Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition

Ninth Annual DuPage Environmental Summit

2012-01-22T19:00:00.000-08:00

The Ninth Annual DuPage Environmental Summit at Benedictine University held on January 11, 2012, exceeded the expectations of its sponsors. If you missed it, fear not. The slides and other materials have been posted by the Conservation Foundation at http://www.theconservationfoundation.org/

Attendance was higher this year, perhaps due to heightened awareness and interest in energy policy issues, and a growth in opportunities for renewable energy. There was an interesting mix of private vendors, environmental professionals, and advocacy organizations. The information sharing, lectures, and informal networing were exciting.

In the weeks ahead you can read blog posts that highlight new opportunities to by renewable energy that is home-grown in Illinois. Even if you can't put solar panels on your own home, the Illinois Solar Energy Association has helped make it possible to sign up for solar energy generated by others in the area.

We will also be explaining community choice aggregation, and the currently available options for Glen Ellyn residents to buy wind power. Yes, wind power is available now at reasonable rates. Finally, it is still important to conserve power and to improve the efficiency of our appliances. ComEd and Nicor have asked Cool Cities groups to help promote these new initiatives that offer unprecedented value to the homeowner. Stay tuned!

Home Energy Savings Program Focuses on Glen Ellyn

2012-01-11T17:18:00.000-08:00

As announced in today's Village of Glen Ellyn e-Newsletter, a new Home Energy Savings Program

The Home Energy Savings Program is a joint program offered to customers of both Nicor Gas and ComEd living in single family homes. The program offers a comprehensive home energy savings assessment that will evaluate opportunities for energy efficiency upgrades and provides financial incentives for completing those upgrades. A trained, Building Performance Institute (BPI) - certified Energy Advisor will conduct the assessment for a cost of $99.

This assessment includes:

Complete review of the home's HVAC, hot water, lighting, insulation, air leakage and major appliances;

Installation of up to 10 compact fluorescent light bulbs, high efficiency faucet aerators and shower heads, and hot water pipe wrap;

Installation of a programmable thermostat, if desired, at a discounted price of $21.89;

Incentives of up to $1,250 to complete recommended energy efficiency improvements; and

Incentivized weatherization work done by BPI certified CSG subcontractors.

The energy advisor will conduct the following tests as part of the energy assessment process:

Combustion safety - a diagnostic test of fuel-burning appliances for carbon monoxide levels;

Infrared camera scan that assesses air sealing and insulation opportunities.

Upon the conclusion of the assessment, the energy advisor will provide homeowners with a printout of their home's energy "road map" outlining a complete set of the energy saving home improvements they can make, and the incentives they are eligible to receive.

For more information, please call 877-821-9988 or visit the Nicor Gas Rebates website.

Adventures in TV shopping

2012-01-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Finally, our old television died. After a brief period of mourning, we found ourselves motivated to find a replacement. But what would it be? A friend advised "you need to get a big wide-screen, you will love it." My first thought was, they can be energy hogs. In a household where we are looking for reasonable ways to cut energy use, this could be step backward.

So off to the stores we go. A couple of things did not surprise me. First, the bigger the screen, the more energy it takes, and second, the newer sets are more efficient than the older ones.

A few surprises. Prices are dropping quite dramatically. This may not bode well for the environment if every room in every home has a TV, all of them operating at once. Another surprise: almost every model on display had an Energy Star sticker. I had thought that Energy Star was for the "best of the best" that could meet stringent requirements. Apparently, Energy Star had dragged the whole industry along in a positive direction. Still, I asked sales associates which models were most energy-efficient for a given size class. I heard what became a familiar refrain: "Don't worry they all cost less to operate now." Still, in one store I noticed stickers on every display model that identified an annual cost for comparison purposes. It then became obvious there is a lot a variation among major brands and models. It also did not take long to realize that Samsung leads the pack in terms of energy usage. We found a good LED/LCD Samsung with a 32-inch class that uses less energy than a 40 watt light bulb, about half of our old CRT set.

Still, Mr. Electricity himself, Michael Bluejay, advises in his Web site that television energy consumption is not the issue it used to be. Most homes have other areas to look at first for those who want to reduce their carbon footprints... like the refrigerator, for example.

One last task. It's easy to obsess over the tiny amount of mercury in CFL bulbs, but the old set is chock full of toxic materials. With the new Illinois law banning the landfilling of electronics, we will take the old clunker to the Village of Glen Ellyn electronics collection on January 28. For more information, see ttp://www.glenellyn.org/GE/Electronics_Recycling.html

From Prairie State Protector

2011-12-22T19:11:00.000-08:00

December 2011 Book Review

Storms of My Grandchildren
By James Hansen

Reviewed by: Jeff Gahris, Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition (630) 853-5505

James Hansen, as you might recall, is the climate scientist at NASA who accused the Bush Administration of muzzling the work of climate science a few years ago. In his latest book, he gives us his perspective on what happened with climate change politics in America and abroad, and why positive action on the issue does not seem imminent. What is important about Hansen’s book is this: he argues how climate change is a much bigger problem than we generally realize, and that it will have enormous impacts in the near future. He is also part of a small but growing group of scientists who have a sense of urgency and are willing to engage in politics.

A large part of Storms of My Grandchildren covers the science itself. A major point he makes is that we are well served by looking at the natural history of the planet to see what climate change has occurred in the past. For example, we have good information about how carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere changed over time, and we know how that correlates with past changes in the earth’s temperature, and how that affects the rise of sea levels as the ice sheets melt. Another major point is how human impacts are having an “explosive” warming effect (in terms of geologic time) that greatly exceed the “forcings” of earth’s natural cycles. The implication here is we could be on the verge of a tipping point, after which the ice sheets will collapse, coinciding with an abrupt and catastrophic global warming. He covers well the issue of what “dangerous” climate change means, and explains how he arrived at the goal of keeping the carbon dioxide concentration under 350 parts per million to avoid the really bad effects.

About the Reviewer:
"As a scientist Jeff Gahris has an insider's appreciation of the dilemma Hansen found himself in - identifying an alarming environmental issue, not being heard in the policy sector and having to widen his talents to include advocacy within the realm of politics." Lonnie Morris

This is not a doom and gloom book; he does offer solutions. He starts by saying we must phase out our dependence on fossil fuels immediately, especially coal. He decries the popular “cap and trade” as a shell game involving “offsets,” popular because politicians and big business will allow it. Hansen instead promotes the simpler and honest “fee and dividend” approach to encourage an efficient transition away from coal. He suggests we assess a substantial fee on fossil fuels and then redistribute the money equally to the public. Unfortunately he glosses over the details; for example, how does the business sector participate?

He also suggests we need to expand the use of nuclear energy, particularly a move toward fast-breeder reactors. This, I submit, will not be popular in the environmental community, but he is advancing a discussion about better technologies to address the problems with nuclear energy.

Hansen is raising issues and offering solutions that will not be politically popular. In my opinion, what he is saying is that we have no choice but to move forward decisively with real solutions that work – or else there will be hell to pay. This book is a compelling call to action. Appropriately, he dedicates his book to his grandchildren Sophie, Connor, and Jake, who will inherit the results of the moral decisions we make today.

