info@gogreenwilmette.org
PO Box 954 Wilmette, IL
Tip of the Month
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Follow these simple suggestions to make your block party a greener, low impact affair. You will help make your block, your community, and our planet a greener place to live! 1. Offer to oversee the environmental impact of your event. Get kids involved – they can be the leaders. Keep an upbeat, positive attitude. 2. Send a friendly e-mail or flyer to your neighbors letting them know about the project to “green” your block party. (Kids can deliver these.) A sample is included below. 3. Pre-plan early to reduce waste and minimize the carbon footprint of the event – reduce the amount of paper, plastic, fuel, energy and water used for the party. 4. Purchase food, decorations and other materials that can be consumed, reused, or recycled. Avoid styrofoam & unrecyclable plastic whenever possible. 5. Try to limit or avoid single - use plastic items such as disposable tablecloths, utensils, cups and plates. Suggest that people use real tablecloths, regular dishes, and/or reusable picnic ware. If people bring sturdy plastic cutlery, it can be washed in the dishwasher and reused. 6. Consider packaging and the transportation impact before buying or ordering food items. Shop locally, eat locally grown food. Vegetarian options are very eco-friendly. 7. If water bottles must be used, recycle them after use. Reusable water bottles are a better choice. Or provide pitchers of water, lemonade, etc. with reusable glasses. 8. Recycle all recyclable waste. Pair every waste can with a recycling bin with clear signage indicating what goes where. Have a couple of buckets for pouring out the remaining liquid from cans and bottles before recycling them. 9. Make sure that all trash and recyclables are picked up and disposed of appropriately after the event. Make sure you have “green” volunteers assigned to the clean up team, so that recyclables are not put into the garbage. 10. If your block traditionally provides generator-powered activities such as a moonwalk, consider these no-energy alternatives: relay races, bike parade, balloon toss, hula hoop contests, talent show, piñata, street bowling, badminton, seed spitting, etc. 11. For more help with greening your event, contact Go Green Wilmette at info@gogreenwilmette.org. You can use this sample flyer as is or customize it for your block: Let’s Have a Green Block Party! Here are some things you can do to help: 1. When planning your contributions to the party, think about ways to use less paper, plastic, fuel, energy and water. 2. Purchase food, decorations and other materials that can be consumed, reused, or recycled. Avoid styrofoam & unrecyclable plastic whenever possible. 3. Try to limit or avoid single - use plastic items such as disposable tablecloths, utensils, cups and plates. Why not use real tablecloths, regular dishes, and/or reusable picnic ware? If you bring sturdy plastic cutlery, you can wash and store it for next year. 4. Consider packaging and the transportation impact before buying or ordering food items. Try shopping locally and eating locally grown food. Include lots of vegetarian options. 5. If water bottles must be used, recycle them after use. Reusable water bottles are a better choice. Or provide pitchers of water, lemonade, etc. with reusable glasses. 6. Be sure to recycle all recyclable waste in the bins provided. 7. Make sure that all trash and recyclables are picked up and disposed of appropriately after the event. Help make sure that recyclables are not put into the garbage. 8. Share your additional great ideas with the rest of the block! |
Upcoming Events
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Saturday, July 11
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GGW Booth at the Sidewalk Sale
Visit us at our booth at the Wilmette Sidewalk Sale for information on how you can make Wilmette a greener place to live. Better yet, volunteer with us for an hour. Contact margritk@gogreenwilmette.org. 10:00am - 4:00pm |
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Tuesday, July 21
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Tour Community Garden Plots
Don't miss this chance to visit the newly expanded community garden plots wtih GGW. Meet local gardeners and get inspired to grow your own food. Located on Hunter Road just north of the Wilmette Park District Aquatics Center. (Please park in the pool lot.)In case of rain, meet in the Centennial building. 7:30pm |
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Wednesday, July 22
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Tour Community Garden Plots
Don't miss this chance to visit the newly expanded community garden plots wtih GGW. Meet local gardeners and get inspired to grow your own food. Located on Hunter Road just north of the Wilmette Park District Aquatics Center. (Please park in the pool lot.)In case of rain,meet at Panera Bread in Wilmette. 10:00am |
For more events, click here