Communications: National County Government Week
National County Government Week
"Greening Our Future"
May 3 - 9, 2009
In 1990, the National Association of Counties initiated National County Government Week (NCGW) to raise public awareness and understanding about the roles and responsibilities of the nation's counties. The theme of this year's National County Government Week is "Greening Our Future" and over 1000 counties nationwide will participate by offering various opportunities for citizens to learn how county government helps protect our children. Please check this website periodically for additional opportunities.
Greening Our Future
In keeping with this year's theme, Peoria County is offering events to demonstrate how we help "green" our future. The following community events highlight our efforts to protect the environment:
Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo
Midwest Sports Complex, 12026 N. Old Galena Road, Mossville, IL
Saturday, May 2
9:00 - 5:00
Sunday, May 3
10:00 - 4:00
$5.00 per day; Kids 12 and under free
Call 370-1395 for more information
The Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo provides an opportunity for area residents and businesses to learn more about renewable energy and energy-efficiency products and services. This event is educational and informative with plenty of vendor displays; seminars; kids’ activities; and information on renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainable solutions, green lifestyles, and earth-friendly technology. The event is sponsored by the Peoria County 4-H and Extension Foundation. Peoria County's Recycling and Resource Conservation department is participating in the Expo.
Alternate Transportation Day
All of Peoria County
Tuesday, May 5
All day
Call 672-6918 for more information
Peoria County is encouraging all county residents and workers to participate in "Alternate Transportation Day" by using a different form of transportation to get to work, school, events, etc. Participants may elect to carpool, walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or find another alternate method of transportation that conserves energy by reducing fuel consumption. Peoria County will take the lead by strongly urging all county employees who are able to find another means of transportation during Alternate Transportation Day.
Waste Free Lunch Day
All of Peoria County
Thursday, May 7
Lunch hour
Call 672-6918 for more information
Many of us use disposal products when we eat lunch during the work week: fast food wrappers, boxes, and bags; plastic utensils; Styrofoam, paper, or plastic cups; plastic lids; napkins; etc. These products clutter our landfills and may take several hundred years to degrade. You can help reduce the harmful affect Styrofoam and plastic products have on our environment by choosing to go "waste free" for lunch. Bring leftovers in a reusable container, use silverware, drink from a reusable cup, and use a cloth napkin for lunch on May 7. Perhaps you'll enjoy substituting with "the real thing" so much, you'll make a habit of it and green the environment too!
Are You a Green Consumer?
ICC North Campus, University Street, Peoria
Thursday, May 7
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
FREE
Call 999-4545 or visit icc.edu/funshops (select "special interests") to register
Do you recycle? Do you buy recycled products? Peoria County's Recycling and Resource Conservation staff will explain how to complete the triangle of reducing, recycling, and reusing by showcasing recycled products. Too often, the environmental benefits of recycling are lessened by consumers' failure to purchase recycled products. While it is helpful to recycle aluminum and plastic, we are not reaching our potential as conscientious consumers if we do not purchase products made from recycled aluminum and plastic. In other words, we are not green consumers. Wear green to this Earth-friendly class and receive a free recycled product.
National County Government Week Events
We encourage you to celebrate National County Government Week with us May 3 - 9 by participating in one or more of the events we are hosting to help raise awareness of the importance of greening our future by protecting our environment. A list of the public events scheduled for National County Government Week follows; for more information on an event, please refer to the description provided above:
May 2 - 3
Central Illinois Renewable Energy Expo
Midwest Sports Complex, N. Old Galena Rd, Mossville, IL
May 5
Alternate Transportation Day
All of Peoria County
May 7
Waste Free Lunch Day
All of Peoria County
May 7
Are You a Green Consumer?
ICC North Campus, University St, Peoria