Bloomsbury USA; Reprint edition (December 21, 2010), ISBN-10: 1608195023, ISBN-13: 978-1608195022 , 8.2 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches, 336 pages, paperback

A warning from the International Energy Agency

2011-12-07T18:32:00.000-08:00

Things seem relatively safe and secure in Glen Ellyn, but we should be mindful of the recent warning from the International Energy Agency. Climate change will hit us hard if we ignore it. There are things people can do as political activists that can make a difference. The focus of this blog, however, is local as we look to maintain and enhance Glen Ellyn as a desirable community.

Some positive things we can do now include working with new ComEd and Nicor energy efficiency programs, and buying green power. Due to recent changes in Illinois law, we can now sign up for alternative sources of electricity. Take note of the flyers arriving in your mail box. Meanwhile, many communities are signing up for the community aggregation of electricity. Oak Park recently took the bold step of voting to buy 100 percent green electricity on a city-wide basis. Yes, Oak Park is doing it without paying an extra cent, but the most compeling reason relates to what the IEA and others are saying about our future. There is nothing hold us back from acting locally in a powerful way, except us!

More posts to come about how this will work. Stay tuned.

Habitat and ComEd

2011-11-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

DuPage Habitat for Humanity and ComEd have been working together to build energy-efficient and sustainable housing. Community initiatives like this combined with new opportunities to purchase "green" electricity will help move us to where we need to be in the 21st century.

Moving Planet DuPage

2011-09-17T21:33:00.000-07:00

Join us this Saturday, September 24 for a major environmental event in Villa Park. Moving Planet is a day of celebrating biking and walking as ways of moving past fossil fuel for a cool and clean planet. Bicycle riders and walkers from around the county will travel to Rugaard Gazebo in Villa Park for music, food, speakers and a group photo at 1:45 pm. Riders can stop at stations along the Illinois Prairie Path in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, Lombard and Elmhurst to pick up streamers for their handle bars and numbers for their jerseys as we shoot for 350 bikers and riders supporting alternative transportation.

Glen Ellyn Cool Cities supports Moving Planet, which is sponsored by 350.org and the Sierra Club.
More information is available at the Moving Planet DuPage web page.

Is it getting hotter in Glen Ellyn?

2011-07-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

Is it getting hotter? In a word, "yes," but the heat predicted for this week is by no means a record. There is a strong history of heat waves in the Midwest. NOAA has an interesting analysis at http://www.climate.gov/#climateWatch

It may be getting stormier also; at least precipitation is on the increase. Last week's derecho windstorm that pummeled the Chicago region, like the current heat wave, has had precedent. Still, there is concern that violent storms are becoming more common. A recent survey suggests Americans have noticed this, and are becoming more concerned. See http://www.midwestenergynews.com/2011/03/25/blame-climate-change-not-god/

We seem to have more heat and humidity in northern Illinois, which can trigger heavier rains; but we must be aware that these ingedients alone do not create severe weather. We also need atmospheric instability and other complex factors, which may or may not be influenced by climate change. There is one thing we can be sure of - as the heat indices approach 110 degrees this week, we can appreciate the value of a strong and healthy urban forest. Without shelter from the sun, it feels like an oven outside.

Informal meeting on Glenbard West Memorial Field

2011-06-20T18:52:00.000-07:00

On June 23 (this Thursday) there will be an informal Cool Cities meeting to learn about the lighting proposal for Memorial Field in Glen Ellyn. Panera Bread (Glen Ellyn), 7:30 p.m. This is open dialog about a divisive issue in our community. All viewpoints welcomed! Find more information at http://ourfieldourtown.com/ and http://www.glenbardwesths.org/

Moving Planet on the Prairie Path

2011-06-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

Our next big project is to help make the Moving Planet on the Prairie Path event a huge success. Bill McKibben's "350.org" group has launched a worldwide Moving Planet event on Saturday, September 24. Locally, we plan to have bikers, walkers, and others to move along the Prairie Path under "people power" to promote a carbon-free future. The Prairie Path activity will end with a large celebration in Villa Park. This is still in the early stages of planning. Please check for updates by searching for the Villa Park location at http://www.moving-planet.org/

ComEd's Energy Challenge debuts in Glen Ellyn

2011-05-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Green Group Brings the Energy Challenge to the Taste

This weekend, the 30th annual Taste of Glen Ellyn will feature a new local organization, GreenGroup, with a booth that will offer something to interest everyone. Get involved with hands-on product demos and a ComEd contest with cash prizes to encourage families to REALLY think green about their homes.

GreenGroup's booth at the Taste of Glen Ellyn will kick-off a new ComEd community program where electric customers can sign up to commit to a percent reduction in their electricity usage versus the same period of the previous summer. Non-ComEd energy supply customers can also participate. The project starts June 1 to cover the peak-season summer months for residential energy consumption. The top 10 households with the greatest reduction (and that meet their reduction targets) win prizes at the program's conclusion in September. Prizes include ten $500 gift cards to local home improvement retailers. Saving energy dollars and becoming more energy efficient has never been more fun!

The booth will also be filled with interesting, educational, green home-improvement products such as a solar-powered electricity generator, a rain barrel, carpet made from pop bottles, a living green roof tile, and landscaping plants that need almost no water. GreenGroup members will be on hand to answer questions. GreenGroup, founded by Glen Ellyn resident Paul Isaac, is a group of local professionals who meet monthly to discuss sustainability issues related to their careers.

Program on "The Historic Landscape"

2011-05-15T16:02:00.000-07:00

Presentation by Barbara Geiger, Landscape Historian

On May 14, 2011, the Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation scheduled a program on Preserving Historic Landscapes. This was an engaging presentation. By covering topics such as preservation theory and research methodology, Barbara Geiger, a landscape historian, presented the challenge of preserving or restoring unique historic landscapes. She made it clear that individual groups seeking to restore a landscape surrounding an historic building must determine the specific time period of interest. A home of historic value may have had an original landscape typical of the period in which it was built. Over the years, the landscape was likely modified to satisfy the tastes of a subsequent time period. If the original owner of the home was a famous person, restoration may best be focused on that time period. This helps an individual or group make decisions about how to restore the landscape. The audience learned that a home built in the Victorian era, for instance, rarely had foundation plantings, nor high-maintenance gardens that were viewed as impractical to the people of the day. Additionally, such homes did not have the immaculate lawns of grass that we think of today.

Ms. Geiger, being interested in historic landscapes, did not always focus on the same issues that modern homeowners might. For example, although many old homes had large trees adjacent to them, she did not advocate that this was necessarily desirable. Early American homebuilders, she argued, made mistakes about the placement of large trees, leading to potential damage to the structure from falling trees and branches. Ms. Geiger seemingly did not suggest that historic landscapes were designed for comfort and energy efficiency. Not exactly what I wanted to hear, but it is important to know what motivated people in bygone eras when buildings and surrounding landscapes were designed and constructed. It is also revealing to know that they sometimes made mistakes, even as we continue to do so today in a time when climate change and rising energy costs make landscape design more challenging.

