1. Buy New Light Bulbs

Compact Florescent Light Bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs while producing the same light output. One CFL bulb lasts from 8,000 to 10,000 hours or up to 10 years. Residents can consider replacing 10 of their most used light bulbs with CFL bulbs, and realize a savings of nearly $110 annually.

The Illinois EPA and ComEd have partnered with Ace Hardware Stores in northern Illinois to accept used CFL bulbs for safe disposal and recycling since CFL bulbs contain a small amount of mercury.

In Elgin, residents can take used CFL bulbs to any of the three local Ziegler’s Ace Hardware Stores for safe recycling.

• 1158 Lillian St. – Elgin
• 215 N. Spring St. – Elgin
• 301 Randall Rd. – South Elgin

2. Ditch Plastic Bottles

Americans buy more than eight billion gallons of bottled water annually and toss 22 billion empty plastic bottles in the trash according to a National Geographic magazine report. That’s a lot of plastic in landfills. Plastic bottles should be recycled since they can be made into a variety of eco-friendly products – including reusable shopping bags.

And it can be easy to tote water too. Water can be filled from your tap into a recycled water bottle. Many people don’t drink tap water because it might not taste right to them. But Elgin residents have the benefit of enjoying some of the best water in Kane County since the City has won several county awards for great tasting water.


3. No More Disposables

Convenience has taken its toll on landfills in the form of paper plates and plastic cutlery and a host of other paper products. Break out the real thing and you’ll keep lots of trash out of landfills – and enhance your dining experience at home.

Use old rags or dish towels for mopping up spills and always use nontoxic cleaning products to wipe down everything from counters to floors. Buy in bulk and avoid items with excess packaging.

4. Go local

Restaurant owners have discovered the benefits of buying locally – everything simply tastes fresher. But there’s another reason why residents should try and buy locally: it also reduces the need to truck or fly in produce and other perishables from other parts of the world, helping reduce carbon footprints.

In Elgin, there’s a farmer’s market in downtown every Thursday throughout the summer at the Civic Center parking lot from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can buy locally grown produce along with organic meats and other perishables until the end of September. Sponsored by Elgin’s Downtown Neighborhood Association, the farmer’s market is a great way to eat fresh and go green at the same time.

5. Elevate Your Status

Signal to the world that you’re eco-savvy by carrying reusable tote bags when shopping. Reusable tote bags have become the status symbol of the decade according to ajc.com, so not only will you elevate your social status, you’ll also be helping save oxygen-producing trees used to make those brown paper shopping bags. And you won’t be one of the people using more than 500 billion plastic bags which also help fill landfills before their time.

Elgin is kicking off its green initiative project with 600 reusable tote bags. Elevate your Elgin status by getting one: call (847) 931-6100 while supplies last.

6. Bike!

With rising gasoline prices, people are seeking new ways to save fuel. Biking around town can help! With many commuting trips around five miles or less, residents can reduce emissions while saving on gas. EarthGauge.net estimates that people can save about 400 gallons of gas annually if they become bicycle commuters.

A new bike way master plan is being developed in Elgin to encourage residents to jump on a two-wheeler to run those errands…and a side benefit of biking is also the inevitability of better health. If biking’s not your thing walk, carpool or use public transportation.

7. Don’t let the rain come down…

…at least not without a rain barrel. Rain barrels are a way of capturing rain water runoff for use in gardens, lawns and yards as an alternative watering source. Lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40% of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. One quarter-inch of rain yields 200 gallons of water.

For your convenience, rain barrels may be purchased at "In the Neighborhood Deli" (185 N. Edison Avenue, Elgin, IL 60123) for $75.

8. About Those Appliances…

Household appliances use a lot of energy – about a quarter of all household energy. Save that energy where you can and only use appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers when full. And use cold water when doing laundry whenever possible. Unplug appliances that can be unplugged or connected to a surge protector which can also be switched off when appliances are not in use. Turn off home computers, entertainment systems and other office electronics when not in use, or purchase energy-saving products like a laptop when you’re ready for your next computer upgrade.

And don’t forget to recycle those home computers or home electronic equipment. Elgin residents can bring these items free to:

Kane County Circuit Clerk Building
540 S. Randall Road, St. Charles, IL
630-208-3841

On the 2nd Friday and Saturday of each month, 8 a.m. to 12 noon

And Always, Always
remember the three Rs:
Reduce, reuse and recycle!