Comments on: Live Green with Sustainable Practices

By: Linda Gilbert

Linda Gilbert — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:51:20 +0000

Forgot to mention: Tickets are available at http://www.glenellynpreservation.org or by calling 630.858.3486.

By: Linda Gilbert

Linda Gilbert — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:48:15 +0000

DON’T MISS A FREE LOCAL GREEN EVENT ON MAY 16 IN GLEN ELLYN: Mike Jackson, Chief Architect of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency will speak to preservation and renovation as sustainable practices. A nationally known authority on embodied energy, he will address THE COMMON ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF BOTH PRESERVATIONISTS AND GREEN BUILDING PROPONENTS.

In addition, a variety of exhibitors will be available at the event, Many of the products represented will be EARTH FRIENDLY, including no-VOC paints and recycled flooring, dark sky-sensitive lighting, wood reclamation from fallen trees and landscape design that is sensitive to the urban/suburban environment.
10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (speaker at 11:00 a.m.)

Location: Hadley Jr. High, free parking
Coffee & Bagels

There is no charge for Arboretum members, staff & volunteers.

By: Sarah Rouse Kemnitz

Sarah Rouse Kemnitz — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:24:30 +0000

Best Buy has a recycling progrm in their entrance for batteries & cell phones. Home Depot has one for Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs), batteries and power tools.

By: Mary LaBudde

Mary LaBudde — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:12:46 +0000

Walgreens took my used batteries at the camera counter.

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:50:07 +0000

You need to be certain you are using a reputable facility when recycling batteries, cfl bulbs, and e-waste.
These things usually end up being shipped overseas by the ‘recycling company’ where they end up in a landfill, or end up getting ‘recycled’ in sweatshops by women and kids. The sweatshop laborers are given no protection against the chemical hazards like the carbon rods and acid in the batteries, and thus your plan to go green can endanger human lives. The same goes for those lovely energy efficient light bulbs, which contain mercury.
I’m shocked that the Arboretum has not yet discovered mercury-free LED lighting and rechargeable batteries. Some companies even make solar powered rechargers now. You don’t even need to go to a hardware store — go to Dominick’s grocery stores and take a look.

By: Jane Collins

Jane Collins — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:40:09 +0000

Batteries Plus stores will accept used batteries of all kinds. Check the website for the location closest to you.
http://WWW.BatteriesPlus.com

By: Linda Bodine

Linda Bodine — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 04:28:53 +0000

Fire Station #4 at the corner of Route 59 and Brookdale Rd. in Naperville is the Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility and accepts used batteries as well as many other household items. They are only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9-3 for drop off.(630-420-4190 or http://www.naperville.il.us)

By: Michelle Borrero

Michelle Borrero — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:12:10 +0000

There is a battery recycling box among others at the “out” door at IKEA.

By: Carol Cummins D.D.S.

Carol Cummins D.D.S. — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 23:21:38 +0000

I visited Australia during the entire month of December, and while I was gone, set the thermostat to 50 degrees. January was one of the coldest months ever, and my heating bill was less than December!
Imagine my delight, when I realized that the difference was that I was inspired to use a clothesline to dry my clothes, and hardly used my dryer at all during January.

Our Aussie friends are committed to lowering their carbon emissions, and we could learn a lot from them! It is actually kind of fun, and the towels turn out nice and stiff, like a loofah! … Naturally exfoliating.

I was motivated to help the planet, but felt like Mother Earth thanked me with the money I saved from my heating bill.

By: Thomas Noll

Thomas Noll — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:53:22 +0000

Where and/or how do you recycle batteries? We have saved ours, rather than putting them in the garbage, but have not found anyone to take them. Would appreciate knowing what to do with them.
Thanks!!