Bio from Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation Web site: Barbara Geiger did her graduate work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, specializing in historic landscape research and preservation. She has served on the Wilmette Historic Preservation Commission, the Fund and Easement Committee of Landmarks Illinois, the Frances Willard House board, and other organizations, as well as professional consulting on landscape restoration projects. She has taught landscape history and preservation at the Illinois Institute of Technology and the Chicago Botanic Garden for 8 years; she also teaches at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

- Jeff Gahris

Glen Ellyn Earth Day celebration - report

2011-04-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

Various local environmental groups attended, and created plenty of warth and excitement as we shared our stories about what we do to improve the environment. Pictured - Jodi Trendler and Kenneth King of Naperville Green Drinks.

Barb Perry of the First Presbyterian Church Earthlings wrote the following:

- Sierra Club River Prairie Group: Connie Schmidt encouraged membership. Political action. http://illinois.sierraclub.org/rpg/

Cool Cities: Jeff Gahris. A part of Sierra Club. Initiative started by Mayor of Seattle.

o Look into Blue Star Energy. http://www.bluestarenergy.com/
o Watt meters can be checked out at the library to see how much power our appliances are sucking.
o Average home uses 10,900 kWh/year (in the past year we used 11,854) http://illinois.sierraclub.org/rpg/coolcities.html

- Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation: Linda Gilbert. A lot about the tree ordinance. http://www.glenellynpreservation.org/

- Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission. More about the tree ordinance. Go to website for schedule of events. http://www.glenellyn.org/Commissions/Environmental.html

- Glenbard West Eco Club. Very active and energetic group. I didn’t know there were solar ipod chargers.

- Ben Lowe. Now works for Evangelical Environmental Network. Talked about starting a community garden in his apartment complex on Roosevelt and Main Street. http://creationcare.org/

- Green Group. Small group in Glen Ellyn that meets monthly at PPK Architects. Will have a booth at the Taste of Glen Ellyn this year where you can enter an energy challenge with ComEd to see who can reduce their energy the most over the summer.

- Green Drinks in Naperville uses social networking to communicate. http://www.greendrinks.org/IL/Naperville
o Also mentioned meetup.

- Earthlings: Barb Perry (pictured) shared the group’s mission and activities, including Creation Care Sunday (beehouses, rain barrels and battery collection), our Facebook page and our desire to help the poor.

- SCARCE showed a lead-free garden hose sold at Ace Hardware, passed out cards to check to see if your toilet leaks and said that we will all have to reduce our water usage by 15% by 2025.

- Green Festival is May 14 and 15 at McCormick Place

Thanks to Bethany Licht – circulation manager – for putting this all together.--Barb Perry

Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition also thanks Bruce Blake of the Sierra Club for contacting all of the presenters and handling much of the logistics.

Earth Day festival in nearby Carol Stream

2011-04-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

There is so many things going on this Spring for adults and the kids alike. Carol Stream is hitting it off big by combining Earth Day with a farmer's market. Growing food locally is good for the Earth's climate, and is a more exciting and healthy addition to our diet. And what farmers can grow locally can also be grown in our backyards. Few things match the joy of watching things sprout and grow, and then eating them!

Cool Cities part of Earth Day program at the library

2011-04-09T09:21:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 18, 7:00-8:30 p.m. Join us in the Main Meeting Room to celebrate Earth Day. The Sierra Club-River Prairie Group and many other civic, religious and environmental groups will present how they practice Earth Day every day. Groups presenting include: Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition, Friends of the Great Western Trail, It's Our Earth, The Green Group, Naperville for Clean Energy and Conservation, Green Drinks (Naperville & Wheaton/DuPage), Naperville Area Sustainability Meet Up Group, First Presbyterian church: Glen Ellyn's Earthlings Group, Ben Lowe (environmental author & past candidate for Congress), Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission, Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation, Glenbard West's Eco Club, SCARCE

Call for speakers for back yard gardening symposium

2011-04-03T18:55:00.000-07:00

Glen Ellyn Cool Cities is building an exciting symposium, and is looking for local speakers and poster presentations for a home gardening and local food. We will be happy to include high school students. This event will be scheduled in May. Look here and on Facebook for updates.

Upcoming eco-events

2011-04-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

April 9 - Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, sponsored by the Wheaton Franciscans, "Where on Earth are we going? And what can we do about it?" - http://www.taucenter.org/atd.html

April 13 - Earth Day Party - http://www.greendrinks.org/IL/Wheaton

April 16 - League of Women Voters of Wheaton announces their April program collaborating with A Rocha of Wheaton College, a student chapter of an international conservation group, "TAR CREEK" - http://wheatonlwvil.org/calendar.html

April 17 - Lombard's Helen Plum Library and the SIerra Club continue the Green Readin' book discussion series. On April 17, the group will discuss Bill McKibben's "Eaarth: Making Life on a Tough New Planet" - http://www.helenplum.org/adult-services

April 22 - EARTH DAY - http://www.earthday.org/

April 23 - Glen Ellyn Park District restoration work day at Churchill Park on St. Charles, just east of Bloomingdale Road - http://www.gepark.org/new_events.htm

April 30 - Glen Ellyn Recycling Extravaganza - http://www.glenellyn.org/index.asp
Prairie Path cleanup - http://www.ipp.org/ Great Western Trails cleanup, http://www.friendsofthegreatwesterntrails.com/

May 1 - Green Earth Fair, Naperville - McDonald Farm, 10S404 Knoch Knolls Road, Naperville. Native plants are for sale at this event, which features many other activities: presentations, vendor booths, etc. (I thank First Presbyterian Earthlings for the details)
http://www.greenearthinstitute.org/

May 7 - Village of Glen Ellyn's "Less is More" landscaping seminar and tour - http://www.glenellyn.org/Commissions/Environmental.html

May 14-15 - Green Festival Chicago, now at McCormick Place- http://www.greenfestivals.org/chi/updates/

Village of Glen Ellyn Upcoming Events

2011-04-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

Less is More Landscaping...Seminar and Walking Tour

If you’d like to spend more time enjoying your yard and less time working on it, don’t miss the Village of Glen Ellyn’s Native Landscaping Seminar and Walking Tour from 9:15 a.m. – 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. The seminar will start at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane St., Glen Ellyn. Keynote speaker, Jack Pizzo, president of Pizzo & Associates, Ltd., an award-winning firm, will help residents understand how to incorporate sustainable practices into their landscape. A presentation on the basics of ecology and the ecology of the Chicago region will precede the landscape discussion. The event will begin with a formal presentation followed by an outdoor discussion of landscape issues. Attendees will learn about what native plants to use in their landscapes and where to use them. We will discuss rain gardens, butterfly gardens, low maintenance gardens and low maintenance lawn grasses. A list of plants will be handed out. Reservations are not required (but encouraged) for the event which is being sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission and the Village Public Works Department. Please call the Public Works Department for more information at 630-469-6756.

The 2011 Recycling Extravaganza

This perennial favorite will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Duane/Lorraine Commuter Parking Lot just west of the Library Parking Lot. Bring unwanted, recyclable items to this event, which is organized by the Village of Glen Ellyn and the Environmental Commission. Various local organizations will be on hand for this event, which this year will also include electronics. For more information about this event, please see the below flyers, or contact Kristen Schrader, Staff Liaison to the Environmental Commission at 630-469-5000.

