Go Green Resources

• 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 https://carbonfund.org whose slogan is:  Reduce what you can, Offset what you can’t.  If we pool our resources we can make a difference.

County Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/science/earth/13trash.html – Clean Energy in Trash
• http://www.yellowkeyrealty.com/resources/energy-efficiency-resources-for-homes-and-apartments.aspx  -Energy Efficiency for Homes

• https://www.cmap.illinois.gov – Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
• https://www.nahb.org/ -National Association of Home Builders Program
• https://www.builditgreen.org// – Build It Green
• http://www.energystar.gov – The U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program provides technical support and product information
• http://www.edcmag.com – Environmental Design and Construction Magazine offers up-to-date info on green building techniques, materials, and processes comprehensive consumer guide to energy efficient housing and “green mortgages”

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://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden
• http://www.mninter.net/~stack/rain/
• http://www.austintexas.gov/department/watershed-protection

• DeKalb County Stormwater flyer
• http://www.foxriverecosystem.org/ – Fox River Ecosystem Partnership
• Prairie Crossing sustainable Development Lake County, IL
• http://www.swcdekalbil.org/ – DeKalb County Soil and Water District
• http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/ – The Wetlands Initiative
• Water Resources