written by Irene Hogstrom Andrew Hipp, PhD, Director of the Herbarium and Lead Scientist in Plant Systematics at the Morton Arboretum, enthusiastically educated attendees about sedges, a genus of plants he has been studying since 1995. Native landscaping encourages us to expand our use of different genera of plants. Scanning a native plant catalogue, or attending a native plant sale, plants are typically listed in these categories: Trees and Shrubs, Forbs, and then Grasses an

written by Arthur Laciak Presenters Sarene Alsharif and Jodi Doyle at July 28, 2026 Greener Grove Meeting, Lincoln Center in Downers Grove We have all heard of the major negative environmental impacts of fast fashion, but last month’s speakers provided us with helpful tips for all of us to dress more sustainably. Greener Grove welcomed Sarene Alsharif - the CEO and Co-Founder of Tad More Tailoring & Alterations and the Tad More Sustainability Institute - and Jodi Doyle - a wa

written by Irene Hogstrom Gardener, environmentalist and talk show host Mike Nowak, shared his insight and knowledge of natural lawn care at our May meeting. He explained some of the consequences of traditional pesticide and synthetic fertilizer use and provided tips for achieving a safe, healthy and sustainable lawn naturally. Mike Nowak describes proper mowing techniques at Greener Grove meeting, Lincoln Center, May 26, 2026 Mike provided some staggering statistics of tradi

Whether traveling for vacation or work, the choices we make along the way can help reduce our carbon footprint throughout our trip. Leslie Kane, founder of Inclusive Escapes Travel, spoke about these choices, shared eye-opening statistics, and provided actionable tips in her presentation on Sustainable Travel at our January meeting.

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.

On December 4th, 2025, the Greener Grove community came together to connect, celebrate, and support a greener future. And, by all measurements, it was a Wow night to remember! Like all that we do here, this event started with a vision: Could we organize a really awesome, successful fundraiser while keeping sustainability front and center with every decision?

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.

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.

written by Yvonne Malone For a minute, sit back and think about your best teacher ever. A teacher so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about...

Mon. Dec 4th, 7 PM Wearing a t-shirt or carrying a tote bag with our logo on it is a great way to raise awareness for Greener Grove when...