to save money while

benefiting the planet.• Empower you to engage with your local

community to help solve critical energy and environmental issues.

• Reward smart decisions with discounts at national and local retailers.

The Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition has partnered with CUB Energy Savers to create an Elmhurst Energy Savers Team (cubenergysaver.com/team/ees). Residents can sign up, learn about energy efficiency improvements they can make at home, see their energy and dollar sav-ings add up monthly and earn rewards.

To date, Elmhurst has 102 CUB Energy Saver members. Those members have saved $16,159 and 144,792 kWh of electricity, reducing their carbon emissions from electricity usage by 235,793 lbs. Elmhurst ranks 50th among participating Illinois communities.

cubenergysaver.com/team/ees

35

Energy Impact Illinois Home Energy Efficiency Program

Energy Impact Illinois (EI2) encourages individuals to reduce energy consumption, and demonstrates how those cost savings can provide big, collective results. Through their partnership with NICOR Gas and ComEd, residents can schedule home energy audits at a low cost. Trained professionals will provide an analysis of a home’s energy use, as well as install low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators and energy efficient CFLs that can help save money and reduce natural gas, water and electricity costs. Technicians will provide a proposal for weather-ization improvements that qualify for incentives. For a limited time, homeowners can save 70% off or up to $1,750 on air sealing and insulation. For more information, visit Energyimpactillinois.org.On average, each assessment costs $99, saving the homeowner $400 if they were to get a private energy assessment. Just by doing the assessment and receiving the direct installations (CFL light-bulbs, low-flow shower heads, sink water aerators, and pipe insulation on the furnace), homeowners receive about $50 worth of improvements and those quick fixes save people on average about $50 a year.With air sealing and insulation improvements in the home, the homeowner generally pays (after the instant rebate) $500-$1500 and sees annual savings on utility bills from $300-500 every year.

Through June, 2013, 63 Elmhurst households have had, or are scheduled to have, assessments. 26 of those have (or will soon have) completed energy efficiency upgrades.* • Average IL home natural gas usage: 1,450 therms of natural gas• Average 15% savings for EI2 home: 215 therms/yr. • 215 therms = approximately 2,000+ pounds of CO2 per EPA’s calculator:

http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html#resultsLastly, in terms of GHG reduction in a home, the following is an estimate for a single family home in DuPage County:

A 15% reduction in GHG’s would save about 4,000 pounds of CO2 emissions each year if you combine electricity + natural gas equivalents.

*This is not complete data, as it does not include households that are scheduling directly through NICOR/ComEd and Conservation Services Group (CSG).

36

First Congregational United Church of ChristTree of Life Green Team

Mission Statement

The Tree of Life Green Team seeks to:1. Make the facilities of First Congregational United Church of Christ of Elmhurst more

environmentally friendly;2. Make our congregation more environmentally aware;3. Work with other churches and community organizations to advocate better use of

environmental resources.

Summary of what we have done since our Green Team was formed in 2007:

• We were the first church in Elmhurst to earn the School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education (SCARCE) Earth Flag• Making CFLs available “at cost” to the congregation• Changing church light bulbs to CFLs and LEDs• Changing ballasts and fluorescent bulbs to make fixtures more efficient where possible• Putting parking lot lights on timers• Turning off lights when we leave the room• Making cloth shopping bags available “at cost” to the church and community• Offering a monthly green “tip of the month” in our church newsletter• Dedicating a bulletin board to green initiatives• Placing recycling containers around the church• Decommissioning several old refrigerators around the church• Encouraging bicycling by providing bike trail maps to the congregation• Investigating alternative energy options to heat and cool our building• Collecting & donating used shoes to Haiti earthquake victims• Using dishes for church dinners, rather than disposable plates and silverware; and running the

dishwasher at full load only• For church picnics, encouraging people to bring dishes from home• Collecting and reusing cloth napkins for church dinners• Joining the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and sending a delegate to their meetings• Participating with a booth at the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition Green Fest in 2009 and 2010• Planning annual educational programs beginning in Sept. 2008 open to other churches and the

community• Educating the congregation about the plight of threatened and endangered animals and how

they can respond


37

First Congregational United Church of Christ, Tree of Life Green Team (continued)

