Thornwood's Special Block Event

Amy Dillon, a Go Green Wilmette member, organized a special event designed to help neighbors and friends improve their environment. Neighbors gathered on Sunday, June 8, 2014, despite the fall temperatures. Attendees came to meet and greet and to learn more about some “green” issues. She was appreciative of the Fraleys hosting this block event. In addition, a big thank you goes out to Go Green Wilmette for donating LED bulbs to 20 families, Chalet for a great selection of native plants, Norm’s Car Wash, Tony Dillon for the LED light display and US Solar for coming to talk about solar bulk purchasing program. Mark’s demonstration of his manual mower was a true highlight. 

There were great neighbors, snacks, kids’ planting and all participants talking together about how to create a healthy environment was a well-spent afternoon. Talking to one another, attendees discovered that many friends and neighbors are already pesticide free, composting, growing food, planting native plants to help save the bees and very interested in lowering their carbon footprint.  Please check out http://www.gogreenwilmette.org What Can You Do section where you can find simple and easy ideas to implement. The site is constantly updated with local stories including the most recent success at Highcrest where they composted more than 600 pounds of food! Below you will find the resources that should be helpful to all.

Save on Utilities

• LED Bulbs: Cree LED bulbs available at Home Depot for about $9.95
• Utility Savings: Schedule an Energy Audit and call Elevate Energy at 1 (773) 269-4037 

Save the Bees and Butterflies

• Check out the Pocket Prairie Garden Guide at http://www.gogreenwilmette.org/landscaping/#native
• Check the large native plant section at Chalet

Composting

• Do-It-Yourself: http://www.gogreenwilmette.org/landscaping/#composting
• Pick Up Service: http://www.collectiveresource.us

Landscaping without Chemicals

• Visit http://www.gogreenwilmette.org/landscaping/
• Explore http://www.beyondpesticides.org/
• Mark your calendars for the 2nd annual Alternative Yard Tour on Sunday, July 20th featuring some of Wilmette's best examples of chemical-free yards. See http://www.gogreenwilmette.org
• Talk to your yard service to be sure you know what they are using on your yard

Pesticide Free Signs

• Order a friendly yard sign to let your neighbors know your yard is safe for all and is already pesticide free  
• See examples at http://www.beyondpesticides.org/lawn/index.php
• Contact amy@keller.net to order a sign

Solar Hot Water

• http://ussolarnetwork.com