SUSTAINABILITY VOLUNTEERISM E-GUIDE SPONSORED BY
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
WATCHMAN PODCAST
SUSTAINABLE ELGIN
Hello Sustainability Supporter! The Elgin Watchman is a podcast that provides Fox Valley residents with monthly coverage of the city of Elgin's Sustainability Commission meetings. The podcast also does deep dive coverage on specific sustainability related issues. For example, during Season One of the podcast, Erik Anderson & Tia Aageson explored the topic of lead in Elgin's drinking water system and the city's lead service line replacement program.
Wally The Watchman
The Elgin Sustainability Commission is a nine person advisory group appointed by the Elgin City Council. The commission's job is to: Help implement the city's 106-page Sustainability Action Plan Advise the city council on sustainability related topics You may be wondering at this point, "What is sustainability?" While sustainability can be defined in a number of different ways. Here is how the city of Elgin defines it in the Elgin Sustainability Action plan: . . . a movement that complements community values to foster a cooperative spirit and reward efficient use of all resources locally, regionally and globally; accomplished by incorporating the social, economic and environmental objectives of our citizens into our policy, development and culture. Elgin’s sustainability movement is guided by these principles: To create a self-sustaining community. To ensure that future generations can enjoy at least the same natural resources that we did. To preserve, minimize and restore. To accept that we are one species among many. To evaluate current practices and policies to lessen our environmental footprint. Of course, it is impossible for a nine person commission to implement this ambitious vision. So, the commission created six volunteer workgroups to focus on different sections of the Sustainability Action Plan.
This is where we need YOUR help . . . As you read through this online flipbook, please consider volunteering some of your time with one of the commission's workgroups or any of our local environmental organizations. With your help, we can make Elgin a more sustainability community for our future generations. Sign up for more information at cityofelgin.org/sustainability.
Sustainably Yours,
Wally
RENEWABLE ENERGY WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Renewable Energy Work Group evaluates opportunities to supplement the city of Elgin’s traditional electrical supply sources with renewable power. This work group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7pm at the Gail Borden Library's downtown branch. Renewable Energy Goals in Sustainability Action Plan Encourage energy conservation by city of Elgin residents and businesses Develop clean and renewable energy alternatives unique to Elgin Pursue alternatives and renewable energy systems to reduce Elgin’s urban peak energy demand Encourage and increase the use of renewable energy by the city of Elgin and its residents and businesses
LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH COMMISSIONER DAVID JURINA ABOUT THIS WORK GROUP
TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Transportation & Mobility Work Group focuses on sustainable transportation networks and resources; amenities for pedestrians and bicyclists; a strong connection between land use, transit, and non-transit modes of transportation; low-emission vehicles; and car sharing. This work group meets the first Wednesday of every month from 5-6pm at the Gail Borden Library's downtown branch.
Transportation & Mobility Goals in Sustainability Action Plan Reduce Energy Consumption and Pollution from Transportation Operations Reduce Energy Consumption and Pollution related to Transportation Infrastructure Promote Alternative Transportation Options
LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH COMMISSIONER TOM ARMSTRONG
OUTREACH & EDUCATION WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Outreach & Education Work Group focuses on collaborative efforts to reach all interested stakeholders and fostering excitement and knowledge about sustainable efforts, programs and healthy lifestyles. This work group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 6-7pm at the Gail Borden Library's downtown branch.
Outreach & Education Goal in Sustainability Action Plan Educate the community on the value of sustainable practices and healthy living
LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH COMMISSIONER KATIE GRONKE ABOUT THIS WORK GROUP
ZERO WASTE WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Zero Waste Work Group focuses on exploring and educating the community-atlarge about a variety of alternative recycling and reuse options, proper household hazardous waste disposal, and finding new uses for recycled items - ultimately reducing the amount of trash being sent to a landfill. This work group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 10-11am at the Gail Borden Library's downtown branch. Zero Waste Goals in Sustainability Action Plan Increase recycling and waste reduction in the business sector of the community Encourage increased recycling, composting, source reduction and waste reduction in residential properties Encourage the city of Elgin and its residents to purchase and use products made from recycled or reclaimed materials, most importantly, or environmentally friendly materials
LISTEN TO INTERVIEW WITH COMMISSIONER JEFF BISS ABOUT THIS WORK GROUP
BUILDING EFFICIENCY WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Building Efficiency Work Group explores green building technologies, discussing opportunities for reducing energy consumption and replacing carbon-based energy with renewable sources – in particular, energy efficiency opportunities within existing buildings. This work group meets the first Thursday of every month from 4-5pm at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin in the West Conference Room. Building Efficiency Goals in Sustainability Action Plan Educate all groups in the principles and practices of sustainable and energy-efficient design Develop and implement sustainable building polices Developing Financial Programs for Sustainable Building and Energy Efficiency Establish sustainability programs for future development of new and existing buildings, incorporating preservation, remodeling/ retrofit, design, deconstruction, disposal and construction best practices
INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE
URBAN ECOLOGY WORK GROUP Work Group Description The Urban Ecology Work Group considers development patterns and the interconnected nature of planning and development in relationship to vegetation, water resources, wildlife, and open spaces. This work group meets the fourth Thursday of every month from 4-5pm at the Edward Schock Centre of Elgin in the West Conference Room. Urban Ecology Goals in Sustainability Action Plan Achieve integrity of open space along the regional waterways Reduce surface runoff To protect, preserve, and enhance natural resources, parks, and other public areas Encourage Water Conservation Educate residents about pollutants that affect Elgin’s water supply Improve water quality throughout Elgin’s waterways
INTERVIEW NOT AVAILABLE
Other Local Volunteer Opportunities (click logos for more information)
Elgin Green Groups
For more information about the city of Elgin's Lead Service Line Replacement Program http://LeadSafeElgin.com/
The Elgin Watchman An Environmental Sustainability Podcast Get Involved . . . Be Engaged . . . and ALWAYS Keep Watch!
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