Glen Ellyn Cool Cities video

2011-03-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

In conjunction with the Glen Ellyn League of Women's Voters, we have developed a video promoting the Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition. This video highlights local businesses, nonprofits, school groups, and a church group. Watch presentations in support local environmental initiatives.

Earth Hour in Batavia, Illinois

2011-03-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

We are frequently asked to give up something to protect the environment. Or at least, that's the way it seems. Earth Hour is a special way for many of us to stop, take a deep breath, and just enjoy ourselves, family, and friends. Yes, some new ways to celebrate is in order, and Batavia knows how to do it.

Batavia's Earth Hour is this Saturday, March 28. For details, see http://www.cityofbatavia.net/Content/templates/?a=3202

March 21 Program at Glen Ellyn Public Library

2011-03-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

The Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition is sponsoring an informative public program on residential energy conservation. The program will feature a panel of local experts sharing their knowledge about home energy audits, improving heating and air conditioning, and personal experiences at reducing energy waste. Homeowners who desire greater comfort and energy savings throughout the seasons are invited. We look forward to hearing input and questions from the audience in a relaxed and informal setting. Featured presenters include Paul Isaac of Forward Energy, and Micah Schoenherr of DMM Comfort. We will also share information about local “green” groups in Glen Ellyn.

The program will be held at the Glen Ellyn Public Library, 400 Duane Street, at 7:00 PM, Monday, March 21, 2011. Light refreshments will be served.

"Blind Spot" film review

2011-02-13T13:04:00.000-08:00

The "Just Views" discussion group viewing of the "Blind Spot" found the film to be depressing, and reacted strongly to it. For an hour and a half, we saw a series of interviews of experts who opined about how America (and the world for that matter) is heading for an economic train wreck because we refuse to conserve oil. No one fully disagreed with the basic premise of the film that the era of cheap oil is ending, but we expected some discussion in the film about needed solutions to the problem. We stayed until late into the evening hours hashing out solutions of our own. Some of us wanted to nibble at the edges, while others wanted to discuss how social communities can restructure themselves in fundamental ways. At least we started some dialog. Imagine a community like Glen Ellyn facing $10 per gallon gasoline. Such a scenario would cause huge economic headaches, but the clouds may have a silver lining. If fuel costs are high enough, the world economy would contract, but local economies might step up. This suggests a vital role for Glen Ellyn's business district as it adapts to provide essential goods and services that it does not provide now.

"JUST VIEWS" Free Film Viewing and Discussion Program

2011-02-09T17:44:00.000-08:00

The DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition & Sierra Club River Prairie Group present a Just Views program, at the DuPage Unitarian Church.

Friday, February 11, 2011 at 7:20 pm: "Running Out of Oil"

The documentary film Blind Spot, directed by Adolfo Doring, probes the current oil and energy crisis which we are facing. Through wishful thinking, indulgence, neglect, and/or ignorance, we have put ourselves at a crossroad and face future environmental and economic collapse. US fossil fuel production has declined and financial and environmental costs to extract oil have increased. This trend is occurring and impacting the world as a whole. Our film features interviews with leading scientists, economists, and environmental advocates. These experts challenge us to actively seek out energy alternatives other than fossil fuels and to transition to a slower-paced, low-energy, sustainable society. For more information and to purchase the dvd, the website is www.blindspotdoc.com.

Resource persons joining us for the viewing and discussion following include Issam Dairanieh, alternative energy sources scientist with a major international petroleum energy corporation, Lonnie Morris, Executive Chair of the Sierra Club - DuPage County River Prairie Group, and Mike Durschmid and associates, activists for climate justice dealing with fossil fuels. All points of view and active audience participation are welcome.

Just Views programs start at 7:20 pm, are sponsored by the DuPage Peace through Justice Coalition and are held in Naperville IL at the Unitarian Church at 4 S 535 Old Naperville Road (630/505-9408).

Directions: Go (south of Route 88) to the corner of Naperville Road and Diehl. Proceed one block east along Diehl, then turn left/north. Enter the Unitarian Church ahead on your right.

Winter weather and climate change

2011-02-02T16:03:00.001-08:00

The horrific onslought of winter weather this year in some areas has left many wondering whether climate change is real. Despite the extreme weather events, the earth has in fact been warming up as a whole. There are some other blogs that have a history of covering this point well, including Jeff Master's WunderBlog

Two things that fuel winter storms - temperature and moisture - may matter the most. It seems likely that climate change could cause a change in storm tracks and access to more of the abundant moisture that the storms need. Still, when we look at Chicago's records, winter storms have impacted Chicago for a long time. Here are the top ten storms according to NOAA, not counting today's storm, which is now third largest at about 20 inches:

1. 23.0 inches Jan 26-27, 1967
2. 21.6 inches Jan 1-3, 1999
3. 19.2 inches Mar 25-26, 1930
4. 18.8 inches Jan 13-14, 1979
5. 16.2 inches Mar 7-8, 1931
6. 15.0 inches Dec 17-20, 1929
7. 14.9 inches Jan 30, 1939
8. 14.9 inches Jan 6-7, 1918
9. 14.3 inches Mar 25-26, 1970
10. 14.0 inches Jan 18-20, 1886

Some analysts say that meteorological records do not show an impact from climate change. Perhaps the trends over the last few years will change that assessment.

Imagining a Transition

2011-01-15T10:20:00.001-08:00

In Transition 1.0 from Transition Towns on Vimeo.

More on the Illinois Solar Tour

2011-01-10T17:56:00.000-08:00

See an article about the local solar energy scene in the Dupage Sierran newsletter published by the River Prairie Group of the Sierra Club.

Taking Electricity for Granted

2011-01-03T15:21:00.000-08:00

We have become so accustomed to limitless electrical power at low cost that we no longer think seriously about conserving it. Even as CFL and LED lighting technology are marketed as "green" products, we keep looking for new and creative uses for electricity requiring greater production and transmission over long distances on demand. Although we can only store small amounts of it, we expect electrical power to be there when we want it.

A recent study by NASA year highlghted our vulnerability to solar flare activity, which causes "space weather." The sun is starting to become more active, possibly reaching a peak of solar flare activity in 2012. This normally concerns astronauts and astronomers, but another group is concerned: our electric utility industry. When a solar storm bathes the earth in plasma radiation, the earth's magnetic field is disrupted, causing auroras. A large storm in 1989 caused Quebec's power grid to crash. A really big one in 1859 disrupted the U.S. telegraph system over a period of days. What might happen should another superstorm like the 1859 event stike today with our high dependence on electricity and electronic communications? Check out the latest Sky and Telescope magazine for the full story.

A superstorm may never happen anytime soon, or the effects may be minimized by utility industry efforts to harden the grid, but we should never take electricity for granted the way we do.

photo by NASA

Welcome to winter

2010-12-21T15:41:00.000-08:00

It's the first day of winter, and by now we notice our utility bills going up. Home heating affects both our natural gas and electrical bills. The illustration published by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that heating consumes most of the energy budget for a typical home.

