Announcing a series of posts about community sustainability and resiliency

Expect to see in the comings days a series of posts following the theme of community sustainability and resiliency to the effects of climate change.  Although some of the topics may not seem related they really are.  In our world of highly specialized careers, we often fail to see the connections between various environmental and social problems, and the proposed solutions.  For example, the image presented here is an historic icon located in downtown Glen Ellyn.  It is from the past, any yet it holds meaning for many residents.  No wonder this photograph has been circulated by others in Glen Ellyn.  Embracing our strong sense of place, of history, and of community will be part our theme.   Follow these posts, feel free to react and comment, and enjoy the journey.

Final community survey results

In a couple of social and informative events in Glen Ellyn this Spring, we gathered information about the environmental concerns of those present.  This was not a professional survey by any means, but we learned that there is an overarching concern: we care most about our families, our communities, and the general health of the environment that supports us.

When asked about what we need to do for our communities, these are some of the specific concerns in order of popularity:

• Sustainable food, using native plants, and gardening
• Lawn care, pesticide use, and urban trees
• Transportation planning
• Public education and advocacy
• Community sustainability planning
• Energy efficiency in buildings
• Use of renewable energy

When asked what we need to do to address climate change, opinions varied widely.  Although harder to summarize as bullets, ideas included:

• Education and advocacy (in various forms)
• Using renewable energy
• Energy efficiency

This includes input from the residents of Glen Ellyn and surrounding communities, and includes environmental activists as well as interested citizens.   Environmental groups and municipalities in DuPage County should find this summary useful for planning purposes.  We believe there is community interest and support for doing more than what we are now doing.'

Thanks to Bonnie Gahris for summarizing the results, which will soon appear in detail in a full report.

Spring/summer eco-events

Follow the links below for green education and fun:

May 9-11, Wheaton Glen Ellyn AAUW book sale

May 10-11, Elgin’s Green Expo

May 18, Conservation Foundation's DuPage River Sweep

May 18, Glen Ellyn Plant Exchange

May 19, Sierra Club River Prairie Group's Party on the Farm

May 22,The Resiliency Institute, Nutrient-dense gardening

June 8, Aurora Green Fest

June 30, Sierra Club outing, wind farm tour

Summer activities at Morton Arboretum

Some lawn and garden tips:

Use lawn-care products like Milorganite for less environmental impact

Consider the value of trees, including management of urban flooding.  Morton Arboretums Every Tree Matters program.

Glen Ellyn's Environmental Commission has important advice on volcano mulching.

Celebrating Earth Month

Earth Month Calendar

April 21 - Arbor Week begins at Morton Arboretum, http://www.mortonarb.org/

April 22 - Earth Day Summit at Lake Ellyn Boathouse; 7-8:30 pm  (From Glen Ellyn Park District Newsletter)

Join us this Earth Day for an evening of information and inspiration. Several local environmental organizations will explain their roles in greening our community and share ideas on how you can help in these efforts. Organizations include:

• Citizens for Glen Ellyn Preservation
• First Congregational Church of Glen Ellyn - Environmental Ministry Team
• First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn - Earthlings Group
• GardenWorks DuPage
• Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition
• Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission
• IL Coalition for Responsible Outdoor Lighting
• The Resiliency Institute
• River Prairie Sierra Club
• SCARCE
• Wild Ones: Greater DuPage Chapter

April 27 - Glen Ellyn Recycling Extravaganza,  http://www.glenellyn.org/Commissions/Environmental.html  (for similar events in other communites, see http://www.scarceecoed.org/ )

April 27 - Illinois Prairie Path Cleanup, http://www.ipp.org/pdf/Official_2012_Annual_Cleanup_Coordinators_Flyer.pdf

April 27 - Great Western Trail Cleanup,  http://www.friendsofthegreatwesterntrails.com/

Earth Hour Comes to DuPage County

March 23 - Earth Hour party at Honey Cafe, Glen Ellyn, http://honeycafe.net/
You are invited to the only known Earth Hour Party in DuPage County, at Honey Cafe in Glen Ellyn, Saturday evening, March 23, 6:30 - 9 pm, for food, drink, music, and door prizes. Seating is limited, so reserve by calling Honey at 630-469-0000, by March 16. Prepayment of $25 per person is required. Includes a beverage. Please specify if you need gluten-free or vegan dining. Honey Cafe was chosen for this event because it is locally-owned and has taken steps toward environmental sustainability. Sponsored by Glen Ellyn Cool Cities Coalition in cooperation with Honey Cafe.