Itasca Community Library


500 West Irving Park Road | Itasca, IL 60143 | 630-773-1699

CONTACT US

 Tel : 630-773-1699
Fax : 630-773-1707
itascal@itasca.lib.il.us

Environment

Cut auto emissions and save on gas.  Click for tips.

Recycle batteries, paint, and appliances.  Click to learn more.

Eliminate junk mail.  Click right here.

              

The Itasca Community Library is doing its part...

    - We offer ink cartridge and cell phone recycling to the public.
    - We have added PC Reservation, an automated computer management system to reduce paper and ink wastage.
    - All of our washrooms have newly installed Sloan-Ecos automatic flushing units that save water.

General

Earth 911
Excellent resources for community specific information on recycling centers, green shopping, energy conservation, household hazardous waste, kids, environmental education, composting, and numerous other resources.

People & the Planet
Gateway to information on numerous topics related to the environment.  Select from issues such as food & agriculture, health & pollution, renewable energy, and much more.

Environmental Protection Agency
Federal agency that aims at creating a cleaner and healthier environment.  Quick Finder alphabetically arranges topics.  The day’s top stories, air quality reports, and much more are also featured.

Recycling

Recycling 101
Learn about the basics and benefits of recycling.

Planet Green
An inkjet cartridge remanufacturing company that reuses your inkjet cartridges.  Also accepts cell phones and laser cartridges.

Recycling Electronics
Often times you can be charged for recycling electronic items such as cell phones, laptops, or IPods.  The National Wildlife Federation offers a program where you can recycle electronics for free.  Learn what items NWF will accept and how to receive a pre-paid shipping label.

Consumer Recycling
Short list of links that provide information on what types of materials can be recycled.  Also explains where to drop off difficult to recycle items such as compact discs, eyeglasses, light bulbs, and more.

Freecycle
Local network that arranges for area groups to give and get items for free.  Post items you no longer need, or look for items you need that someone else is giving away.

Throwplace
Post an item you no longer need for someone else to snag.  Or look for items that others are giving away that you’d like to have.  Register as a charity, business, or individual.

Food top of page

FactoryFarm.org
Discusses problems of industrial agriculture and provides alternatives that work towards sustainability.

Local Harvest
Database for locally grown foods.  Search for farms, farmers’ markets, grocers, restaurants, and CSAs (community supported agriculture) by entering your zip code.

Farmers’ Markets in DuPage County
Lists telephone numbers, location & hours, and directions for local farmers’ markets.

Fair Trade

TransFair USA
Fair trade requires that farmers (and other workers) receive fair payment for their products.  Fair trade also keeps in mind social and environmental considerations.  TransFair provides basic information about fair trade as well as where to buy fair trade products.

Co-op America
Encourages individuals on how to become better informed consumers.  Promotes fair trade business practices and builds sustainable communities.

Advocacy

The following groups monitor, preserve, and/or advocate for the environment.  Each website has extensive information.  Read top news stories, find easy tips on how to help, and much more.

Get Involved top of page

Online Activism
The following groups monitor, preserve, and/or advocate for the environment.  Each website offers a “Take Action” link where you’ll find pre-written letters to decision makers regarding an environmental issue.  Fill in the form and they’ll send a message on your behalf.

Sierra Club: Illinois Chapter
Find a local group and volunteer on various projects aimed at protecting Illinois’ environment.

Responsible Shopper
Provided by Co-op America.  Helps consumers research companies that are friendly towards the environment.

Eat Well Guide
Enter your zip code and find out where to buy wholesome and fresh food.

Buying Locally
List of where you can purchase locally/organically farmed foods.

Local

SCARCE
Based in Glen Ellyn.  Educates students, teachers, residents, businesses, and the general public on the environment through presentations and workshops.  Book Rescue Center and Tools For Schools programs “rescue” educational materials and give them to those in need.  Donate books (and other items) to SCARCE today.

Spring Brook Nature Center
Based in Itasca.  Dedicated to environmental conservation, recreation, and education.  Hiking trails, bird exhibits, day camps and other programs are provided.

Chicago Wilderness
Alliance of public and private organizations that protect, restore and manage the Chicago region's natural resources.  Get involved in various ways.

Faith In Place
Educates people of faith on how to become good stewards of the earth.  Establishes partnerships with religious congregations to promote clean energy & sustainable farming.

Ten thousand Villages
Located in Glen Ellyn.  Has established fair trade relationships with artisans from around the world.  Artisans create handmade jewelry, crafts, and more.  (Stores are located throughout the United States and Canada).

Misc top of page

GreenDimes
Arranges to reduce your junk mail and plants trees on your behalf for the small cost of 10 cents a day.

Catalog Choice
Eliminate unwanted catalogs.

Animal Protection Institute
Campaigns against animal cruelty.  Concentrates on conditions of animals used in entertainment, captive exotic animals, companion animals, compassionate consumerism, farmed animals, and wildlife protection.

Climate Change: Kids Site
This site is not just for kids.  Anyone can learn about why the climate is changing and how we can help.