What can we do about it? If you are ready to replace your furnace, don't forget Nicor's rebate program.
Also, another option is Blue Star Energy, which is an interesting alternative electricity supplier, providing green energy at competitive rates.

Illinois Solar Schools

2010-12-07T19:58:00.000-08:00

Illinois Solar Schools Grants have been announced for 2011. The deadline for submitting applications is March 24, 2011. See http://www.illinoiscleanenergy.org/site/epage/105355_949.htm This grant program has helped fund solar panel installations for educational purposes at Glenbard North and Benedictine University, according to the Web site.

ComEd fights Ill. on conservation | In Other News | Crain's Chicago Business

2010-11-28T20:03:00.000-08:00

ComEd fights Ill. on conservation | In Other News | Crain's Chicago Business

Greenbuild 2010

2010-11-10T20:16:00.000-08:00

Greenbuild returns to Chicago November 17-19, 2010. This is a premier international conference and exhibition sponsored by the U.S. Green Building Council. You can find more information at http://www.greenbuildexpo.org/Home.aspx. After attending Greenbuild, we will report back on the latest trends in green building and what it could mean for Glen Ellyn.

Jeff Biggers, Reckoning at Eagle Creek trailer

2010-10-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

Cool Cities at Lombard seminar on environmental issues

2010-10-09T15:44:00.000-07:00

Cool Cities participates in a Panel for the Planet seminar in Lombard. This was part of the 350.org events happening all over the world, especially on 10-10-10. This panel inlcuded a keynote speech by environmentalist and professor Fred Van Dyke of Wheaton College.

ISEA Solar Tour October 2, 2010

2010-10-02T20:01:00.000-07:00

There are two important take-home messages from today's Illinois Solar Tour. First, in our survey of several homes in Glen Ellyn, Lisle and Naperville, we learned that photovoltaic solar energy works just as well in Northern Illinois as it does in Florida. We also saw effective thermal solar used to make both hot water and to supplement space heating. Second, in all three communities, homeowners found that the municipal permitting process can go quite smoothly when the right information is submitted and the systems properly designed and installed. Most of the homes were not built to conserve energy, so it usually makes sense to take steps to conserve energy as much as possible before sizing a solar energy installation.

2010-09-26T19:34:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Illinois Solar Tour is happening this Saturday, October 2. Several Glen Ellyn residences will be featured. Download and view the tour book at http://tour.illinoissolar.org/

WTTW Dark Skies story

2010-09-05T18:59:00.000-07:00

Debra Norvil, a Chicago area colleague associated with the Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, was recently interviewed on WTTW's Chicago Tonight.

Landscaping with solar lighting

2010-08-10T19:28:00.000-07:00

Tired of those lousy solar lights sold at big box retailers? Dancing Lights in downtown Glen Ellyn offers interesting alternatives. The light featured in the photo above is of higher quality, providing durability and more light. The only drawback is that the light is a bit blue. A more yellowish light would be more pleasing and have less impact on sensitive insects. Still, the solar panels do not fade, and the light is just bright enough to be functional for lighting a garden path. It is certainly a better alternative than the hard-wired lights in a number of landscaping applications. The cost is higher, but Carol Swetka, owner of Dancing Lights, assures me that I will get years of good use out of it. It looks better too!

Summer Fun

2010-08-10T19:14:00.000-07:00

It's not too late for some warm summer and autumn "green" fun!

August 15 (Sunday) - Boating on Lake Ellyn, http://www.gepark.org/new_events.htm

August 19 (Thursday evening) - Sidewalk Astronomy on Naperville's Riverwalk, http://www.stargazing.net/naa/index.shtml

August 21 (Saturday) - Glacial Ridge Forest Preserve restoration work day (e-mail me for details)

August 28 & 29 (Saturday & Sunday) - Glen Ellyn Arts Fest, http://www.glenellynlions.org/

September 18 & 19 (Saturday & Sunday) - Vintage Illinois at Starved Rock, http://www.vintageillinois.com/

September 25 (Saturday) - Cantigny Green Fair, http://www.cantigny.org/visit/green_fair.aspx

October 2 (Saturday) - Illinois Solar Energy Tour, http://tour.illinoissolar.org/

October 16 (Satuday) - Glen Ellyn Historic Homes Tour, http://www.glenellynpreservation.org/

Photo: Elmhurst's Green Fest, July 31

Cool Cities meeting

2010-07-20T18:53:00.001-07:00

Come to the Cool Cities meeting at Bells and Whistles Snackery, 405 North Main Street, Glen Ellyn.

This Wednesday July 20 at 7:30.

Learn what we have done and what we might be doing next. Your input is most welcomed.

Stanford study: Heat waves could be common in U.S. by 2039

2010-07-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

Stanford study: Heat waves could be common in U.S. by 2039

2010-06-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

This week, June 12-18, is Bike to Work Week. Biking is healthy for people, the community and the planet. For details see http://www.activetrans.org/biketoworkweek

Summer Reading

2010-06-14T19:20:00.000-07:00

The Glen Ellyn Public Library and the Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition have produced a short list of recommended environmental reading. Stop by the library to sign up for the Summer Reading Program for 2010. Free prize drawings are offered weekly! The GEPL suggests reading in 5 categories. You pick the books you want to read (General Fiction, Mystery, Biography or Memoir, anything you've read, and New Fiction). Receive the environmental reading list as a bonus.

See http://www.gepl.org for details.

Ten Thousand Villages Saves Energy

2010-05-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

In keeping with its socially conscious values and a desire to reduce its environmental impact, Ten Thousand Villages in Glen Ellyn makes extensive use of compact fluorescent lighting (CFLs) in its store. The retail space is brightly and cheerfully lit, with a warm ambiance. This shows that CFL lighting in a retail setting need not look cold. It is essential to select bulbs with the best "color temperature" for the application. These CFL spots, which look much the same as incandescent bulbs, save the business money over time due to lower wattage requirements. CFLs are particularly well-suited in retail applications where lights are left on for long hours. The longer life of the bulbs also means less time climbing ladders to perform maintenance chores. The use of CFLs not only reduces operating costs, but reduces energy consumption for both air conditioning and lighting in the warmer months, leading to a dramatic reduction in the store's carbon footprint.

Earth Day Event at the Glen Ellyn Public Library

2010-04-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Join us this Thursday April 22 (7:00-8:30 p.m.) to celebrate Earth Day. Various Glen Ellyn groups will be presenting "green" activities they have undertaken, plus we will share ideas for making Glen Ellyn a more beautiful and green community. The Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition will be one of the participating organizations. This event is sponsored by the Glen Ellyn Public Library. It is free, but registration is required. http://www.gepl.org/ We will provide information that will help citizens become more involved after Earth Day. Please join us for an interesting and informative evening.

April 1 Meeting a Big Success

2010-04-09T20:51:00.000-07:00

In a full room, Debra Lazar Pearl of the Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting gave an informative lecture about outdoor lighting practices. Her lecture incorporated images of commonly seen lighting practices, highlighting both the good and the ugly. This was followed by a lively discussion about energy conservation, and "good neighbor" lighting practices. In short, the message was simple: Use only the necessary amount of light where you need it for comfort and safety. Anything else is waste.

