Westmont, Illinois
Date Issued: September 27, 2019

On September 26, 2019, the Village of Westmont was presented with an Earth Flag from SCARCE and DuPage County.  Communities have the opportunity to earn Earth Flags when they demonstrate a commitment to practicing and promoting environmental-friendly practices.

To earn the Earth Flag, communities must complete the following:

EMPLOYEE TRAINING:
More than 75% of Westmont’s Village staff trained with SCARCE staff on recycling, green cleaning, energy conservation, and related issues

GREEN AUDIT:
SCARCE audited all Village of Westmont buildings for energy use, water consumption, indoor air quality, green cleaning, resource conservation, recycling, and advanced recycling Conservation

ACTIVITY:
Westmont sponsors waste and energy reduction activity

RECYCLING PROGRAM:
Westmont implements a comprehensive recycling program

VOLUNTEER EVENT:
Westmont holds several volunteer community events that improve the environment

“Westmont should be proud of this achievement,” said Kay McKeen, who has been an environmental activist for more than 25 years and a founder of SCARCE.  “Westmont has been extremely active over the years and this Earth Flag represents this commitment to protecting our most vital resource - our planet.”

Some of the positive environmental programs in which the Village of Westmont has created or participated include the annual Arbor Day tree planting program, the Tree Seedling Giveaway Program, the annual River Sweep, Storm Drain Medallions and Stenciling Project, Rain Barrel program, Monarch Waystations, the Rx Drug Take Back Program, Richmond Gardens and Apiary, environment-related programs with local scouting organizations, Pumpkin Composting and related publicity events, lightbulb recycling, paper shredding events, cooking oil recycling opportunities, monthly electronics recycling program, holiday lights recycling collection, and much more.

Also in attendance at the presentation from DuPage County were Liz Chaplin, County Board member from District 2 and Chair of the DuPage County Environmental Committee; Julie Renehan, County Board member from District 3; and Erin Kennedy, a former Westmont resident, member of the EIC, and SCARCE staff member.

“This Earth Flag achievement was earned through a group effort,” said Jon Yeater, Village liaison to the Environmental Improvement Committee.  “We need to thank staff, our elected officials, our EIC volunteers, and our residents for supporting our environmental initiatives.  Moving forward, we plan to continue these programs and create even more opportunities for residents to become further engaged with programs that inspire people to protect the environment.”

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Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont Communications Director/PIO
630-417-0280
communications@westmont.il.gov