Elgin’s Green Expo-2012
May 4 (1-8pm) & May 5 (9am-4PM)
Four years ago, Elgin’s Green Expo was launched out of a need for a common conversation for decision makers influencing the greening of the built environment. Today, we continue to serve individuals, businesses and the community to realize its true potential.
As this is our 4th annual green expo, and it’s the International Year of Water, we’ve added a special component to this 2 day event. We’ve invited all of the municipalities along the Fox River to join us for a special symposium called Watershed Wanderings. As always, our overall focus will once again be on all things green and energy efficient, but this year we’ll have a special emphasis on our waterways, recycling, trees, home retrofits, new technologies and innovative products.
Public attractions will include a 5,500 gallon aquarium stocked with fish from the Fox River, canoe/pontoon trips, a green car show, farmer/garden/wellness/kids exhibit areas, exhibits showcasing green products & services for the individual, home and business , a locavore deli & bar, entertainment, live recycled art shows, a huge petting zoo, entertainment plus much more.
So, this year, add to the excitement and get involved as a partner, sponsor, exhibitor, or volunteer. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to market your business or organization. Through our success, we move together toward a world where all live in prosperity.
Why do we do this? That’s easy. For a love of humanity.
It takes all of us working together to make a difference!
Applications/Registration, Levels of Support, Schedule of Events….all can be found on our website. http://www.elgingreenexpo.org/
General Information can be found by clicking on the tabs at the top, more specific information can be found by clicking on the individual drop down menu categories. EXAMPLE: To find out information on Partnership levels, or how much booth sapce cots and basic ” Levels of Support ” click on the GET INVOLVED tab, click on the drop down tab for Partner, or Sponsors/Exhibitors.
To find what events are scheduled, click on the tab at the top called At The Event. Also, you’ll want to check out the latest news once we get stated.
(Created/Organized by ECCO in partnership with Waste Management, Kane DuPage Soil & Water Conservation District, Davey Tree and the City of Elgin Sustainability Commission.)
http://www.elgingreenexpo.org/
on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/elginsgreenexpo
Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite
DIRTY BUSINESS The Film
Dirty Business:
“Clean Coal” and the Battle for Our Energy Future
Join us
November 10, 201 @ 6PM
Elgin Public Museum (225 Grand in Lords Park, Elgin)
Can coal ever really be made “clean”? If we were to try to wean ourselves off coal, how would we keep the lights on? Is renewable energy ready for prime time? Guided by Rolling Stone reporter Jeff Goodell, DIRTY BUSINESS seeks answers in a series of stories: citizens fighting to build a solar power plant instead of a new coal plant in Nevada; a Kansas cowboy saving his cattle ranch with wind power; doctors tabulating the true cost of coal pollution in the damaged health of newborns in China, where a new coal plant goes up every week; innovators making a southern Rust Belt factory so energy efficient that it will steal jobs back from China.
America burns more than a billion tons of coal a year—and coal-fired power plants are the single greatest source of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. Many of us are not aware that even now, in a world globally connected by the Internet, half our electricity still comes from this dirty, nineteenth century technology. DIRTY BUSINESS investigates the coal lobby’s $40 million dollar campaign to convince us that the technology to make coal “clean” already exists. In fact, that technology—called “carbon capture and storage”—is not in full commercial operation anywhere in the world, and experts say that may not happen for 15 years or more, and even then may not be economically viable.
DIRTY BUSINESS is the first major public media project to explain and demystify “clean coal” and to explore the extent to which increased energy efficiency and renewable energy sources such as wind and solar thermal power might make “clean coal” unnecessary and uneconomical.
Free Admission/Free Parking/Refreshments
RSVP on our Facebook link http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=190166027726790
http://dirtybusinessthefilm.com/
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Moving Planet:Moving Beyond Fossil Fuels
350 Bike riders will be converging on the Ruggard Gazebo, Prarie Path at Ardmore Ave, Villa Park on September 24th, 1:30 PM sharp, for a unique international photo-op. Festivites will include music, food & special speakers to honor this worldwide event.
Elgin riders will meet & start at the Prarie Path at Army Trail Road @10AM. Additional bikers from the area will also meet here. It’s about 17 Miles to Ruggard Gazebo in Villa Park. Of cours…e, you can start in Elgin(we’ll have someone at Gail Borden with bike streamers), Dundee, etc. if you have the stamina…or closer if you don’t. Riders from Elmhurst, Lombard and further east will join us in Villa Park.
We’re also encouraging those that can’t ride, to walk or share a ride there. We just want to see you there in support of this effort. (White t-shirts are the preferred.*)
Everyone will get special streamers for their bike handlebars.