This lecture, the first event co-sponsored by Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation and the Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition, attracted Village Trustees and concerned citizens.

The Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting has more information at http://www.illinoislighting.org/

Special Presentation on Dark Skies and Beautiful Safe Lighting

2010-03-17T20:17:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, April 1st, Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation and Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition will co-sponsor a special presentation on the environmental effect of light at night and what we can do to have beautiful, safe lighting around our streets, businesses, homes and landscapes. Debra Lazar Pearl and Debra Briggs Norvil, executive board directors of Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, will discuss the effects of light pollution on our health and the environment, and will offer alternatives that are safer, more attractive and less wasteful.

The implications of turning night to day are not isolated, nor small. There is a large price tag not just in money, but also in human health and environmental impact. Every ecosystem, indeed all-life, has evolved to exist in an environment of half day and half night. Affected are predator and prey relationships of nocturnal wildlife, human health that includes depletion of known tumor-suppressant hormones produced when sleeping in non-darkened environments and the resulting hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 emitted in energy production each year to light the Chicago area.

Illumination at night is an important component of our lifestyle, bringing accessibility to activities that may not otherwise be feasible. However, light that never reaches its intended target is pure waste, and light that is emitted as glare impairs vision. A simple assessment asking Where, When, and How Much – is a great first-step to enabling responsible and sustainable actions.

The presentation will cover not only some of the most common lighting practices found on main-streets today and their causal impacts, but also, by positive contrast, some of the surprising uncommon practices – that yield substantial energy savings, improved environmental conditions, and happy neighbors.

Time: Thursday, April 1st
7:30 p.m.

Place: Glen Ellyn Civic Center
Clayton Room
535 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL

Free admission, coffee and brownies will be served

For more information on the Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting and the environmental and health effects of light pollution:
http://www.illinoislighting.org/

Also:

Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation:
http://www.glenellynpreservation.org/

Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition:
http://www.glenellyn-coolcities.blogspot.com/

2010-03-01T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Illinois Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting offers and interesting symposium on March 11, 2010. As stated in its Web site, "The day will feature lectures by prominent speakers on the gamut of topics... Artificial light and the natural environment; Outdoor lighting, energy waste and sustainability; Light at night and human health; The loss of the night sky and its effects on science and society; and Illumination for safety and security. Our goal is to bring together timely information on these subjects in a forum where all our fellow Illinois citizens can learn not only more about the 'perils' which current lighting practices lighting pose, but also about the 'promises' of a future where the night is illuminated in a responsible, sustainable manner."

For additonal information, visit http://www.illinoislighting.org/symposium.html

Community Consolidated School District 89 Makes Energy Efficiency Improvements

2010-02-25T18:09:00.000-08:00

According to Superintendent John Perdue,

District 89 has recently completed $24.8 million in school facility renovations over the last two
summers. Many of the improvements encompassed energy efficiencies. Below is a list of energy efficiency improvements accomplished with these renovations:
• Replaced existing window systems at Glen Crest, Park View, and Westfield schools with new energy efficient window systems containing low-E glass.
• Increased the roof insulation thickness at all schools, which doubled the R value of the roof systems.
• Replaced black tar roofs at Park View and Briar Glen with highly reflected white membrane roof system to minimize heat gain.
• Replaced existing exterior light fixtures with new compact florescent exterior light fixtures District wide.
• Replaced existing interior light fixtures with new energy efficient interior light fixtures in most schools.
• Replaced high-bay gymnasium light fixtures with energy efficient fluorescent fixtures District wide.
• Installed long lasting LED light fixtures at specific locations.
• Installed building automation system, which gives the District the ability to turn off mechanical equipment and lights when building is unoccupied.
• Installed occupancy sensors in all rooms that turn off lights and mechanical equipment automatically when room is not in use.

This is the kind of improvements that Cool Cities promotes.

Photo by District 89.

Sierra Club Program in Glen Ellyn

2010-02-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

February 15, 2010 (Monday) 7:00 PM – Chill the Drills, Oil Development and Climate Change in America’s Arctic

Presented by Kit McGurn
Glen Ellyn Public Library
400 Duane St., Meeting Rooms A & B
Glen Ellyn, IL
Free and Open to the Public

The Arctic ecosystem on the North Slope of Alaska represents a microcosm of the realities that society at large faces with regard to fossil fuel dependency, climate change and the importance of protecting our last wild and pristine places. Come learn what is being done to protect this iconic American landscape and what you can do to help!

Energy Star rebates now available in Illinois

2010-02-03T19:47:00.000-08:00

You can now purchase Energy Star appliances and obtain a rebates through the newly-launched Illinois Energy Star rebate program. During February, rebates are available through contractors for qualified water heaters, heating and cooling equipment. For the period of April 16-25, 2010, rebates are available for Energy Star dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers.

Energy Star appliances are available through two participating downtown Glen Ellyn businesses - Young's Appliances and Soukup's Hardware. They may not be on display at Soukup's, but you can order them for fast delivery. See http://www.soukupshardware.com/products.html
Young's focuses on the higher-end models. See http://youngsappliances.brandsource.com/default.aspx

Remember, to reduce your carbon footprint, you do not want to keep the old fridge! ComEd has a program for taking your clunker away for responsible disposal, and as long as funding lasts, it will pay you $25. For details see http://www.comed.com/sites/homesavings/pages/appliancerecycling.aspx

For more details on the rebate program, see
http://www.commerce.state.il.us/dceo/Bureaus/Energy_Recycling/Energy+Star+Rebates/

There is so much talk of changing lightbulbs and other "easy to be green" hints, but for greater impact, start with household appliances and heating equipment.

Illinois mayors who have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement

2010-01-19T20:03:00.000-08:00

Here is a list of Illinois mayors who have signed the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. Nationwide, 1016 mayors have signed so far, and the number is growing.

John Scmitt, Algonquin
Donald Sandidge, Alton
Thomas Weisner, Aurora
Mark Eckert, Belleville
Robert Lovero, Berwyn
Donald Peloquin, Blue Island
Roger Claar, Bolingbrook
Brad Cole, Carbondale
Ross Ferraro, Carol Stream
Richard Daley, Chicago
John Miller, Collinsville
Martin Maylan, Des Plaines
David Mingus, East Peoria
Gary Niebur, Edwardsville
Ed Schock, Elgin
Thomas Marcucci, Elmhurst
Lorraine Morton, Evanston
Robert Donaldson, Hazel Crest
Michael Belsky, Highland Park
William McLeod, Hoffman Estates
Richard Hofeld, Homewood
S. Michael Rummel, Lake Forest
Edwin Plaza, Lake in the Hills
William Mueller, Lombard
Jason Briscoe, Minooka
Donald Welvaert, Moline
Chris Koos, Normal
Gene Marks, Northbrook
David Pope, Oak Park
Daniel McLaughlin, Orland Park
Brian LeClerca, Oswego
Rita Mullins, Palatine
John Ostenburg, Park Forest
Howard Frimark, Park Ridge
Donald Baker, Peru
James Waldorf, Plainfield
David Blanton, Rock Falls
Mark Schwiebert, Rock Island
Kenneth Nelson, Rolling Meadows
Al Larson, Schaumburg
Kenneth Beasley, South Roxana
James Narczewski, Spring Valley
Timothy Davlin, Springfield
Laurel Prussing, Urbana
Rae Rupp-Srch, Villa Park
Robert Sabonjian, Waukegan
William Rahn, Westmont
Christopher Canning, Wilmette

http://usmayors.org/climateprotection/agreement.htm

Lombard becomes a Cool City

2010-01-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

Lombard recently became the fifth DuPage County and 49th Illinois Cool City when Village President William Mueller signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, according to a Sierra Club source.
http://usmayors.org/

