The next meeting of Elgin’s Sustainability Commission will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, in The Centre of Elgin.
In case you missed the last meeting:
Energy Efficiency Resource Kits
The commission decided to assemble and distribute energy efficiency resource kits at the Elgin Green Expo, giving Elgin residents the items they need to save energy, water and money.
Naturalizing park areas
The city has already naturalized two of its detention basins. As a continuation of this, the commission provided input on establishing "no mow" areas in the lesser-used areas of Elgin parks. Not mowing certain areas provides erosion control, water quality benefits and opens up opportunities for native plantings.
Backyard Chickens
The commission voted unanimously to develop a backyard chicken ordinance to recommend to the city council. Similar to other communities the ordinance would allow residents to keep egg producing hens. The commission is excited to begin working on this initiative.
Electric Aggregation
On March 20, Elgin residents will join voters in nearly 300 Illinois communities to decide whether they want their municipalities to try and lower their electric bills through a process called electric aggregation.
The March 20 ballot asks voters to give the city the authority to create an electric aggregation program.
If you could teach 4,000 people about sustainability, what would you say?
Green Expo
The city is developing nine sustainability displays for the Elgin Green Expo, May 4 and 5, 2012. One display per working group.
This is your chance to educate the community. Potential topics include:
- Energy Efficiency at Home
- Controlling Stormwater at Home
- Energy Efficient Businesses
- Sustainable Landscaping
- Begin a Green Kid
- Home Composting
- Transportation Alternatives
- Complete Streets
- Conserving Water at Home
