Go Green Wilmette is pleased to be selected by our local Orvis store to be the recipient of their September GiveBack Days. Orvis will give every customer interested in supporting Go Green Wilmette with a donation of $10 or more a 10% discount on all purchases (some...
News
Wilmette Adds Community Solar Program
Registration for the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program (CS² Program) Now Available for Residents! Following the Village Board’s endorsement of the Community Solar Clearinghouse Solution Program (CS² Program) at their December 14, 2021 meeting, residents...
Electric Cars Take Off!
General Motors plans for an "all-electric future." The Chevy Bolt was the 2017 Motor Trend's "Car of the Year." Don't wait - be part of a cleaner future now with an electric or hybrid car. Learn more at pluginamerica.org and greencarreports.com. If you don’t know...
GGW 9th annual Sustainable Yard Tour a great success
Go Green Wilmette’s 9th annual Sustainable Yard Tour was a great success! We had over 350 people that attended the tour. It was a beautiful summer day and attendees biked, walked and drove to the five gardens. The gardens were inspirational as they offered...
Follow Up Meeting on Leaf Blowers June 22
Go Green Wilmette will host a second follow up meeting on June 22 with representatives from many Chicagoland suburbs to discuss the vexing problem of leaf blowers. We’ll compare notes and share progress reports on leaf blower ordinances and education. In addition to...
GGW Hosts Leaf Blower Meeting
Go Green Wilmette will host a follow up meeting with representatives from many Chicagoland suburbs to discuss the vexing problem of leaf blowers. The purpose of the May 14th meeting is to compare notes and share progress reports on leaf blower ordinances and...
2020 Sip Red, Go Green Event Enjoyed By All!
Friends of Go Green Wilmette gathered virtually in 2020 to celebrate another year of engagement and progress. We started with a slide show of GGW in action over the last 14 years (check it out - you just might spot yourself in it!) and continued with a wine tasting...
GGW’s You Tube Channel Features Sustainable Yard Tour Videos and More!
Videos of four amazing sustainable yards and a community vegetable garden plot are available for you to enjoy on GGW's very own You Tube Channel. You can also find videos about our beach clean up efforts, Gillson Park bird habitat and The Dirty Truth about Leaf...
St. John’s Lutheran Church Goes Green
Care for the environment has become an important priority for the congregation of St. John's Lutheran Church. Pastor Allison Bengfort has engaged the congregation in a process of reviewing ways they can help the planet.. Care for the environment has become an...
NWU Chooses Clearway!
Northwestern University and Clearway Energy Group just announced that Northwestern has signed up for 11.9 megawatts (MW) of Clearway’s community solar projects in Illinois, the equivalent of taking 2,934 cars off the road each year. Northwestern’s long-term...
Can you give me some ideas of family-friendly things I can do to celebrate Earth Month while still staying safe?
During Earth Month, while you're at home with your family, try some of these ways to appreciate nature and help the Earth: (Click on this link for the full list and more information) Go for a bird walk. Teach yourself about insects. Start a container garden. Identify...
I’m a bit overwhelmed. What is THE most important thing I can do for the planet?
In addition to as many positive changes you can make based on our Going Green Matters' exhibits, civic engagement and advocacy is the single most important activity you can do. Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council explains why this is so important and how...
14th Annual Going Green Matters A Success
Going Green Matters was a great success with more than 1,400 people taking part in a day of positive engagement. The beautiful Michigan Shores Club was filled with people of all ages from more than 20 Chicagoland communities. Attendees explored more than 100 exhibits...
With such huge environmental challenges, does it really matter what I do as an individual?
Yes, what you do really does matter. While your own actions can seem insignificant, behavior change can be contagious in a really positive way. Read this article to learn more. But we also need responsible leadership and effective legislation. Skim down for many ways...
Trees Make a Difference!
Ready for a bit of good news? View this inspiring 3 1/2 minute video starring Greta Thunberg about the potential for trees and natural solutions to help with climate change.
Saving the Redwoods
Treat yourself to this ten minute video about a Michigan arborist who had a near death experience and now devotes his time to saving old growth, west coast redwood trees by cloning them and replanting them further north in protected areas. Between logging practices,...
Greta Thunberg is Time’s Person of the Year
Greta Thunberg was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year for 2019! The 16-year-old climate activist earned the recognition for her fearless efforts to raise global awareness about climate change. She is the youngest person to receive the title in its 92-year...
Solar Panels on Three Habitat for Humanity Lake County Homes
Go Green Wilmette has helped put solar panels on three Habitat for Humanity Lake County homes! We raised funds to put solar panels on a house built by the New Trier High School Senior Class of 2018 – the first solar installation on a Habitat house in Illinois. The...
7th Annual Sustainable Yard Tour a Success!
More than 250 people visited seven beautiful and inspiring yards on our recent Sustainable Yard Tour! People walked and biked between houses enjoying the shade of Wilmette’s many mature trees and reducing the carbon footprint of the event. Sustainable yards provide...
Avoca District 37 awarded Safety Grant
Avoca School District 37 was awarded an IDOT SRTS grant to create mapping to Avoca West and Marie Murphy schools and for the creation of an action plan to address the safety deficiencies students encounter walking/biking to school. Kudos to Bike Wilmette members...
Chicago Commits to 100% Clean Energy
Chicago just became the largest city in the United States to commit to 100 percent clean energy. Legislation passed unanimously in April 2019 by the city council will enable the metropolis of 2.7 million to power all of its buildings on clean and renewable energy by...
New Bike Racks to be Installed
New Wilmette bike racks will be installed throughout the Village this spring, thanks to a grant from the Wilmette Harbor Rotary Club. The grant will also cover a bike fix it station to be located across from Village Hall near the bike trail.
I got all sorts of great ideas at Going Green Matters but I want to do more. Any advice?
One of the best ways to "do more" is to become an "eco-influencer." Share those great ideas with others - friends, neighbors or family members. Convince them to join you in making some "simple swaps for low waste living" and you can double or triple your positive...
SkyDay Photos Surpass Our Goal!
The beautiful SkyDay photo gallery will premiere at the Going Green Matters this Sunday! Thank you for helping us surpass our goal of 1000 photos!! Please continue to take photos and upload them to SkyDayProject.org and select the Go Green Wilmette gallery. We hope...
Can you help me make some green New Year’s Resolutions that will really make a difference?
Here is a list of top ten tips but the short list is eat less meat, drive and fly less, and reduce home energy use - for example, unplug that second refrigerator! Take a look at National Geographic's Six Ways to Reduce Plastic Waste. And, last but not least, why not...
Evanston Becomes First Illinois City to Target 100 Percent Renewable Electricity
The Evanston City Council continued the City's strong leadership on climate issues by unanimously approving the Climate Action and Resilience Plan (CARP), a comprehensive plan to reduce Evanston's impact on global climate change while preparing the community for its...
Join GGW’s SkyDay Project!
We are thrilled to be partnering with SkyDay - a project that turns photographs of the sky into citizen art. The project was created by Wilmette artist Ben Whitehouse who explains, "This is a global citizen artwork designed to bring people together in support of our...
SkyDay Partnership
We are thrilled to be partnering with SkyDay - a project that turns photographs of the sky into citizen art. The project was created by Wilmette artist Ben Whitehouse who explains, "This is a global citizen artwork designed to bring people together in support of our...
Sip Red, Go Green Highlights
More than a hundred people gathered at the Wilmette Wine Cellar (http://www.wilmettewine.com) recently to celebrate another year of hard work and progress. The money raised at the event will help fund our year-round programs, events and campaigns. Guests heard about...
Opposition Mounts Against Isabella Woods Easement
The Wilmette Park District, residents and local environmental groups are voicing opposition to the requested easement in Isabella Woods that would negatively impact trees, wetlands and open space. Learn more here. See Channel 5 News story here. To add your...
GGW 2018 Sustainable Yard Tour – A Beautiful Experience
Read this review of our 2018 Sustainable Yard Tour in Splash Magazine Chicago.
Village Board Passes Two Resolutions
On Tuesday, August 28th, the Village Board passed a resolution endorsing the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' Greenest Region Compact. The Compact provides the framework for municipalities to implement their own sustainability plans. The goals of the Compact help guide...
Wilmette Greens Summerfest
Go Green Wilmette is working in collaboration with the Village and the Chamber of Commerce to green Summerfest, scheduled for July 20 and 21. The Village is providing a mobile water station to eliminate plastic water bottles and provide hand washing. We are working...
How Native is Your Garden?
Please take a moment to read this article in the Daily North Shore about why it is so good to use native plants in suburban gardens.
Go Green group formed in Lahore
Inspired by all the activism of Go Green Wilmette and other local Go Green groups, GGW Board member Saima Abbasi recently founded Go Green Lahore in Lahore, Pakistan. The grassroots group of concerned citizens aims to raise environmental awareness through community...
Going Green Matters Review – Year 12, The Best Yet
See this article from Splash Magazine
From Solar to Backyard Birds – Medill Reports on Going Green Matters 2018
Read this report by Medill reporter Nathan Ouellette.
Going Green Matters fair showcases solar power, sustainable yards
Please read this article from the Wilmette Life
What are the top ten reasons to attend Going Green Matters on Sunday?
You want some hot pizza from Marcello's solar-powered food truck. You want to compare more than a dozen plug-in hybrid and electric cars all in one place. You need a family activity that doesn't involve electronics or screens. You want to design and take home your...
What can I can do this week that is easy and makes a difference?
You can set a great example if you ask for a reusable mug at your local coffee shop or bring your own. Want to do more? Look around at how many customers are sitting in the coffee shop using non-recyclable, single-use cups. Suggest to the manager or server that they...
Can you help me make a list of green New Year’s resolutions that will really make a difference?
Our website is full of great tips but you can start with this top ten list: 1. Eat less meat 2. Drive less, drive smart 3. Change every light bulb to an LED 4. Compost food waste 5. Recycle more, waste less 6. Maintain a healthy, natural yard 7. Be a mindful...
#BetterTogether: From Go Green Wilmette’s First Fair to Environmental Commitment Across the Country and Around the World
Read this article from Make It Better about how Make It Better's business launched more than a decade ago in tandem with Go Green Wilmette’s annual community fair — on May 1, 2007, at the Wilmette Recreation Center. It’s no coincidence that Make It Better’s commitment...
Launching “Green Grants” Program
Go Green Wilmette is proud to launch our new Green Grants Program to help fund small projects that will make Wilmette a more sustainable community. These grants will be awarded to organizations and individuals with great green ideas and limited funding. Find out more...
GGW Alternative Yard Tour Review – The 5th Year, Reinforcing and Inspiring
Please take a moment to read this wonderful article that Barb Keer has written about Go Green Wilmette's Alternative Yard for Splash Magazines
Shareholders force ExxonMobil to come clean on cost of climate change
ExxonMobil, the world’s biggest oil company, was compelled by 62% of shareholders to be more open about the impact of climate change on its business in a “historic” surprise vote recently. The vote to more clearly report how climate change affects Exxon’s business...
Art, environment and a giant globe draw hundreds to 2017 Going Green Matters fair
More than a thousand people visited, volunteered, exhibited and otherwise experienced the 2017 Going Green Matters environmental fair on Sunday, undeterred by cold weather and lured by the possibility of seeing their world from the inside, a fair organizer said...
Illinois Passes Clean Energy Bill
The Illinois legislature passed a sweeping, comprehensive new energy bill, one of the most significant state energy legislation passed in the US in decades. The Future Energy Jobs Bill will include: At least 4.3 gigawatts of new Illinois wind and solar power – as much...
Sip Red, Go Green a Big Success!
Many thanks to those who joined us for our first fundraiser and gathering at The Bottle Shop in downtown Wilmette November 6th. We were able to raise needed funds to help us expand our projects and programs as we head into 2017! If you missed the event but would like...
How can I teach my children about environmental issues without scaring them?
One of the best ways to raise a child who is environmentally aware is to raise a child who loves to be in the outdoors. Encourage your children to play outside, bike, garden, learn about bugs, birds and bees. A child who loves the outdoors will grow to be an adult...
GGW Helps with Habitat in Wilmette Parks
While we spend a lot of time and effort convincing homeowners to include native habitat in their yards, we also help the Park District create and maintain habitat in our parks. In 2016, the Park District partnered with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to create...
Go Green Wilmette Founder named Distinguished Citizen
We are so proud to announce that Beth Drucker, founder of Go Green Wilmette was honored by the District 39 Educational Foundation. Beth received the Distinguished Citizen Award on Thursday, April 17, 2014. A packed audience celebrated Beth's 25 years of dedication,...