Ideas for Living Green in Macon County, Illinois

You may have seen the difference; the recycling bins at all of the conservation areas for paper, plastic and glass. You may have felt the difference; the clean air moving
through your lungs. You may have even heard the difference; the chatter of wildlife along the trails. The differences may be subtle but the impact of choosing to live green is significant.

Macon County Conservation District has always worked to protect our community’s land, air and water but five years ago we decided to take our stewardship of the environment a step further with the implementation of a Green Team. Site Technician, Adam Reef was one of the employees who immediately became involved. “I like the outdoors and I want to preserve it,” Reef said. “It may not help in my lifetime but it will make a difference for my children and grandchildren.“

The Green Team is now entering its fifth year and with regular meetings and continuous research, Macon County Conservation District has been able to make great things happen. Energy audits were completed for three facilities. These audits created a blueprint for a host of activities managed by the conservation district.

Best practices implemented throughout the Macon County Conservation District include:

• Incandescent bulbs have been replaced with CFL bulbs.
• Windows and doors have been caulked to reduce heat loss.
• Exterior lighting has been converted to LED bulbs at two locations, and one of those is solar powered.
• Insulation has been added to the attic of the Governor Oglesby Mansion.
• Carbon dioxide sensors were installed in the heating system at the nature center so the air exchangers don’t bring in cold air when the building is unoccupied.
• As conservation district vehicles needed to be replaced, fuel-efficient vehicles were purchased, including two hybrid models.

The Green Team’s research has inspired new green practices to be incorporated at the conservation district as well as the homes of their employees. “After Green Team meetings, we go back to our work places and share the research with our co-workers,” Reef said. “By sharing what we learn, we have more employees adopting green practices and the positive impact is greater.”

Program Services Manager Jeff Tish is proud the conservation district can lead others by example in reducing their carbon footprint. “We have implemented practices that people can adopt in their homes and work places. The steps each of us take to be more sensitive to the environment make an impact future generations will be thankful for.”

See this story and more in the latest issue of the Prairie Islander, Macon County Conservation District's quarterly newsletter.

Going green is beneficial for the environment and your wallet. Lower your energy use, prepare for winter and make your home greener today by implementing these easy green tips.

Run Fans in Reverse
Ceiling fans don’t just cool you off. Switch the direction of the blades to rotate clockwise. This will circulate the heat trapped on the ceiling making your room warmer.

Programmable Thermostats
When you leave your home it is easy to forget to turn down the thermostat. A programmable thermostat solves this problem and for only $50 they can save you $180 a year.

Stop the Drafts
According to the US Department of Energy, leaks can sap home energy efficiency by 5-30% a year. Window insulation kits are easy to install and will help your home hold in heat.

Reduce the Temperature of Your Water Heater
For every 10 degrees you reduce your hot water heater's temperature, CO2 emissions are reduced by about 3-5% Set your thermostat at about 120 degrees. You won’t even notice the difference!

Find out your carbon footprint by visiting epa.gov.

Family Fun - What a Green Day!
Saturday, March 17, 1:30 p.m.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by learning how to be “green” in your home. Discover the importance of houseplants, recycling and repurposing items.

Picnic In The Pines
Saturday, March 31, noon
Bring your “green” lunch and join the naturalist in the pine forest while learning about its history and how pine trees are used today.

Picnic At The Cattail Ponds
Saturday, April 28, noon
Sit back and relax at pavilion #2 with your “green” lunch. After lunch explore the plants and animals of the Cattail Ponds with the naturalist.

Picnic at the Wetland
Saturday, May 26, noon
It’s Memorial Day weekend! Meet up with the naturalist at the Rodney T Miller Wetland at Rock Springs Conservation area. Bring your “green” lunch, learn about the wetland, and enjoy the great outdoors!

Find more Macon County Conservation District events for the entire family on our Events page.

• Bring only what is needed.
• Carpool or share a ride
• Use reusable tableware. If using disposable tableware, purchase products made from recyclable items. Look for this symbol – (recycling symbol)
• Purchase food in recyclable or reusable packaging
• When throwing items away, separate your plastic and aluminum recyclables
• Throw food in the trash; don’t throw it into the lawn or woods. It can be harmful to wildlife
• Leave the site for others to enjoy
• Plan activities with green themes

Incorporate some of our Green Tips into your daily life to care for the earth and reduce your impact on the earth's resources.