*T-Shirts: We’re requesting white but feel free to have your org name on them.
To join us comment here!! Additional Details will follow!!
Supported by Elgin Climate Change Organization,River Prarie Group Sierra Club of Lombard, LWV of the Elgin Area, Moving Planet and 350.org
Elgin’s Green EXPO- May 7th
The Third Annual Elgin Green EXPO is being held the day before Mother’s Day, Saturday, May 7th from 9AM-4PM at the Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, in Elgin, Illinois. With thousands of visitors, this green event is the largest of its kind in the Fox Valley.
The day will be filled with a truly hands-on opportunity to learn all about the benefits of go-green/save some green, sustainable lifestyles. More than 100 of the best exhibitors in the area, including speakers and interactive programs providing everything from renewable energy installations, green remodeling, ancient building techniques, testing energy efficiency of building materials/designs to what’s my tree worth, how to grow your own community garden and can a goat really mow my lawn.
This family friendly event includes a wellness center, with eco friendly products & chair massages, a Farmers Market with artisan breads, cheeses, wines, an EcoBazzar where you can get the latest recycled goods, plus food & drinks from the Locavore Cafe/EcoBar and entertainment, music and activities for the kids. The children will be treated to everything from a huge petting zoo to the world’s greatest Green Magician making a Waste Management dumpster disappear, or maybe appear, on the parking deck. Everyone will want to walk through the solar shack and visit Destination: Green – ECC’s semi-truck classroom powered by sun and wind. From watching junk being turned into recycled art to using the river for power-there’s something for everyone!
In order to keep this a minimal impact event, recycling bins will be scattered throughout. Depending on where guests are coming from, visitors are encouraged to take the Metra train or PACE bus or car pool. Elgin residents are encouraged to ride bikes, take a brisk jog or leisurely walk to get here. But, however you get here, remember to treat Mom to one of the many gifts you’ll find at Green Expo 2011.
Follow us on Facebook @ Elgin’s Green EXPO.
Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite
The Carbon Footprint of War
Why Earth cannot afford war
The Pentagon wants to go ‘green’ and not only with its light bulbs. War-that elephant in the greenhouse- has become the ultimate environmental oxymoron. Let’s explore how many years riding a bike would take to offset one F-15 flying for one hour , and all the other aspects of why we can no longer afford war.
ECCO is partnering with the Elgin Public Museum, and Fox Valley Citizens for Peace & Justice.
Thursday, April 7th, 2011 @ 6:30 PM @ Elgin Public Museum, 225 Grand Blvd. @ Lords Park… RSVP 847-888-1197 or this site.
Elgin’s Green EXPO 2011
“Superb event.. Great exposure to the public…Outstanding to have everything under one roof… Didn’t know all of these green businesses were around…So many interested in green technology that we could have used more information & space…Free, family-friendly, fun event -my husband had cars, mechanics & technology, my kids enjoyed the environmentally friendly activities & I was able to get a relaxing chair massage & shop-topped off by a wonderful lunch together-it was a perfect day!…”
These were just some of the comments made by the 150 plus exhibitors, and thousands of people who attended last year’s EXPO……so, back by popular demand… Elgin’s Green EXPO 2011. This year we’re particularly pleased and excited to offer a larger venue with all vendors having a 10×10 area, and ALL vendors will be indoors with the exception of the electric sports cars and latest fuel efficient models.
Elgin Climate Change Organization (ECCO) is once again partnering with the Elgin Heritage Commission and Elgin’s Sustainability Master Planning Committees to produce this event.
Additional applications online www.cityofelgin.org/green/expo
Questions sigiusa@yahoo.com or
Facebook Elgin’s Green Expo 2011
Phone 312-953-8216
Fuel, The Movie
ECCO, the LWV oif the Elgin Area
and Izaak Walton League present this award winning movie on alternative energy. We can get away from fossil fuels! Come and see one man’s journey into the history of oil and alternatives that can work for us now. Discussion to follow. Join us Sunday, January 16th from 2:00-4:00 PM at the Gail Borden Public Library.
Found Treasure-The 3 R’s Rule!
Come see and learn about the importance of recycling as children of Fox River Country Day School’s Green Troupe perform a play on the negative impact of littering, plastic grocery bags, what we can do to stop the over use of water bottles and benefits of shopping at thrift stores.
After the play, join ECCO as we recycle old holiday cards. Children will have the option to recycle old holiday cards into new cards, postcards or ornaments. Plus, free raffle with prizes and free popcorn!
Sponsored by ECN, ECCO, Gail Borden Public Library and the City of Elgin.
