Here at Greener Grove, we’d like to add one more goal in 2026: Lean into living more sustainability in our everyday lives. We’re here to help take the overwhelm out of it, starting with the 1:1 Swap it Out Guide below. 

In their presentation “Waste-Less Holidays” Michelle and Louise highlighted some sobering stats about how wasteful holidays have become: During the holidays, the amount of trash the average American produces rises from 5 pounds to 6.25 pounds per person per day. 

Did you know? Most packaged costumes are petroleum-based. 83% of Halloween costumes are worn once and thrown away. Halloween costumes generate approximately 12 MILLION pounds of textile waste annually in the US alone.

In her presentation at Greener Grove’s September meeting, environmental educator Kristin Smith discussed the types of local wildlife that live here in the suburbs, resources to tap into when you have questions or need assistance, and how to make yards more wildlife friendly.

At our August meeting, DG Sustainability Coordinator, Jason Michnick, and Greener Grove member, Steve Ruffolo, teamed up to discuss “A Greener Way Pledge,” a key element of the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan (ESP) that is focused on key actions we as individuals can take today to support broader sustainability efforts in our community.

So what makes for an environmentally friendly yard? That is the question Beth Peluse of The Conservation Foundation (TCF) posed to the audience at Greener Grove’s July meeting. Shout outs from the audience included minimal to zero turf grass, use of native plants throughout, no chemicals, and good water conservation practices like using rain barrels and planting drought-resistant plants - all good answers!

Greener Grove hosted a panel discussion on sustainable food at its June meeting. Moderated by GG member Ryan Coughlin, panelists included: Jerry Nash, Connie Kollmeyer, and Crystal Echevarria.

Greener Grove set a goal for 2025 and beyond to get kids involved in sustainability. We want to not only educate kids in an engaging, fun, a