Environmental Progress - Summer 1997

Illinois EPA News Briefs

Every Day is Earth Day

April 22 is Earth Day, but the Environmental Education Coordinator's Office at the Illinois EPA participated in Earth Day events from March through May in Christian, Grundy, Sangamon and Will counties, among others.

Staffers visited schools and shared environmental information on such diverse topics as air pollution, career opportunities at the Illinois EPA, groundwater protection, nonpoint source pollution, and pollution prevention.

"Role Model" Environmental Programs Being Sought

New guidebook will recognize successul, innovative environmental programs.

A resource guidebook cataloguing innovative and successful solid waste management programs throughout the state is being developed by the bureau of energy and recycling in the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), and the statewide, not-for-profit Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF). The groups are seeking help in identifying programs already in place in the areas of source reduction, collection, processing, market development and education.

The finished guide will be distributed by DCCA to entities interested in establishing similar programs. Anyone with information about outstanding programs dealing with waste reduction, reuse, recycling and educational programs may provide information about the programs to Laura Huth at IECEF at 217-384-0830. Additional information about the program, and enrollment applications, can also be obtain from Ms. Hugh by phone or at "isen@prairienet.org".

Pollution Prevention Conference, Technology Fair Set For Oct. 7

More than 30 exhibitors are expected to participate.

The eighth annual Pollution Prevention Conference and Technology Fair will be held Oct. 7, 1997, at the Oak Lawn Hilton, in Oak Lawn, Ill. The event is sponsored jointly by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center, and Commonwealth Edison.

Experts in varying fields of pollution prevention will head up breakout sessions, and the latest developments in P2 technologies will be offered by more than 30 exhibitors.

Announcing the conference, Illinois EPA Director Mary A. Gade said "Our Agency is pleased to be working with the Center and Commonwealth Edison in sponsoring this event. The conference and technology fair gives all of us an excellent opportunity to learn from our colleagues and discuss additional ways in which we can work together. I encourage anyone with an interest in the future of environmental protection in Illinois to attend."

For additional information, or to be placed on the mailing list, contact Annette McCarthy at 217-782-8700.

Household hazardous waste can come in a rainbow of colors; these paint cans were turned in at a recent household hazardous waste collection in Springfield. Leftover or unwanted paint is a major part of the domestic hazardous material disposed of through the popular collection program. Recognizing the scope of the paint problem, some communities are offereing recycling services in which participating dealers blend leftover bits and dabs into new paint stock that is sold at reduced rates or given to local organizations. The Illinois EPA offers help in setting up the programs.