Sustainability

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The Village of River Forest is committed to promoting and creating a more sustainable environment through:

Energy Efficiency

There are many ways each of us can help cut down the amount of fuel and energy we consume and reduce air pollution at the same time. Here are a few easy ways you can save gas, money and the environment:

Nicor Financial Rebate Programs

Nicor offers financial rebates to residential customers for the installation of high efficiency boilers, storage water heaters and high efficiency furnaces. Click here to learn more about the rebate program.

The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program offers financial rebate incentives to Nicor Gas business customers for saving energy, as well as for replacing outdated natural gas equipment with new, high-efficiency models. The program also provides funding for custom energy-saving programs for qualified commercial projects. Click here to learn more about the business rebate program.

ComEd Energy Savings Programs

ComEd offers a host of energy savings programs, including Fridge and Freezer recycling, real-time pricing, a multi-family home energy savings program, and more. Click here to learn more about the ComEd programs.

Public Transportation

River Forest provides a host of public transportation options to, from and around the community including the Metra West Rail Line, CTA Green Line and Pace Bus Service.

Green Block Parties & Event Tips

The Village is formally recognizing Block Parties that are "Green" and environmentally sensitive and will help facilitate the use of a composter at your event. Click here to contact the Village about hosting a Green Block Party.

Tips to make your event green include:

  • Assign a "Green Leader" or "Green Committee" to oversee the environmental impact of the event

  • Reduce the use of paper, plastic, fuel, energy and water by eliminating all unneccessary consumption

  • Meet with all vendors and suppliers with clear guidelines before you commit to them to make sure they are on board

  • Purchase materials that can be consumed, reused or recycled; avoid styrofoam and unrecyclable plastic

  • Consider renting supplies

  • Consider packaging and transportation impact before ordering food items

  • If water bottles must be used, recycle them after use and use reusable bottles when possible

  • Pair every waste can with a recycling bin with clear signage

  • Make sure there are "green" volunteers assigned to the clean up team so materials are properly recycled

  • Adopt a no-idling policy for cars and trucks delivering supplies; encourage participants to walk, carpool or take public transportation to the event

Green Secrets to a Great Lawn

The best way to recycle grass clippings is the easiest- leave them on the lawn. A properly mowed lawn will not result in residue buildup. The secrets:

  • Cut the grass when it is dry
  • Cur the grass when it gets to 3-4 inches tall
  • Set the mower to cut at 2 inches
  • Keep the mower blade sharp, and use a mulching mower if possible

Stormwater Management- Purchase a Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are a great way to capture and store rainwater coming off a roof. Rain barrels consist of a plastic storage container, a system for diverting downspout water into the barrel, and an overflow that returns to the downspout or diverts water safely away from the house.

Water from rain barrels can be used to water your lawn, garden or household plants and reduces stormwater runoff, thereby reducing the strain on our combined sewer system during major storm events.

Visit the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District website to purchase a rain barrel. 

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Last Updated on Tuesday, January 24, 2012