Informational & Useful
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Ecology
1) Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - model
this activity by having children help with recycling, by using cast-off
containers for another purpose and by composting kitchen scraps for your
garden. http://www.composters.com/ is one
possible source of composters, worm composting (vermiculture) and kitchen
composters.
2) Carbon offsetting -- Humans leave
behind a "carbon footprint" no matter what the activity. In addition
to reducing our footprint through energy conservation, we can support
organizations that work to promote alternative energy sources, plant trees,
and do other earth friendly activities. One such organization is www.carbonfund.org whose slogan is:
Reduce what you can, Offset what you can't. If we pool our resources
we can make a difference.
Energy Conservation Links:
http://www.advancedenergyonline.com/Resources/index.htm - Advanced
Energy Solutions, Inc.
http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/PassiveSol.html - Passive Solar Design
General Links:
http://www.greencounties.org
http://www.greenmapping.org/about -
Openlands Natural Connections Green Infrastructure Mapping Project
http://www.cmap.illinois.gov - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for
Planning
http://www.nipc.org/environment/ - Northeast
Illinois Planning Commission
Lawn & Garden
Rain Gardens: Capture water that runs off hard surfaces
such as roofs, garden sheds, garages and driveways but installing rain
gardens. These can be simple depressions at the base of downspouts or
alongside driveways and sidewalks. If they are planted with native plants
with deep root systems, water will stay out of our storm sewers and rivers
and filter down to our DeKalb County aquifer, replenishing our drinking
water. Here are some of many websites with “How To” and “Why to” Install
information for homeowners.
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/
http://www.raingardens.org/Index.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden
Environmental Services Epo Garden
http://www.dof.virginia.gov/rfb/rain-gardens.shtml
http://www.mninter.net/~stack/rain/
http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen/
http://changeyourgeneration.austinenergy.com/
http://www.uri.edu/ce/healthylandscapes/raingarden.htm
Resources
www.nahb.org/greenbuildingprogram - National
Association of Home Builders Program.
www.usgbc.org - info on the U.S.
Green Building Council.
www.buildinggreen.com - product info,
case studies, and technical info.
www.energystar.gov - the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program provides
technical support and product information.
www.greenerbuildings.com - resources for environmentally responsible
building development.
www.sbicouncil.org - The Sustainable Building Industries Council’s
website offers info on the design, affordability, energy performance, and
environmental soundness of residential, institutional, and commercial
buildings.
www.edcmag.com - Environmental Design and Construction Magazine offers
up-to-date info on green building techniques, materials, and
processes.
Three Green Cities:
Arlington, Virginia
www.arlingtonva.us/Portals/Topics/TopicsEnvironment.aspx
Austin, Texas Green Building Program:
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/index.htm
Miami, Florida Office of Sustainable Initiatives: http://www.miamigov.com/msi/pages/GreenBuildings/default.asp
Water Conservation Information
http://www.foxriverecosystem.org/ - Fox River Ecosystem Partnership
Water Supply
Management Options for Northeastern Illinois .pdf
http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/data.asp - Illinois State Water Survey
http://www.awwa.org/Resources/content.cfm?ItemNumber=29269&navItemNumber=1561
Blackberry Creek Sustainable Development Study .pdf
Prairie Crossing sustainable Development Lake County, IL
http://www.dekalbilswcd.org/ - DeKalb County Soil and Water District
Natural Resource Conservation Service
http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/ - The Wetlands Initiative
Rock River Basin Assessment .pdf
http://krep.bios.niu.edu/- Kishwaukee River Ecosystem Partnership
http://www.foxriverecosystem.org/ - Fox River Ecosystem Partnership
Water Supply
Management Options for Northeastern Illinois .pdf
http://www.sws.uiuc.edu/data.asp - Illinois State Water Survey
http://www.awwa.org/Resources/content.cfm?ItemNumber=29269&navItemNumber=1561
Blackberry Creek Sustainable Development Study .pdf
Prairie Crossing sustainable Development Lake County, IL
http://www.dekalbilswcd.org/ - DeKalb County Soil and Water District
Natural Resource Conservation Service
http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/ - The Wetlands Initiative
Rock River Basin Assessment .pdf
