Ecology

1)  Reduce, Reuse and Recycle - model this activity by having children help with recycling, by using cast-off containers for another purpose and by composting kitchen scraps for your garden.   http://www.composters.com/ is one possible source of composters, worm composting (vermiculture) and kitchen composters.

2)  Carbon offsetting -- Humans leave behind a "carbon footprint" no matter what the activity.  In addition to reducing our footprint through energy conservation, we can support organizations that work to promote alternative energy sources, plant trees, and do other earth friendly activities.  One such organization is www.carbonfund.org whose slogan is:  Reduce what you can, Offset what you can't.  If we pool our resources we can make a difference.

Energy Conservation Links:

http://www.heater-home.com/articles-efficient-green-homes.aspx -provided by afterskoolkids.org

County Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: Portalhttp://www.naco.org/programs/csd/Pages/CountyEnergyEfficiencyandRenewableEnergyGenerationToolkit.aspx

General Links:

http://www.greencounties.org

http://www.greenmapping.org/about - Openlands Natural Connections Green Infrastructure Mapping Project
http://www.cmap.illinois.gov  - Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

  Lawn & Garden

Rain Gardens: Capture water that runs off hard surfaces such as roofs, garden sheds, garages and driveways but installing rain gardens. These can be simple depressions at the base of downspouts or alongside driveways and sidewalks. If they are planted with native plants with deep root systems, water will stay out of our storm sewers and rivers and filter down to our DeKalb County aquifer, replenishing our drinking water. Here are some of many websites with “How To” and “Why to” Install information for homeowners.
http://www.raingardennetwork.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rain_garden

Resources

www.nahb.org - National Association of Home Builders Program.

www.usgbc.org  - info on the U.S. Green Building Council.

www.buildinggreen.com  - product info, case studies, and technical info.

www.energystar.gov - the U.S. EPA’s Energy Star program provides technical support and product information.

www.sbicouncil.org - The Sustainable Building Industries Council’s website offers info on the design, affordability, energy performance, and environmental soundness of residential, institutional, and commercial buildings.

www.edcmag.com - Environmental Design and Construction Magazine offers up-to-date info on green building techniques, materials, and processes.

Three Green Cities:

Arlington, Virginia

www.arlingtonva.us/Portals/Topics/TopicsEnvironment.aspx

Austin, Texas Green Building Program: 

http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Building/index.htm

Miami, Florida Office of Sustainable Initiatives:  http://www.miamigov.com/msi/pages/GreenBuildings/default.asp

Water Conservation Information

Events/Workshops/Seminars

  Photos