Increasing residents’ awareness of environmentally friendly practices is the goal of Frank Avino.
The seven-year Norridge resident is president of the Norridge Green Team, a barely two-year old-volunteer organization.
The team got its start when former Village President Ron Oppedisano approached Avino with the idea of increasing residents’ awareness of recycling.
“It’s all about sustainability,” Avino said. “We’re running out of space in the landfills.”
Last month Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago presented its sustainable landscaping award to the Green Team for its work to enhance recycling sustainability, water conservation and flood control practices.
The group serves as a resource for information for residents who may not be aware of all the options on environmentally friendly practices or who might not know how to go about implementing such ideas.
“Like recycling old paint,” Avino said. “We don’t do it, but we can do the research and find out where you can take it.”
The Green Team has worked with the Norridge Park District to bring in vendors of environmentally friendly products.
“We have them set up outside the fields during Little League opening day,” Avino said. “They showcase items like wind and solar energy, green roofs and other sustainable practices for residents to see.”
The team also has expanded its recycling collection program to two days this year, and is looking to offer paper and electronics recycling on a quarterly basis.
“You can’t throw those old electronics out with the trash anymore,” he said.
On the list of projects is a survey of residents to find out their thoughts on replacing the small home recycling bin with something larger, with a lid and on wheels.
“We can go out for government grants for that,” Avino said.
Grants go a long way to funding the Green Team’s activities.
Working with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the team has been able to secure a few hundred dollars so far.
The team also is looking at expanding the use of rain barrels in the village.
Since heavy rains are becoming a more frequent occurrence, diverting some of that water would go a long way to reducing flooding.
“The barrels would work hand in hand with the village’s flood mitigation grants,” Avino said. “If it picks up, we may be able to apply for water conservation rebate grants.”
The village offers grants of up to $1,800 to residents who install flood control devices.
“And we’re always looking for suggestions,” he added.
Avino acknowledged the team isn’t moving any mountains, but it is making progress.
One of his goals for the future is to take the experience of one of the team members who is a teacher and has her class recycle. He would like to engage all the local schools to follow that lead.
Questions and suggestions may be submitted to Avino by calling (708) 453-0800, Ext. 5398 or by emailing him at favino@villageofnorridge.com
Speak Your Mind