Energy Challenge Panel Discussion
Join us Thurs., Nov. 4 at 6:30 PM for a panel discussion of geothermal energy, Dirk Dypold presenting, solar energy, Dewaine Nelson, and Blue Star Energy with Lon Johnson. Q & A to follow. See which is best for you!
10/10/10
Community garden time at Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. Join us to help 10/10/10 of 350.org, worldwide–over 5300 worldwide locations doing something for climate change! Sandy K. ECCO Chair
Come join us for a tour and discussion with Marko Spiegel of his One Watt House! Tues., Sept. 28 at 6 PM across from the Rec Centre. Email sakaptain@gmail.com. to save a spot! See you then. Learn how to reduce your energy output!
PRIVATE TOUR-ONE WATT HOUSE
• a 2000 ft2 house heated with only twenty 100W incandescent light bulbs or one powerful hair dryer!
• a 300 ft2 living room heated with 10 candles.
• Spending less than $1 a day to heat an average-sized Midwestern home.
Let’s visit our own local One-Watt House in LaFox for a private tour on Tuesday, Sept. 28th. The owner, Marko Spiegel. is an engineer and entrepreneur born and educated in Germany. His lifelong passion for building along with a desire to conserve and innovate in construction led him to launch Conservation Technology International. (Marko also works on redesigning existing homes-see aricle at bottom of page)
To lessen our own impact we’ve gotten a van to accomodate the first 8 RSVP’s, we’d like to ask you to meet us in the parking lot across the street from the Centre & Library. The rest of us will just carpool.
RSVPs are necessary so Marko knows how many people to expect. Additional questions: Sandy Kaptain sakaptain@gmail.com
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=364413
and their website
http://www.conservationtechnologyinternational.com/
Jarrod McKenna, the Australian peace & environmental activist
Fox Valley Citizens For Peace & Justice is pleased to co-sponsor along with with Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren and ECCO the upcoming appearance of Jarrod McKenna, the Australian peace & environmental activist. Jarrod is active in The Peace Tree Community, Together for Humanity, and the award-winning initiative Empowering Peacemakers in Your Community.
That’s at 6:30 PM at
Highland AVenue Church of the Brethren
783 W Highland Avenue
Elgin, Il 60123
Plan to listen and learn from this dynamic speaker. Discussion will follow.
EPYC’s Founder and Creative Director Jarrod McKenna and his team have gained permission from the Education Department to conduct these seminars which use music, media and visual arts to engage students in engaging our world.
“Around the world there is an emerging generation of young leaders who are rediscovering the radical implications of Jesus message and are letting their lives speak of these alternatives to the cycles of violence, poverty and environmental destruction. Jarrod McKenna is one such young leader Australia has to offer, and his EPYC program promises to empower many more.” Rev. Tim Costello, CEO of World Vision Australia
June 3rd -Tour of Elgin Passive Solar & Geo-Thermal Home
Tour Dirk Dypold’s, of Advanced Geothermal Plumbing & Heating, home . Check out his passive solar system, his geothermal setup, and his rain garden too. He’ll follow this with a discussion on geo-thermal. All are welcome! Thursday, June 3rd @ 7PM at 323 S. Commonwealth-Elgin.
DIRECTIONS TO ELGINS GREEN EXPO
Sautrday May 8th 9am-4pm
The Centre is centrally located on a six-acre parcel in the heart of Elgin’s business district, bordered by Kimball, Douglas, North Grove Streets, and Symphony Way. Centrally located, residents can reach The Centre within 10 minutes from all city borders.
Exit Route I-90 at Route 31 south. Take Illinois Route 31 south to Kimball Street. Turn east or left. The Centre is located on your right.
From the South
Take Lake Street / Route 20 to Illinois Route 31. Follow Illinois Route 31 north to Kimball. Turn east or right. The Centre is located on your right.
From the East
Take I-90 west to Illinois Route 25 south. Follow Route 25 to the split and continue on Dundee Avenue to Kimball Street. Take Kimball Street west into the downtown Elgin City Center area. The Centre is located just past Douglas Street, on your left.
From the West
Take I-90 east to Illinois Route 31. Follow Route 31 to Kimball Street. Take Kimball Street west into the downtown Elgin City Center area. After the river, on your right.
Earth’s Changing Climate
Lecture Three
At the Elgin Public Museum
Ice Ages and Beyond
Thermometer-based temperature records go back only 150 years. This lecture explores the techniques scientists use to push global temperatures back thousands, millions, and billions of years. In particular, we’ll explore the cyclic pattern office ages punctuated by brief warmer spells. Our understanding of this pattern involves a complex interaction among astronomical effects on Earth’s orbit and axis, along with feedback effects that drive changes in the levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide and other gases. The picture of past climates developed in this lecture will be important in the next few lectures, where we seek to understand the scientific principles that establish climate, and in later lectures where we show why recent climate change is largely attributable to human activities.
