1. Climate Change Program (a):
On November 23, during our Thanksgiving Holiday, the Trump administration released the Fourth US National Climate Assessment. It supports the findings of the October 2018 UN Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). We must act to demand that governments and corporations address climate change issues immediately.
We, as homeowners, can also take significant climate action by converting conventional “Cut and Blow”, pesticided turf grass yards into healthy, colorful plant and wildlife- pollinator gardens that absorb significant amounts of carbon and stormwater. These yard wildlife “gardens” can be natural areas for rest and exploration. By using more large trees we can get additional cooling of our homes and surroundings.
Go Green Northbrook is now working with the Northbrook Stormwater Commission to identify best “Green Infrastructure” practices and incorporate them into village standards. If you are interested in creating this kind of Climate Changing Landscape, please contact Doug@GoGreenNorthbrook.org. Let us know where you live – municipality.
2. Climate Change Program (b):
At the September Board meeting, the Northbrook Board of Trustees unanimously approved a resolution endorsing the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus’ “Greenest Region Compact 2”. This “Region” consists of the 8 counties in Northeast Illinois: McHenry, Lake, Kane, DuPage, Cook, Kendall, Will, and Grundy.
The GRC2 is a cutting-edge and diverse framework for further “greening” Northbrook and the larger Illinois region. It includes environmental goals for key environmental topics including Climate, Economic Development, Energy, Land, Leadership, Mobility, Municipal Operations,Sustainable Communities, and Water Waste.
At the same Board meeting, metrics developed by the Northbrook Environmental Quality Committee were shared which demonstrated numerous Village accomplishments relative to the Northbrook Sustainability Plan. In light of these accomplishments and the Board’s clear enthusiasm, Northbrook became the 106th local government agency to adopt GRC2. The meeting ended with the Board tasking the “Community and Sustainability Committee”, chaired by Trustee Jason Han, with development of a GRC2 implementation plan. GGN remains willing and able to assist in this planning activity. The December report on Northbrook Sustainability Plan goals and implementation status is attached for your information.
Please thank the Northbrook Village Board for taking this vital and bold step. For more information contact John at john@gogreennorthbrook.org.
3. Composting:
The Village of Northbrook has a new contract for waste disposal that now includes curbside COMPOSTING. You can choose to add composting to your pickup so you can dispose of your food waste instead of sending to the landfill where it creates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Don’t want to pay more? Reduce your garbage container to 35 gallons and reduce your cost and make room for your compost bin.
4. Carbon Pricing:
If you missed the Carbon Pricing 101 session at the Northbrook library on December 1, please take a look at the websites used by the members of the coalition who presented. There is great information on legislative plans:
https://citizensclimatelobby.org
Climate Reality Project Chicago
5. Straw Reduction:
We are currently reaching out to restaurants to ask them to provide STRAWS ONLY UPON REQUEST. If you are interested in joining us, contact us!
6. January Book Review in Northbrook library:
Next month we’re discussing Zero Waste Home by Bea Johnson. This practical guide provides hundreds of easy tips for reducing household waste that even the busiest people can integrate. Johnson shares her story of simplifying her family’s life from a large home and finding greater happiness and meaning.
Discussion led by member of Go Green Northbrook.
Pick up your copy at the Reference desk six weeks prior to discussion.
Tuesday, February 26, 7:00-8:00pm, Civic Room Northbrook Public Library
gogreennorthbrook.org 