Local environmental news and happenings for DuPage County.
JULY 2022
Solar Power Hour
In partnership with MREA, CUB, and Cool DuPage, SCARCE is hosting a Solar Power Hour on Tuesday, July 19, from 6:30-7:30 pm.

Learn all about solar power and the programs available to help you add solar to your home or business. This is an in-person event. Tours of SCARCE and information about our programs will be offered before and after the event. Learn more and register here.

If you can't make this event, visit the Grow Solar Chicagoland website to see all of the Solar Power Hour sessions planned for this summer. Another Solar Power Hour will be offered at SCARCE on Tuesday, August 30th, from 6:30-7:30pm.

ABC's of Recycling
Glass is a magical material that humans have been using for centuries. It's also a perfect candidate for practicing ALL three R's--reduce, reuse and recycle!

Learn more about glass and the 3R's on this months' blogpost.
Wise Summer Watering
It's already a hot summer! Gardens, and even mature trees, can be stressed by rising summer temps and erratic weather patterns, which include long periods of drought. When watering, remember to:

  • Water what grows, not the sidewalks, driveways, or streets.
  • Water in the morning or evening, when the sun is lower in the sky, for less evaporation.
  • Use slow watering methods -- such as drip irrigation and soaker hoses. Place hoses near tree trunks to get water to the roots.
  • Measure with a rain gauge, aiming for an inch of water. Contact SCARCE for a free rain gauge, courtesy of the DuPage Water Commission.
  • Turn off your sprinkler system's automatic timer and water only when you determine the soil is dry.
  • Watch the weather. If rain is coming, hold off!

Water transport and purification require energy, so consider installing a rain barrel for fresh free water for your plants!
Eco-Extraordinaires
Chicago Glue & Machine in Itasca has started a new committee called Stuck on Sustainability. On its way to earning a DuPage County Earth Flag, the company recently repurposed pallets to make planters. They are growing tomatoes and peppers for a community garden!
NAMI DuPage, Tri-town YMCA and the Carol Stream Rotary worked with SCARCE to create a Zero Waste pancake breakfast. By using 500 reusable plates, forks, and cloth napkins, collecting 21.8 pounds of food scraps (banana peels, unfinished energy bars, a few pancakes, wooden stir sticks, and peanut butter), and recycling milk cartons and water bottles, the fundraiser also "raised" awareness about how to host events sustainably!
Want to try some of these techniques at your next gathering? SCARCE has supplies and is ready to help you Green Your Gig. Contact jean@scarce.org to learn more.
EPA Issues New PFAS
Drinking Water Alert
"Forever chemicals" polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl substances, known collectively as PFAS, have been found in water systems across Illinois and throughout the United States. Learn more about what communities and individuals can do to remove PFAS from drinking water.
Spot the Lanternflies!
A new invasive species is expected to arrive in Illinois gardens soon. And it's a danger to trees!

The spotted lanternfly grows to be about an inch long and has gray front wings with black spots. The tips of the wings have speckled bands. July is when they often emerge. These winged bugs feed on trees.

See one? Try to get a photo. Then, send a message with where and when it was seen to the University of Illinois at lanternfly@illinois.edu
KUDOS

DuPage County Sheriff's Office and West Chicago Environmental Commission
SCARCE worked with DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick and the environmental commission in West Chicago to collect syringes, epi-pens, and medicine. This event provided a much needed service to the community while protecting our waterways. The next syringe collection will be in Darien on October 22nd.
University of Nebraska Suspends Balloon Release
No more red helium balloons for football fans at the University of Nebraska. Since the 1960s, the university has released balloons following its first touchdown at home. The main reason for suspending the tradition is a global shortage of helium which is needed needed at the university's medical center. Many are applauding the decision, as the balloons harm wildlife and litter the landscape.
Here's hoping the university uses this opportunity to create a new GREEN tradition!
Eagle Scouts Soar!
Eagle Scout Samuel (Carol Stream) oversaw the installation of 50 storm drain medallions in his community, protecting our local waterways from pollution.
Eagle Scout Jack (Addison) worked with SCARCE to gather, repair, and clean musical instruments so that more students at local schools can have access to music education.
Eagle Scout Ona (Hinsdale) recycled broken crayons to make 500 new Super Crayons that will benefit kids with special needs.
Eagle Scout Evan (Elmhurst) installed bookcases at laundromats in Villa Park and Bensenville for SCARCE's Literacy at the Laundromat project.
Special THANK YOUs!
DuPage County Stormwater Management provided SCARCE staff and interns with a tour of the Elmhurst Quarry. We are grateful for this amazing learning opportunity.
Tyler Drobnik (Downers Grove), son of SCARCE volunteer Mary Ellen, made this fabulous sign for our SCARCE-LY USED Books & Records store. He used scratched records to make the sign. We appreciate your creativity and resourcefulness!

Thank you, Wheaton Lions Club
for the generous donation which supports our literacy programs!
Environmental Events - Mark Your Calendar!
Ongoing:
SCARCE-LY USED Books & Records @ SCARCE Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat 9am-12pm
Recycling Events
July 8
July 9
DuPage County Sign Recycling (Wheaton) 3:00pm-8:00pm
DuPage County Sign Recycling (Wheaton) 9:00am-12:00pm
Wheaton Monthly Recycling Event 9:00am-12:00pm
Thank You to Businesses
A special thank you to businesses who donated services or supplies to our Rescue Projects this month!

  • Concord Marketing Solutions, Glendale Heights
  • Ryan Shreve, Revo Wired Webservices
  • Small Paws Pet Care, Glen Ellyn
  • Westbridge/Wyndemere, Wheaton
  • Whole Foods, Wheaton
Elmhurst Garden Club visited SCARCE for an environmental program and tour of our facility.

Gardeners make great eco-partners!
Volunteer Opportunities
  • Organize materials for reuse and recycling at our facility on weekdays
  • Assist with recycling events on Saturday mornings

Contact rose@scarce.org to learn how you can get involved!
Thank you to Evie and Mishi (Naperville) for sorting writing utensils at our facility in Addison.
You did an awesome job!
Helpful Links
Green Bulletin | SCARCE | 630.545.9710 | info@scarce.org | www.scarce.org
This newsletter was created by SCARCE and funded by the DuPage County Board, Daniel Cronin, Chairman, the DuPage County Environmental Committee, Sheila Rutledge, Chair, and the DuPage County Stormwater Committee, James Zay, Chair.
SCARCE Team
Kay McKeen, founder & director
Jan Breyne, Rachel Carlson, Jasmine Flores, Heather Goudreau, Bev Jaszczurowski,
Erin Kennedy, Jean Kent, Rose Naseef, Carina Ruscitti & Julie Wachowski
Environmental education programs are operated by SCARCE
(School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education)
This newsletter is part of the Teacher Training Program funded by DuPage County.
Our Professional Development Provider Number: 190000000000000
The mention of a specific product or company is not an endorsement by DuPage County's Environmental Education Program.