Elgin LWV Calendar

2010-01-08T19:46:00.000-08:00

Leave it to the Elgin League of Women Voters to take a fun and creative approach to raising awareness about the serious subject of climate change. This was previously published on a Glen Ellyn LWV Facebook page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/League-of-Women-Voters-of-Glen-Ellyn/89366374662?v=info

New Recycling Containers Arrive

2009-12-28T12:43:00.001-08:00

Glen Ellyn's new wheeled recycling containers are being delivered this week. These should reduce blowing litter and be more convenient than the old containers. A number of sources state that by recycling we are reducing our carbon footprint. http://www.cesblog.org/2007/08/recycle_to_reduce_yo.html

Why did Carmel, IN become a Cool City?

2009-12-23T17:52:00.001-08:00

Why did Carmel, Indiana, a suburb of Indianapolis, become a Cool City?

According to a report from the U.S. Conference of Mayors, when asked why he signed on to the Mayors Climate Protecton Agreement, Mayor James Brainard answered: “The answer is pretty simple. I signed the agreement to help establish goals for improved air quality, energy independence and carbon reduction.”

How has your city moved forward to reduce emissions?
“The City of Carmel has built over 50 roundabouts, which reduce gasoline usage by roughly 24,000 gallons of gasoline per roundabout per year. We are implementing a ‘smart code,’ which increases pedestrian connectivity throughout the city with better planning; we have added tens of miles of bike and pedestrian paths; we have increased density to cut down on automobile trips; we have a no-idling policy for city vehicles; we have a requirement that all city vehicles must be hybrids or use alternative fuel; we have replaced incandescent street lights with LEDs; we have created a walkable city center through public-private partnerships that help cut down on car trips; and we have developed a street tree program, which spends approximately $25 per person per year on street trees. Mixed-use development initiatives, especially, cut down on long car trips from commercial to residential zones.”

Which initiative in your city has had the greatest impact on reducing GHG emissions?
“Residents burn an estimated 470,000 fewer gallons of gas when using a roundabout versus waiting at a 4-way stop or traffic light. At $2.50 per gallon of gas, drivers save approximately $1,750,000 per year. Recent studies indicate roundabout interchanges significantly reduce toxic automobile emissions, creating a positive impact on the environment. Analysis performed at the 96th and Keystone intersection in Carmel, using traffic analysis and Environmental Protection Agency software, has indicated that replacing the existing signal at the intersection with a new roundabout interchange will reduce annual carbon monoxide emissions by 42 percent, nitrous oxide emissions by 29 percent, and hydrocarbon emissions by 71 percent. Additionally, studies cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) show that annual carbon dioxide emissions are typically reduced by 37 percent when a traffic signal is replaced by a roundabout.”

Glen Ellyn has at least one roundabout. Do you know where it is?

Sustainable wines found at Cabernet & Company and other local stores for the holidays

2009-12-13T14:53:00.000-08:00

There is a carbon footprint and an environmental impact associated with any purchase of wine, but wineries are working hard at “sustainability.” What does this mean? Solar arrays are being installed in many vineyards, especially in California, to reduce energy consumption. Organic and biodynamic methods that include more natural approaches to pest control are being employed by vinyards to reduce the need for energy-intensive fertilizers and pesticides. Wineries are beginning to treat their vineyards as unique ecosystems. Another approach for the consumer is to buy local. Illinois makes a few good wines (yes, really). This reduces the energy required to ship it here, although many Illinois wine makers use some California grapes.

According to Alixe Lischett of Cabernet & Co., sustainable practices are being explored widely within the wine industry. She explained many are not yet classified and marketed as “sustainable” because they may want to use chemicals in a bad year to save the crops from ruin, but this is a very rare occurrence. Good examples of sustainable wines found at Cabernet & Co. include selections from Como Sur, Chile (organic); the Glunz Family Winery (local, and in returnable bottles); Ceago Winery (biodynamic); and Ridge Vineyards (integrated pest management). Also found at Cabernet & Co. is an interesting wine is from Basel Cellars “The Earth Series Volume One,” a red wine blend that is made using biodynamic practices that may soon be certified sustainable.

Fetzer Vineyards (uses solar power and other good practices, but finds it necessary to use plastic corks) can be found at Trader Joe’s.

Wines from Frey Vineyards (organic, biodynamic, and promises to be 100% solar powered in a few years) and Parducci (solar and wind power, and “carbon neutral”) can be found at Whole Foods.

Also look for Frog’s Leap, Napa Valley (solar power, geothermal cooling, organic practices); Rodney Strong, Sonoma County (“world’s largest” solar array used at a winery); and Shafer Vineyards, Napa Valley (solar power, shifting to organic wines).

So why does this matter to the wine lover? According to Dr. Dominique Bachelet, The Nature Conservancy's climate change scientist “…by the end of this century rising temperatures across the U.S. could reduce the areas suitable for premium wine production by up to 81 percent.” – Treehugger.com

Photo credit: California Public Utilities Commission.

John Huston lecture has moved

2009-12-07T16:44:00.000-08:00

News Flash! The Glen Ellyn Public Library reports that the lecture by John Huston has moved to a new location:

LOCATION CHANGE - This program will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church 393 N. Main St. (across from Giesche Shoes) Glen Ellyn. Along with his expedition partner Tyler Fish, John Huston is one of the first Americans to ski unsupported and unassisted to the North Pole. The expedition has been called "the hardest trek on the planet." John will talk about his inspiring and challenging journey and show stunning photos and video from his 55 day journey to the North Pole. Free.

Something to ponder in the meantime: Denmark has reduced its carbon emissions 13 percent while its economy grew 45 percent. Why can't we do that in Glen Ellyn? http://www.eesi.org/112009_denmark

Village update

2009-12-02T18:29:00.000-08:00

They are harvesting more than corn in Indiana (see photo). But what are we doing in Glen Ellyn? Since our presentation to the Village Board at the end of October, the Village reports that it will have continued U.S. EPA support to help develop a baseline carbon emission inventory. EPA plans to have a new intern on Board in early January to provide labor and resources to finish the job. Once the inventory is done, the Village will have a "better handle on where we stand." As the Coalition would like to see it, that means finding the low hanging fruit for energy savings in our Village. Glen Ellyn is also discussing with College of DuPage how to find a potential intern who could do the internal staff work needed for a Cool Cities initiative. COD itself has an energy managemnt plan, and offers a degree in facility management. The Village shows signs of having an interest in becoming a Cool City, but due to serious budget and staff limitations, it is taking a cautious approach. That suggests we need to continue to develop community support and programs that will lead to a lasting effort to become a Cool City and to implement meaningful programs thereafter. The Chamber of Commerce supports the effort, and we will be seeking more public support. As with any public issue, a committed and informed citizenry is vital.

