Reduce, Re-use, Recycle

Picture
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



































​EESP will promote organized recycle/waste events, make presentations and post media alerts to encourage re-use and zero waste reduction practices. Watch for these notifications especially around Clean & Green/ Earth Day events in April.

The following were the original components of the Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle plan. Shown in green the status as of 2017:
    • Blue Cart expansion;   Chicago expanded Blue Cart pick up to the entire city
    • Education on the three R's via social media, events, presentations; Flyers, facebook & newsletter tips
    • Support & encourage shopping at local re-use businesses;  Reminders in newsletters & facebook posts
    • Standard yard waste pick-up will be championed (with city and then private haulers); Not standard yet
    • Recruit & train Recycling Block Captains and a specific EESP Chair to help support them; Done (Meg Ramir)
    • Add recycle bins for mid rise+ buildings; City ordinance passed with fines for non compliance-1/1/17 
    • Support passing recycling measures (e.g. food compost pick up legislation; plastic bag ordinance) Completed
2017 Activities
Electronic Recycling Event Co-hosted with the 48th Ward: Saturday, September 9th, 9 am to noon.  Location: 48th Ward Streets & Sanitation location at 5953 N. Broadway.  Announcement stated:   They will have a 50 yard dumpster - and all sorts of electronics can be dropped off - vcr's, radios, lamps, appliances, etc.  The recycler will NOT accept bulky TVs or old Cathode Ray Tubes (Large monitors).
Private Waste Haulers-Review of Proposal for a Grid Arrangement:  In 2017 a team of EESP volunteers began working on a proposal for private waste haulers to operate within a grid system.  Various steps still need to be completed before discussion with Aldermen and the city. 
The grid would be part of the City's ordinances and be monitored by Streets & Sanitation and would be similar to the franchise system Evanston has put in place. Because Chicago is so large, multiple grid franchises would be set up (similar to the city's grids).
  • We envision that a number of private haulers be asked submit bids to win the right to operate within a grid -  for mid level buildings and business pick up - for a specified contract period (multi years may be considered). Current contracts would be withdrawn with price limitations part of the bidding process.
  • The purpose is to reduce the large number of different haulers driving in and out of streets and alleys.  Sometimes the same ones going to different places on separate days in a week. These are very heavy diesel vehicles that cause wear & tear on alleys & roads which we pay to repair with our taxes.  More important they emit fumes and particulates that pollute the air.  This impacts all of us, but especially the vulnerable, keeping in mind that around schools and playgrounds the health of young people are at risk.
Chicago Ordinance: Recycling for Multi Unit Buildings Effective 1/1/17
The City Council in 2016 passed an ordinance that increased fines and improved monitoring of recycling for large unit buildings. This new mid to high rise recycling ordinance went into effect 1-1-2017.  Residents can call 311 to report instances of non-compliance. The 311 operator may ask for a name, but if people have concerns for retribution they do not need to provide it.  It should be noted that whether the caller gives their name or not, the caller should ask for the confirmation number and then follow-up in 30 days with 311 & with their Alderman to report lack of progress  First fines start at $500/day. 
Action Plan:  A team has been formed with the cooperative effort of EESP, 48th Ward, Loyola, the Chamber and ENN Block Club to survey the ENN area for compliance.  Follow up procedures with building owners who are not in compliance will be determined with input by the team.   The goal is to encourage compliance and educate residents on proper recycling.
----------------------------------
Committee Members of Resource Conservation Category (Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle)
Members                                                                 Name                                         Email
CoChair                                                                           Jen Walling                             jwalling@ilenviro.org
Vice Chair & RBC EESP Administrator                   Meg Ramir                               megramir@sbcglobal.net
Member                                                                          Allen Stryczek                         allen.stryczek@sbcglobal.net
Chicago School Participate in Coalition to Reduce Waste
In 2015, an alliance of the largest school boards in the U.S. has opted to spend a bit more on compostable plates in order to cut down on waste.

There will be 225 million fewer polystyrene lunch trays in American landfills this year, thanks to a decision made this week by the Urban School Food Alliance. The Alliance, which is a coalition of the largest school boards in the United States, has opted to ditch the traditional rectangular polystyrene lunch tray in favor of a round compostable plate.

Mark Izeman of the National Resources Defense Council said: “Shifting from polystyrene trays to compostable plates will allow these cities to dramatically slash waste sent to landfills, reduce plastics pollution in our communities and oceans, and create valuable compost that can be re-used on our farms. We are proud to work with a group of school systems dedicated to driving landmark changes in the health and sustainability of school food.”