• Collecting and recycling used batteries, ink cartridges, CFL light bulbs, old gym shoes, used coats, prescriptions & holiday lights

• Investigating electronics recycling programs – running our first community electronics recycling collection in the Fall of 2012

• Investigating alternatives to Styrofoam for coffee hour drinks – providing mugs and mug hooks for those who choose to use them

• Composting our coffee grounds• Marching in the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day and Memorial Day

parades with our “Clutter Bug” made of recyclable materials, picking up recyclables in our rolling recycling cans

• Converting a large island in our parking lot from invasive plantings to a native garden and monarch butterfly oasis

• Installing a Memorial Garden based on native plants and replacing other plants on the grounds with natives

• Volunteering with our youth at SCARCE to melt down old crayons to make new ones for the disabled

• Inviting SCARCE to participate in our annual Flea & Craft Market to share their message and demonstrate paper making

• Praying for the environment, and for our committee and the church’s decisions

38

Heaven & Earth Growers

Since the first garden in 2007 through the harvest 2012, Heaven and Earth Growers has donated 2,892 pounds of fresh, organic vegetables to the local food pantries. We have driven as far as Carol Stream in the past, but within the last two years we have stuck to mostly local pantries (Yorkfield, Shared Senior Hous-ing, Bensenville, etc.) to save fuel. The garden on Church Street now has four rain barrels, which actually drained two times last summer due to the drought of 2012. Having the rain barrels to water the garden has proven to be cost savings for the garden site at The First United Methodist Church. Volunteers are always welcome to join us for one week out of the month to weed, water, harvest and deliver to a food pantry. Youth groups, scout troops and garden clubs are all welcome to join us. We are open to build-ing more gardens whereby we can Grow to Give.

Participating churches and organizations:

• Elmhurst Presbyterian• First United Methodist• St. Peter’s United Church of Christ• Immaculate Conception• Girl Scouts• Eagle Scouts Benefitting organizations:

• Humanitarian Services Project in Carol Stream• Yorkfield Pantry• Immaculate Conception Food Pantry• Shared Senior Housing in Elmhurst• Elmhurst United Community Concerns• Northern Illinois Food Bank• Public Action to Deliver Shelter (PADS)

39

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ

This year, St. Peter’s Church of Elmhurst has become interested in being more sustainable. They heard that the First Congregational Church, which had members attending Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition, had made changes that made it more green. After talking to them and attending an Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition meeting, we formed our own green committee. Thus far, we have started collecting ink cartridges, lightly used shoes for the needy, used batteries and pull pop tops. In the near future, we hope to start a members’ coffee mug rack to discourage the use of Styrofoam cups. We have also started using recycling bins. We had Kay McKeen, from SCARCE, do an energy audit on our building. She has also recently talked to a group of our members about being more green. She is scheduled to come again. This is what we have done so far and we hope to do more green activities in the near future.

40

School & Community Assistance for Recycling & Composting Education

In 1990, School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE) began teaching DuPage County Schools about recycling and other environmental issues and con-cerns. Today, SCARCE’s mission is to inspire people through education, to preserve and care for the Earth’s natural resources, while working to build sustainable communities. Through environ-mental education programs and the SCARCE Rescue Programs, SCARCE has been instrumental in assisting the following Elmhurst organizations:

Earth Flag Certification:

Several Elmhurst organizations have or will soon earn SCARCE’s Earth Flag Certification:• First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) Elmhurst• St Peter’s UCC Church completed the Green Audit and one presentation• Elmhurst College (Spring 2013)• Emerson Elementary School (Spring 2010)• Hawthorne Elementary School (Spring 2012)• Lincoln Elementary School (Spring 2011)• Exceed Group

Ecology Flag Certification:

• Emerson Elementary School (Spring 2011) Presentations and Workshops Given To Elmhurst Organizations:

• Noon Kiwanis Club • PTA chairs and school administrators on anti-idling and green cleaning• Jackson, Jefferson, Hawthorne, Emerson and York HS teachers• Elmhurst College: One staff lunch and learn, five waste audits, four class presentations,

one community-wide panel on the environment• Numerous Cub Scout and Girl Scout troops• Elmhurst Park District: Two staff trained on the watershed model


41

Recycling Events:

• We set up recycling of holiday light strands at York, the Park District and the City; encouraged residents and businesses to switch to the LED lights reduce the amount of energy needed. Thereby reducing the amount of wasted resources.