Lecture Four
In the Greenhouse
What determines a planet’s temperature and, thus, establishes its overall climate? Ultimately, stable climate results form a balance between incoming solar energy and heat that a planet radiates to space. Well-established fundamental principles of physics govern that balance. But a planetary atmosphere complicates the picture, absorbing outgoing energy and, thereby, altering the energy balance. The result is the greenhouse effect, which can keep a planet significantly warmer than it would otherwise be. For Earth, the naturally occurring greenhouse effect – mostly the result of atmospheric water vapor and, to a lesser extent, carbon-dioxide – warms our planet by nearly 60°F (33°C) over what it would be absent these gases. Changes in atmospheric composition will alter the quantitative value of this greenhouse effect, and that’s the primary reason for concern about human-caused climate change.
Coming Soon! Elgin’s Green EXPO
Elgin’s Premier Green Event – Family Friendly -Free Admission
Celebrate, explore and take in the remarkable cornucopia of sustainable living ideas, services and products in our community.
Hundreds of exhibitors coming together in one location-once a year! This year we’re pleased to be partnering with the City of Elgins Sustainability Master Planning Committees, Elgin Heritage Commission, and most recently Elgin High School. From gigantic wind turbines to wiggly worms…from the City’s largest yard sale to a live recycled art show…..from the largest selection of native prairie plants to kids seed necklaces….from Farmers Market to handcrafted goods.
Speakers & Presentations
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How to retrofit your home without going broke
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Successful home landscapes with low maintenance native plants
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Greening Elgin’s Food Industry
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How do you do a One-Watt House
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Elgin’s Tree Assessment Survey
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What the heck do you do with those pesky plastic bottles & other tossable horror stories
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Sign Up for Elgin’s Green Expo!
Sign up for Elgin's Green expo
Elgin’s Green Expo
Free admission, Saturday, May 8 from 9am to 4 pm at Elgin’s Centre, 100 Symphony Way.
View the PDF to see the invitation or fill out the application to become a part of the event.
Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite
Websites for Additional Wind Turbine Info
We thank both Monarch Renewable Energy & you for coming out this evening. For more info about Monarch turbines www.recreateyourenergy.com And this is the information they talked about tonight on rebates-also taken from their website:
Tax Credit FAQ’s
ILLINOIS WIND ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM
Illinois Renewable Energy Resources Solar and Wind Energy Rebate: Program Highlights
These interesting program highlights are intended for informational purposes only and are not all inclusive. Please refer to the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy www.DSIREusa.org to stay afoot of the most current available incentives.
Issued by: DCEO, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Application Deadline: 4:30 p.m. Friday April 30, 2010
Rebate Amounts:
- 30% of installation and labor costs for private businesses and residences
- 50% of installation and labor costs for public sector and non-profit businesses
- Customer must pay for at least 25% of the overall project costs
- This is in addition to the 30% federal tax credit eligibility and any other qualified tax deductions or incentives (consult your tax accountant for more information)
Project Criteria:
- In the state of Illinois only
- Grid connected system for a gas or electric customer of one of the following entities: Ameren, Consumers Gas, Illinois Gas, Mid American Energy Co, Nicor, North Shore Gas, Peoples Gas, United Cities Gas, Adams Electric Coop, Ameren CIPS/IP/UE/CILCO, City of Carmi, City of Flora, COMED, Corn Belt Energy Coop, Egyptian Elec Coop, IL Rural Elec Coop, Jo-Carroll Energy, Mid American Energy Co., Monroe County Elec Coop, Mt. Carmel Public Utility Coop, Norris Electric Coop, Rural Electric Convenience Coop, Southern IL Electric Coop, Village of Rantoul OR in cases where customer can document they are with an investor-owned or municipal gas/elec utility or cooperative that imposes a specific Renewable energy charge
- Rated turbine capacity of 1 to 100 kW, mounted on a minimum 60 ft. tower
- Land 1 acre or greater and several specific site selection guidelines must be followed; installation by an Illinois licensed and qualified professional
Application Process:
- Apply before proceeding with any potential rebate-related costs
- Schedule the system install date no more than 120 days from the date application is submitted
- Wait to receive a Notice to Proceed and the DCEO will hold appropriate funds for the particular project (rebate) for 120 days from application date
- If project is rejected, DCEO issues an ‘ineligible project letter’ and consumer is eligible to reapply
- Complete system installation and submit remaining rebate documents prior to the 120 day date
- Rebates are issued based on actual equipment and installation costs
AMERICAN RECOVERY and RE-INVESTMENT ACT (2009 Stimulus Package): How it helps with small wind
Background
On February 17, 2009 President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Re-investment Act of 2009. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy technology deployment and job expansion, the bill improved upon the 2008 small wind tax credit by removing “cost caps.” This change allows consumers and small businesses to deduct from their tax liability 30 percent of the installed cost of a wind turbine. Additionally, businesses will have the option of receiving their credits in the form of cash grants.
