Make It A Green Day - Saturday, June 26, 2010

If you've been paying attention (ahem), you might notice that DPPL has been working hard so you have an easier time going green. From our reusable tote bags to technotrash recycling, plastic bag recycling to our judicious use of the thermostat, we see our commitment to going green as part of our responsibility to the Des Plaines community and the entire planet. Many of our green endeavors are also fiscally sensible. I wish there was a greener metaphor for "killing two birds with one stone!"

We also try to make going green fun, rather than a dreary, politically correct exercise. Our entire Summer Reading Club 2010 is based around greenness and this Saturday, June 26, 2010, you are cordially invited to "Green Day!" 

The centerpiece of Green Day is our Recycling Fair. Here's the scoop from Adult Services Librarian Jill Franklin:

1. We will accept the following: keys, corks, batteries, eyeglasses, cell phones, small technotrash items, athletic shoes (no cleats) (through NIKE, Inc.)
   
   
2. Please, only items small enough to be carried in your hand. No large appliances, electronics, etc. can be accepted.
   
   
3. A few of our beneficiaries: Lions, Kiwanis, Friends of the Library, Des Plaines History Center. Technotrash is recycling by the GreenDisk Company.
   
   
4. Trading Center: items like books, CDs, DVDs, yarn/fabric can be brought to the trading center with a "give one, take one" policy. Leftover items will be donated to our Friends of the Library.
   
   
5. The concept? Keep items that can be reused or repurposed from needlessly ending up in a landfill. Sounds good to me!

Also on hand this Saturday, June 26, 2010 - a giant shredder! Bring up to four boxes of your personal documents and they will be shredded and securely discarded. 

Curious about electric cars and other alternatives? Check out the car display: electric cars, I-Go Car Sharing and see the city of Des Plaines' new natural gas vehicle. The electric car display is brought to us by the Fox Valley Electric Auto Association.

But wait - there's more. :) From 11 AM - Noon, Susan Ask from the University of Illinois Extension will be on hand to tell you about rainwater harvesting, rain barrels and more.

From 1-2 PM, Terra Brockman, author of The Seasons on Henry's Farm, will take you through the seasons on her brother Henry's biodiverse vegetable farm. Learn the benefits that come from farming in harmony with nature (the way it was meant to be!). Terra will also sign copies of her book (which was nominated for a 2010 James Beard Award) and there will be an opportunity to taste vegetables from Henry's farm.

So, come out this Saturday, June 25, 2010. Make it a fun day, a great day, a Green Day!