John Huston, polar explorer

2009-11-22T19:57:00.000-08:00

John Huston, a polar explorer - and Glen Ellyn native - will speak at the Glen Ellyn Public Library on December 10, from 7-8 pm. He was part of a 2-man team that was the first American team to ski to the North Pole without external support or assistance. Quite an achievement! The lecture is free but you must register to attend.

See http://www.gepl.org/

Public Meeting on October 29

2009-10-28T18:54:00.000-07:00

Cool Cities Meeting, 7:30 pm, in the Glen Ellyn Civic Center

Agenda:

Introducing the Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement to guests.

So we have been introduced to the Glen Ellyn Board of Trustees. Now what? A discussion of Village procedures and strategies.

The Chamber of Commerce has endorsed us. Who else shall we approach in the near term?

Educational program next year? Think big.

Create a video about people (e.g. building managers) who doing good things with building efficiency?

Future meeting locations and times.

we are part of something big

2009-10-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

We are part of something really, really big - check the Web link to the far right and look at images from all over the world showing people speaking out about climate change. The image here was taken at Blackwell Forest Preserve.

Cool Cities Meetings

2009-10-21T19:02:00.000-07:00

This is a busy month for Cool Cities in Glen Ellyn. On Monday, October 26 we are scheduled for a brief presentation to the Village Board at 8 p.m. This is an opportunity to introduce ourselves, to say who we are, and why we think Glen Ellyn should sign the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. To open the Board meeting, the Eco Club of Glenbard West H.S. will lead us in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Also, we had just provided an update to the Environmental Commission, which has been supportive.

On Thursday, October 29, we hold our regular monthly public meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center. This will likely be the last meeting of its kind this year due to the upcoming holidays. It will be an important planning meeting, but the public is invited to learn about Cool Cities - so feel free to come and invite anyone that you think might be interested.

New Cool Cities logo

2009-10-15T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is a new logo adopted by the Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition - courtesy of Bonnie Gahris of B.G. Design.

Over 1,000 cities have signed

2009-10-14T19:28:00.000-07:00

Over 1,000 cities throughout America have signed on to the U.S. Mayor's Climate Protection Agreement. Two Illinois communities, Orland Park and Belleville (near St. Louis) are among the latest.

Upcoming Cool Cities events

2009-10-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

Let's ride together. On Monday, October 26th, at 8 p.m., we are scheduled to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Glen Ellyn Board of Trustees meeting and to introduce ourselves to the Village Board. This will take place at the Civic Center on Duane Street.

Also, the next public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, for 7:30 p.m., also at the Civic Center.

2009-10-10T09:47:00.000-07:00

Cool things happen in Glen Ellyn. The Crowne Plaza Glen Ellyn has just received a Green Initiative Award. Stop by the hotel and restaurant and see the interesting design features. See details at http://www.gotbuzzatkurman.com/
It takes leaders in business to show the way for energy conservation.

Cool Cities Makes Local News

2009-10-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

See the feature story in the Glen Ellyn News at http://www.mysuburbanlife.com/glenellyn/news/x576530250/Residents-thinking-globally-acting-locally

Public Meeting at Civic Center on September 24 - 7:30 p.m.

2009-09-19T18:13:00.000-07:00

Is Glen Ellyn edging closer to becoming a Cool City? The Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition will meet this Thursday, September 24th, at 7:30 pm. to discuss a presentation we will make to the Village Board in just a few weeks. Short and long term strategy will be discussed.

If you are new to the project, feel free to join us to learn how it works and how you can help. Note the new time is 7:30 p.m.

Individuals and Organizations Urged to Take the Pledge

2009-09-14T19:35:00.000-07:00

I (We) believe in the goals of the Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to protect our environment. I (We) support the Village of Glen Ellyn taking the lead by setting goals and implementing action plans for green vehicle fleets, energy efficiency, and renewable energy opportunities. I (We) believe that it is also the responsibility of every citizen to protect the environment. I (We), therefore, pledge to further our commitment to the environment by learning the issues and choosing 3 or more actions each year.

Name _____________ Organization ______________________ Date ____________

Cool news update

2009-09-01T18:31:00.000-07:00

The Coalition has been working cooperatively with the Village of Glen Ellyn to find a way to perform a "baseline emissions inventory" for carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to climate change at minimal cost during these austere times. Once this is done, we have a basis for developing plans for concrete and achievable emission reductions in the future. The good news is that the U.S. EPA has made available a summer intern to work on gathering data that is required by an emissions inventory computer model. The intern will run the model free of charge. This is also makes it unecessary for the Village to purchase the computer model at this time.

No August meeting

2009-08-18T19:06:00.000-07:00

There will be no public meeting this month. We are enjoying the blessings of the late summer. Please stay tuned for latest news.

Public meeting this Thursday July 30

2009-07-27T18:50:00.000-07:00

Join us this Thursday, at 7 pm, at the Glen Ellyn Public Library for discussion about opportunities to obtain federal funding, how to use an intern to conduct an inventory, and other new developments. We will have an update on our dialog with the Village. We seek new participants and public endorsements as the momentum builds.

Cool Cities Primer

2009-07-22T18:57:00.000-07:00

For those eager to know more about what's going on, we are preparing a proposal for the Village to review. Once Glen Ellyn signs on to the U.S. Conference of Mayor's Agreement (see http://www.coolcities.us/faq.php ) we will have access to the resources to get the job done. An important initial step is to perform an inventory to see what Glen Ellyn's impact really is. The idea is to measure improvement so we know how we are really releasing to the atmosphere. This allows us to make an effective plan for reducing global warming gases and to start saving money. This is not limited to Village operations. Your business, residence, and church community can benefit also!

Public Meeting

2009-07-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Check newer posts for the latest news!

The next meeting is scheduled on Thursday, July 30 at 7 pm, Glen Ellyn Public Library. More information to come. Meanwhile, enjoy the 4th of July.

Public meeting: Thursday June 25 at 7 pm, at the Village Civic Center

2009-06-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our blog! This will be a place to share information about what we are doing.

The Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition is a group of people involved in various local civic and environmental advocacy groups meeting to discuss ways to reduce Glen Ellyn’s impact on the environment. While people talk about “going green” we are looking for ways to really do it. The biggest item on our agenda is to ask the Village of Glen Ellyn to join more than 900 other communities by signing the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement.

The goal of this agreement is to “enact policies and programs to meet or beat the greenhouse gas emission reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol -- 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012.” That seems like a lofty goal, but we think Glen Ellyn can do it. The Village has already taken steps since 1990 to reduce carbon dioxide missions, ranging to improved lighting, building heating and ventilation improvements, and the purchase of hybrid vehicles. Don’t forget, in the long run this will save tax dollars and allow the Village to provide vital services more efficiently. And we will be part of a national movement to address climate change on a local level.

We meet regularly on the last Thursday of the month at 7 pm.

Next public meeting: Thursday June 25 at 7 pm, at the Village Civic Center.