Q: What does this mean to me?
A: The entire cost of a Skystream system (plus installation) is reduced by 30 percent provided you have a tax liability. The credit can be claimed over the course of two years. Depending on where you live, you could save even more! Some states have also implemented rebates for small wind systems which can be used in addition to the Federal credit. Furthermore, in the last two months alone, more than 30 states have introduced legislation that either expands incentives for renewable energy and/or addresses market barriers. Learn more at http://www.dsireusa.org
Q: How does a tax credit work?
A: Typically, a tax credit is money that you can deduct from any money owed to the federal government at tax time (tax liability). The small wind tax credit can be carried over two years after the product is installed. For more information on how to take advantage of the credit, we suggest that you speak to a tax specialist.
Q: I don’t normally owe taxes – how can I claim the credit?
A: You can only claim the credit based on what you would owe in taxes (your tax liability for two years). If you do not normally receive a refund, you may want to consult with a tax specilalist to understand better what opportunities are available to you.
Q: How do I claim the credit?
A: You will be required to file the long form and itemize your deductions. The IRS form 5695 must be completed and filed with your taxes. The current form does not reflect the changes to the most recent legislation.
Q: Can someone who already owned a Skystream claim the tax credit?
A: If you purchased a Skystream in 2008, you qualify for the federal-level tax credit, passed as part of the October 2008 bailout legislation, up to $2,400 per wind turbine with a cap of $4000. If you purchased a Skystream in 2008 but your dealer did not install it until 2009, ask your dealer to write a letter indicating that the wind turbine was not “commissioned” in 2008 and became operational 2009. You would qualify for the 30 percent tax incentive in your 2009 filing.
Q: What if I want to purchase and install more than one Skystream?
A: The stimulus package allows for a 30 percent tax credit on the total cost of multiple units. There is no cap on the 30 percent tax credit. Businesses may qualify for a grant from the US Treasury in lieu of a tax credit.
Q: I heard I can get cash back rather than a tax credit – how does that work?
A: Businesses can apply for a grant from the US Treasury and rather than a tax credit, receive a cash grant. The details are still being worked out but should be in place by April or May. Keep in touch with your dealer or the manufacturer for more information.
Q: Does this work for all small wind systems, even Whisper and Air Breeze?
A: Yes. The incentive is available to all users of small wind systems.
President Obama in Copenhagen-December 18th
Wow. It was a truly dynamic convening of thinkers, leaders and activists here in Copenhagen this past week. And today, President Obama addressed this historic occasion and the full conference with a call for international cooperation and action.
Affirming the global impact of a clean energy economy and the urgency of the climate crisis, President Obama recognized the progress made here at COP15 and reasserted America’s pledge to forward the work of the conference agenda back home in the United States.
With the steps taken in Copenhagen over the course of the last two weeks, our work at the Alliance is more important than ever — and the President needs to hear about your commitment to clean energy and climate protection now more than ever before.
What the President asked of the world today we must now ask of our own nation — to put aside the politics of the day and embrace a spirit of cooperation and bold action. For the workers who need jobs, our families who want security, and for our children who deserve the prosperity, safety, and health that a clean energy future will bring through American leadership.
Watch the speech and send your message about clean energy and climate solutions to the President and your leaders.
The United States needs to make these goals a reality. As the President himself said, he can’t do it alone:
With all the momentum we have built this past year, and the steps forward at Copenhagen, we can proudly state that we have established a foundation for global progress to address the climate crisis. The United States can and should be the cornerstone of these efforts. But the President is relying on us to keep up the pressure to make sure this happens.
Watch the speech and let the President and your leaders know you support bold action today:
http://acp.climateprotect.org/bocop15
Thank you for being a part of this historic climate meeting at Copenhagen. It has been a rewarding experience this past week, and I’m looking forward to getting back to the U.S. and to our work together building a clean energy future for our country and our planet.
Thanks,
Maggie L. Fox
President and CEO
Alliance for Climate Protection