• We helped Elmhurst College and the First Congregational United Church of Christ set up electronic recycling events as well as Elmhurst College Recycling Extravaganza.

Composting:

• Working with the Elmhurst College and Lou Malnati’s Restaurant on food scrap composting.

Participated in Elmhurst’s Green Fest:

• 2008, 2009, 2010

SCARCE (continued)

42

Select Elmhurst School Group and PTA Initiatives

Student groups and PTA committees throughout Elmhurst are taking steps to reduce waste and educate their school communities about environmental sustainability. The following represent several of the individual accomplishments at three Elmhurst elementary schools:

• Reduced daily lunch waste in half (10,000 lbs each year)• Rain barrel to water Outdoor Classroom• 25% participation in Waste Free Lunch each Wednesday• Reusable trays replace Styrofoam• Weekly walk/bike to school days each year• Electronic communication to parents• Student conservation clubs• PTA green committees• Recycle holiday lights, shoes, crayons, batteries, ink cartridges,

soccer balls, eye glasses• Earned SCARCE’s Earth Day and Ecology Flag• Conducted SCARCE waste and energy audits• Environmental assemblies• Organize district-wide Great Donation Day collection of school

supplies• No idling policy• Built an outdoor classroom with vegetable and native plant gardens• Compost classroom snack scraps on-site• Participation in the Prairie Path Clean-Up Day• Recycled art workshops and mural created from bottle caps• Collect juice pouches, glue containers and flip flops for TerraCycle

43

Mission

The mission of the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is to address the difficult problem of climate change by bringing about a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions through education, outreach and community action.

Areas of Focus

We will accomplish the above mission by focusing on these areas: Energy Efficiency; Conservation of Resources; Renewable Energy; Solid Waste Reduction; Pollution (air quality).

Coalition Members

Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition membership consists of citizens, businesses owners, non-profit organizations, congregations/clergy, government and schools working together on the above mission.

Background

The City of Elmhurst, along with more than 900 other cities around the country, has made a commitment to stop global warming. Former Elmhurst Mayor Thomas Marcucci signed the U.S. Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement in October of 2007.* Initiated and led by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, this agreement was a pledge by mayors to reduce global warming pollution in their cities by 7% below 1990 levels by the year 2012.Elmhurst’s Cool Cities Coalition works closely with the Illinois Cool Cities and Cool Counties organization. Both are volunteer-led efforts helping communities and their public officials set goals and find local solutions to climate disruption by cutting greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2).

Getting Involved

We welcome new organizations, business leaders and citizens to join the coalition. Come to share your ideas, or come to learn more about how you can help make the Elmhurst community a more environmentally friendly and sustainable place to live. Monthly meetings are held on the first Tuesdays of the month (some exceptions, please check website) at the Elmhurst Public Library at 7:00 p.m. To contact the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition:

Email: [email protected] Phone: 630-426-9789 Website: elmhurstcoolcities.org

Illinois Cool Cities

The Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition is one of many Cool Cities groups in Illinois. To learn more, go to: illinoiscoolcities.org

* See page 44 for the complete text of the US Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.

Background on the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition

44

A. We urge the federal government and state governments to enact policies and programs to meet or beat the target of reducing global warming pollution levels to 7 percent below 1990 levels by 2012, including efforts to: reduce the United States’ dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate the development of clean, economical energy resources and fuel-efficient technolo-gies such as conservation, methane recovery for energy generation, waste to energy, wind and solar energy, fuel cells, efficient motor vehicles, and biofuels;

B. We urge the U.S. Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation that 1) includes clear timetables and emissions limits and 2) a flexible, market-based system of tradable allowances among emitting industries; and

C. We will strive to meet or exceed Kyoto Protocol targets for reducing global warming pollution by taking actions in our own operations and communities such as:

1. Inventory global warming emissions in City operations and in the community, set reduction targets and create an action plan;

2. Adopt and enforce land-use policies that reduce sprawl, preserve open space, and create compact, walkable urban communities;

3. Promote transportation options such as bicycle trails, commute trip reduction programs, incentives for car pooling and public transit;

4. Increase the use of clean, alternative energy by, for example, investing in “green tags”, advocating for the development of renewable energy resources, recovering landfill methane for energy production, and supporting the use of waste to energy technology;

5. Make energy efficiency a priority through building code improvements, retrofitting city facilities with energy efficient lighting and urging employees to conserve energy and save money;

6. Purchase only Energy Star equipment and appliances for City use; 7. Practice and promote sustainable building practices using the U.S. Green Building

Council’s LEED program or a similar system; 8. Increase the average fuel efficiency of municipal fleet vehicles; reduce the number of

vehicles; launch an employee education program including anti-idling messages; convert diesel vehicles to bio-diesel;

9. Evaluate opportunities to increase pump efficiency in water and wastewater systems; recover wastewater treatment methane for energy production;

10. Increase recycling rates in City operations and in the community; 11. Maintain healthy urban forests; promote tree planting to increase shading and to absorb

CO2; and 12. Help educate the public, schools, other jurisdictions, professional associations, business

and industry about reducing global warming pollution.

The U.S. Mayors Climate Protection AgreementAs endorsed by the 73rd Annual U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting, Chicago, 2005

45

DuPage County made an important commitment to sustainability at their September 11, 2013, Board meeting by approving the Illinois Cool Counties Resolution. DuPage is the first county to sign on to the initiative. Becoming a Cool County follows the path to sustainability DuPage has been pursuing in its own operations for the past couple of years and aligns its efforts with those currently underway in six Dupage County Cool Cities.The Resolution calls for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 10% below 2007 levels by 2020 and 20% by 2030. Reductions in greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide come from increas-ing energy conservation practices, implementing energy efficiency programs, utilizing renewable energy and improving the fuel efficiency of vehicles.DuPage County has already installed a green roof on the administrative building and is saving $142,000 annually through improved energy efficiency. The County’s commitment to conserving energy, improving energy efficiency and native landscaping on their campus was recognized with a Governor’s Sustainability Award in 2011.

Reprinted from the Illinois Cool Cities website

To learn more about DuPage County sustainability initiatives, visit: dupageco.org/sustainability

To view the full text of the Cool Counties Resolution, visit: http://illinoiscoolcities.org/?page_id=6

DuPage Cool Counties Resolution

46

Acknowledgements

We thank the following Elmhurst employees and residents for submitting their organization’s accomplishments (listed in the order they appear in this document):

City of Elmhurst: Mike Hughes, Director of Public WorksAAUW-Elmhurst: Carolyn Heiney, President and Sarah Caltvedt, memberElmhurst Bike Task Force: Bob Hoel, ChairmanElmhurst College: Desiree Chen, Managing Director of Public AffairsElmhurst Cool Cities Coalition: Lisa Gerhold-Dirks, co-chairElmhurst CUSD 205: Frank Schuh, Director of FacilitiesElmhurst Garden Club: Jan FosterElmhurst League of Women Voters: Sue WilliamsElmhurst Memorial Healthcare: Debbie Reynolds, Safety OfficerElmhurst Park District: Matt Poole, Program Manager - Athletics & EnvironmentalElmhurst Presbyterian Church: Jan Happel, member Elmhurst Public Library: Bryan Blank, Assistant Head of Adult ServicesSustainable Efforts by Elmhurst Residents: Elmhurst Cool Cities members and friendsCUB Energy Saver: Yami Newell, Community Technology LiaisonEnergy Impact Illinois Home Energy Efficiency Program: Liz Optholt, Field OrganizerFirst Congregational United Church of Christ: Karen Pachyn and Don Haraf, membersHeaven & Earth Growers: Jan Happel, FounderSt. Peter’s Church: Joan and Dan Anderson, members SCARCE: Kay McKeen, Founder and Executive Director Select Elmhurst School Groups and PTA Organizations: Barbara Lonergan, Emerson School PTA member, Lisa Gerhold-Dirks, Hawthorne School PTA Go Green Committee, Dannee Polomsky, Field Elementary School PTA

building a sustainable city: environmental accomplishments ... · 4 city of elmhurst police...

Documents