Energy efficiency, conservation, and sustainability are more than buzzwords; they are the new way to approach everyday life. Today the Library and Village are bringing in representatives from organizations that can explain how you can make real changes that will have an impact on energy consumption and ensure resources for the future.
Review the Village's Energy Strategy Plan
Schedule at a Glance
Time |
Description |
Location |
9:15 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. |
Check-in/Registration and Welcome |
Village Hall |
10:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions |
Village Hall/Library |
1:00 - 3:00 p.m. |
Green Fair Exhibits |
Library |
Descriptions:
9:15 a.m. Join us at Village Hall at 9:15 a.m. for Registration/Check-In and Welcome. Refreshments will be served, and you can pick up the handouts and schedule for the day.
The formal presentations begin at 10 a.m. with a series of one-hour seminars on key topics: sustainable food, housing, transportation, water conservation, and renewable energy. In the afternoon, we will hold an exhibition from 1 - 3 p.m. that will give you the opportunity to speak with dozens of innovators who are exploring a variety of green options, from art to composting to beauty products.
For more details and registration information, visit the Library's web site.
Sessions include:
- Seminar 101: Enjoying Local Farmers’ Bounty With CSAs and Delicious Recipes
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Mount Prospect Public Library
Green Fair Seminar
Learn about CSAs (community-supported agriculture) and how they benefit you and the community. Peter Grubbe, a local CSA farmer, will discuss what to expect when you join a CSA. Dave Esau, chef and local business owner of Dave’s Specialty Foods, will give ideas on how to prepare organic produce in ways that are easy, fun, and delicious. Tasting samples will be available. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library.
- Seminar 102: Natural Lawn Care, Simplified
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Mount Prospect Public Library
Green Fair Seminar
Now is the time to plan for ways to incorporate natural organic lawn care into your yearly maintenance plans. Traditional lawn care methods are extremely energy-intensive with their heavy reliance on fossil fuel products (fertilizers, pesticides, gas, etc.) Environmental consultant Steve Pincuspy will walk you through natural lawn care. Learn about more eco-friendly methods and products to produce the lawn you want while saving energy and protecting the environment right at your front door. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library.
- Seminar 103: Demystifying Electric/Hybrid Cars
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Village Hall
Green Fair Seminar
Curious about hybrid technology? Wonder how an electric car is charged and how long it can go between charges? Bring your curiosity and questions to the experts who will be on hand to demystify these cutting-edge technologies. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library. Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room A.
- Seminar 104: Illinois Is Ready for Solar Energy — Are You?
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Village Hall
Green Fair Seminar
Solar technology uses the sun’s rays to generate energy. Michelle Hickey of the Illinois Solar Energy Association will shine some light on the topic. Learn about the latest innovations in solar technology and what it takes to incorporate solar energy into your home or business. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library.
Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room B.
- Seminar 105: Building a More Energy-efficient Home
Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m.
Village Hall
Green Fair Seminar
LEED accredited architect David Wytmar will discuss how modern architects are turning to age-old methods of construction to create energy-efficient and durable structures. He will present basic concepts of building science and the history of houses to demonstrate how better homes can be built in the modern age. Bill Schroeder, Building Commissioner, will be on hand to answer questions about the permit process and village guidelines. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library. Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room C.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an internationally-recognized green building certification system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council. It provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations, and maintenance solutions.
- Seminar 201: Sustainable Seafood - Protecting the Oceans One Bite at a Time
Saturday, September 24, 11:15 a.m.
Mount Prospect Public Library
Green Fair Seminar
Eating the right fish can lessen our impact on the planet. The Shedd Aquarium is committed to promoting sustainable seafood (fish species that are bountiful.) Our seafood choices can have a big impact on the health of our waters worldwide, and the Shedd is here to help you make the best choices for the future of our oceans. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library.
- Seminar 202: Native Plants in Home Landscaping
Saturday, September 24, 11:15 a.m.
Mount Prospect Public Library
Green Fair Seminar
Shante' Achas Kee from the Friendship Conservatory is passionate about the use of native plants. She will discuss the many positive ecological impacts of using natives in your landscaping plans.
Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library.
- Seminar 203: Better, Safer Biking in Mount Prospect
Saturday, September 24, 11:15 a.m.
Village Hall
Green Fair Seminar
Mount Prospect and surrounding communities are in the process of creating a bike plan to make the area more bicycle-friendly. Barb Cornew of the Active Transportation Alliance will update the progress on Mount Prospect plans as well as regional bike plan efforts. Learn how you can help shape our community by giving your input and becoming an advocate for biking in Mount Prospect. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library. Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room A.
- Seminar 204: Wind Energy — Bringing It to the Local Level
Saturday, September 24, 11:15 a.m.
Village Hall
Green Fair Seminar
Chicago has long been called the “Windy City,” but can that wind be harnessed as a renewable energy source? We have all seen the massive windmill farms located throughout the area. Is the power of the wind a viable energy source and can it be used on a local scale? Join us as we explore the power and potential of wind. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library. Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room B.
- Seminar 205: Weatherizing Your Home for Comfort and Savings
Saturday, September 24, 11:15 a.m.
Learn how to increase the comfort of your home while lowering your utility bills. Join Energy 360 Solutions, an energy efficiency consulting and home improvement contractor, for an informative discussion. Learn about common home performance issues like air leakage, poor indoor air quality, and energy consumption, and the sources of these issues. You will also learn methods to fix these problems and how to create a more energy-efficient environment. Registration is required. To sign up, visit www.mppl.org/events, call 847/253-5675, or stop by the Library. Note: This seminar will be held at the Village Hall, Community Room C.
- Green Fair -- Exhibits
Saturday, September 24, 1 - 3 p.m.
Mount Prospect Public Library
Learn what it means to live green! Talk with representatives from over a dozen local organizations, including the U.S. Green Building Council, the Morton Arboretum, and the Active Transportation Alliance, who will discuss how you can make future-friendly choices today.
Going green has its rewards — green prizes will be raffled off during the fair. Receive one raffle ticket just for attending. Receive a second ticket for bringing one of the following items to be recycled: batteries, cell phones, athletic shoes, or bicycles. A detailed list of items being accepted for recycling will be available after August 1. Each attendee will receive one ticket for his/her recycling donation, regardless of the number of items recycled.
No registration required.
The Mount Prospect Sustainability Education Program is presented in partnership with the Village of Mount Prospect and the Mount Prospect Public Library and funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).