LWVUS POSITION IN BRIEF |
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Plans this year
- Support the development of a comprehensive sustainability plan for Wilmette
- Research and work towards the best strategy on reducing plastics
- Protect and celebrate our Great Lakes
- Advocate for clean energy and understand the impacts of climate change
- Promote cleaner, quieter lawn care practices that support clean air, habitat for wildlife, and a high quality of life for our residents.
News and Latest Developments
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Reduce Our Village's Environmental Footprint!
Following the Wilmette Village Board's endorsement of the Greenest Region Compact (GRC) in 2018, the Environmental and Energy Commission (EEC) has been charged with creating a plan to address sustainability issues of global importance at the local level. After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the EEC met again on Thursday Aug 20th to discuss the development of this inaugural sustainability plan. Visit the Village website for the meeting packet and summary; check back for the minutes. |
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Improve Walking and Biking in Wilmette!
The Transportation Commission reconvened in an online meeting on Tuesday, Aug 11th. The agenda included moving forward with the process of approving the Master Bike and Active Transportation Plan, which had been placed on hold since Feb. 18th due to the pandemic.
Visit the project website to view further details, including the most recent version of the Plan. Check back soon for an update on the outcome. |
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Combat the Climate Crisis!
Designed to propel Illinois forward to a renewable energy future, the League of Women Voters of Wilmette supports the Clean Energy Jobs Act. As part of a bold recovery effort to build a stronger economy and healthier communities, CEJA will boost clean energy, create new jobs, reduce utility bills and improve public health. Ask your legislator to support CEJA (SB2132/HB3624). |
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Control Mosquitoes on Your Property Safely and Effectively!
Mosquitoes bugging you this summer? Before you call a private company, call the North Shore Mosquito Abatement District . Their crews will assess your property and your entire neighborhood for mosquito problem areas, which they will then treat or remove for FREE! Their approach is more effective and targeted than the "barrier spraying" done by private companies, with much lower collateral damage to the environment. Read more here.
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Promote Cleaner and Quieter Lawn Care Practices: No Gas Leaf Blowers!
Did you know that gas-powered leaf blowers are prohibited in Wilmette from May 15 through September 30? Here’s why: they create air pollution and stressful oppressive noise levels. They also destroy habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects who rely on the leaves that lie underneath our shrubs and garden flowers. If you hire a lawn care company, please remind them of the ordinance if they are not following it. If you'd like to get involved with LWV-Wilmette's efforts toward healthier lawn care, please contact us . For a light-hearted yet thoughtful take on this issue, enjoy this article from the New Yorker, entitled, "I Am a Leaf Blower". |
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Create a Backyard Habitat!
The National Wildlife Federation offers useful information to build a sustainable garden. |
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Conserve Monarch Butterfly Migration!
As a community, Wilmette is increasing habitat for monarch butterflies in our public parks, including Gillson, Mallinckrodt, Elmwood Dunes, and Centennial. As individuals, we can do that as well in our yards. Turn to the Monarch Joint Venture, who has partnered with the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Conservation Training Center, for a series of webinars on this topic. |
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Get the Latest Update on Stormwater Management! |
Resources
Past initiatives
Environmentally Focused Inter-League Organizations (ILOs)
The LWV-Wilmette is a member of two different Inter-League Organizations (ILOs) that work on environmental issues in our region. To learn more about them, here are links: