Upcoming Events in McLean County: $mart Home Energy Fair
The EAC's Smart Home Energy Fair is Saturday, February 9 from 11 am to 3 pm at the Salvation Army Community Center at 611 W. Washington St. in Bloomington. The event will focus on demonstrations of energy-conserving measures that can be taken around the home. Topics will include installing programmable thermostats, sealing drafty windows, and much more. Visitors to the Fair will be able to ride the Energy Bike to learn about the efficiency of CFL lightbulbs. The event is free for all participants and includes children’s activities, giveaways, food, and the opportunity to sign up for energy assistance programs. This event is sponsored in part by Ameren IP, Nicor Gas, Home Depot, and Lowe’s Home Improvement Store with assistance from the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, Western Avenue Community Center, and Mid-Central IL Community Action. For more information, call the Ecology Action Center at (309) 454-3169.
New Recyclables for a New Year
Recent discussions with Resource Management Company (where Bloomington/Normal recyclables are processes) have uncovered some changes in the markets that accept our used plastics. Bloomington/Normal residents are now able to recycle more plastics than ever. Yogurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese containers as well as butter tubs and Cool Whip® bowls (and the lids) are now accepted throughout Bloomington/Normal’s recycling systems. Additionally, the plastic caps on all beverage bottles can be recycled if they remain on the (empty, please) bottles. Currently, the only no-no’s to our system are all forms of Styrofoam (and # 6 plastic) and ALL beverage cups (regardless of number). Clear plastic packaging (such as sealed printer cartridges, etc) and shrink wrap must also be thrown away. If you have any questions regarding these new rules, please contact us at (309) 454-3169.
Environmental Health: Free Radon Test Kits
Your home may have Radon - but you are not alone. Radon is a naturally occuring radioactive element created by the breakdown of uranium in the soil. Elevated levels of radon have been found in homes in every county of Illinois. According to the National Cancer Institute, Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer and is associated with 15,000 to 22,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Testing is the only way to know if you have elevated Radon levels in your home as the gas is odorless and colorless. Free radon test kits are available from Illinois Emergency Management Agency Radon Program by going to their website at: http://iema.illinois.gov/radon/RadonTestKit.asp. With a free test kit, you have no excuse not to test your home for radon; request your free kit today!
More information is available on radon at the links below:
http://www.state.il.us/iema/radon/radon.htm
http://www.takeactiononradon.uiuc.edu
VOTE in the General Primary on Tuesday, February 5!
An important part of a sustainable community is participation in the democratic process. If you are a registered voter, don't forget to get out and vote on Super Tuesday - February 5, 2008. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. To find your Polling place, check out the McLean County County Clerk's webpage at http://www.mcleancountyil.gov/countyclerk/PollingPlaceList.aspx.