Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

(EEC Mission: Our goal is to engage the community's participation in the three R's of Reduce, ReUse, Recycle - at home, on the street and in local businesses

We promote organized recycle/waste events, make presentations and post media alerts to encourage re-use and zero waste reduction practices. We are not complacent about how recycled materials are handled once households do their part, so join us in the effort to reduce waste at its source. 

Waste Initiative launched in 2020.  Town Hall virtual meeting in February, 2021 sharing ideas & goals.

Clean & Green/ Earth Day events in April and EEC encourages participation in the annual Edgewater Yard Sales, normally held in May.  (COVID restrictions may reduce or change some activities)

Utilize Recycling Bins   There is controversy as to effectiveness of recycling, but glass, aluminum & steel continue to be preferably recycled as opposed to mining & production from scratch.  In addition there is an advertising campaign funded by large drink companies to recycle & re-use plastic bottles which is an initiative that needs to be carefully followed.

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BALOONS ARE NOT ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY - LET'S PROMOTE ALTERNATIVES

Balloons Blow, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to educating people about the dangers released balloons can have on animals, people and the environment. The group points out that all released balloons always return back to the ground as litter. Animals like birds, whales and sea turtles can die after swallowing balloons. Mylar/foil balloons can cause power outages and spark fires. Plus, helium is a nonrenewable resource.
The group suggests environmentally friendly alternatives to balloons: e.g. banners, pinwheels or wildflower seed bombs.
A number of cities have laws to regulate the number of balloons that can be released at once or limit the release of certain types of balloons or sky lanterns.​
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STOP TRASHING THE BEACHES   
Thanks to photographer and Edgewater resident Michael Courier for documenting and bringing attention to the litter problem at Osterman Beach. What can we do to stop people from littering?  Click the link for striking photos of Edgewater Beaches on & after a recent Memorial Day:
 #protectourbeaches #nature#nomoreplasti http://www.michaelcourier.com/…/stop-trashing-chicago-bea…//
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