 Be
an Environmental Steward!
Information presented in this publication is intended to provide
a general understanding of the statutory and regulatory requirements for small
businesses. This information is not intended to replace, limit or expand upon
the complete statutory and regulatory requirements found in the Illinois Environmental
Protection Act and Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code.
What is an Environmental Steward?
Environmental stewards strive to sustain natural resources and our environment
for future generations. People depend on natural resources for their livelihood.
However, pressures on the environment resulting from development are steadily
increasing. Therefore, it is necessary for citizens and the business community
to ensure that their activities and operations are environmentally responsible.
Small businesses play a large role in protecting and preserving the environment
in many communities. Small businesses can fulfill this role while still maintaining
their competitiveness. As a member of a community, a small business can assume
a leadership role by becoming more environmentally friendly and volunteering
to work on local environmental projects. Becoming an environmental steward in
your community may improve your image, lower costs, and result in a safer workplace.
What Environmental Stewardship Activities Can My Business Participate In?
Maintain environmental compliance - Ensure that your business is in compliance
with all applicable environmental regulations. Conduct a self-assessment to
determine any deficiencies.
Use natural resources responsibly - Conserve resources such as water, minerals
and wood by using them efficiently and recycling when appropriate. Protect any
wildlife habitats around your business.
Reduce waste generation - Use less toxic materials to limit the amount of hazardous
wastes produced, and improve the efficiency of your operations to reduce the
amount of waste generated.
Become involved in your community - Participate in local environmental projects
such as neighborhood recycling, abandoned lot cleanups, community gardens and
watershed restoration projects. Encourage employees to become involved.
Let the community know what you are doing - Send out press releases of successful
environmental projects implemented by your business.
What are Some Volunteer Environmental Stewardship Programs in Illinois?
The following programs represent just a few of the environmental stewardship
activities going on in Illinois. Contact your local conservation agencies for
more information on these and other opportunities.
Partners for Clean Air, sponsored by the Illinois EPA, is a coalition
of regional businesses, transportation organizations, health advocacy groups
and local governments committed to cleaning our air. Its goal is to improve
overall air quality and public health by advocating voluntary actions in metropolitan
Chicago and northwestern Indiana. Partners for Clean Air administers a voluntary
ozone reduction program called "Ozone Action Days." Businesses, industries,
local governments and other organizations can become Partners for Clean Air
by signing the Partners’ Pledge and voluntarily taking actions to reduce
ozone. You can receive information about joining by calling toll-free at (800)
451-5983.
The Resource Watch Program is sponsored by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources (IDNR) to protect Illinois natural resources and promote environmental
stewardship. The volunteer program encourages citizens and businesses to adopt
and monitor wildlife and conservation areas in the state. Resource Watch program
participants can assist in certain wildlife management efforts and in the monitoring
of specific areas at least twice a month to report any activity that threatens
wildlife and the environment. For more information, contact your local conservation
police officer or IDNR at (217)782-6431.
Illinois RiverWatch Network is a statewide partnership of organizations and
individuals working to protect the rivers and streams of Illinois. Established
in 1995, RiverWatch consists of trained volunteers who conduct biological stream
monitoring, collect stream habitat data, clean up stream corridors and engage
in various additional stream protection activities. For more information,
contact RiverWatch at (618)468-2881 or visit http://ngrrec.org/riverwatch.
The Annual Illinois Governor’s Pollution Prevention Awards is sponsored
by the Illinois Waste Management and Research Center (WMRC) and IDNR. This award
honors industrial facilities, vendors, trade organizations, community groups,
educational institutions, government and service institutions for their pollution
prevention efforts. Organizations that focus on source reduction techniques
rather than traditional treatment, control, and disposal methods are honored
through this awards program. For more information, contact WMRC at (217) 244-8901
or visit the WMRC web page at wmrc.hazard.uiuc.edu.
Where can I go for more information?
For information on regulatory issues related to environmental stewardship,
call the Illinois EPA Office of Small Business Helpline at (888) EPA-1996 or
the DCCA Small Business Environmental Assistance Helpline at (800) 252-3998.
All calls are considered confidential and the caller can remain anonymous. For
other information about environmental issues, see the Illinois EPA web page
at www.epa.state.il.us.
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