Environmental Fair at library offers new tech, recycling
"Keep close to Nature's heart," said naturalist and author John Muir. "Break clear away, once in a while, and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods. Wash your spirit clean."
If you share Muir's love of nature and respect for the environment, come to the Environmental Fair from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at the Schaumburg Township District Library, 130 S. Roselle Road, Schaumburg. Co-sponsored by the village of Schaumburg and the library, the event will include exhibits, programs and recycling opportunities. Library visitors are also invited to the west parking lot to explore an earth-friendly house and car.
During the fair, donations of home improvement items and small electronics will be accepted in the north parking lot for Habitat for Humanity's ReStore Collection. Please donate only items which are reusable. A list of what is and is not acceptable is available at the Reception Desk in the Central Library lobby.
Heading over to the west lot, you'll find the Illinois Solar Energy Association's solar home and Tesla Electric Car. Check out these fascinating innovations and learn how they provide shelter and transportation while leaving a very small carbon footprint.
As you enter the library, you'll find numerous tables and displays to peruse in the lobby. Explore each one, and feel free to ask questions of the exhibitors. Learn about the Spring Valley Nature Center, discover the world of gardening from the Schaumburg Community Garden Club, get the scoop on local hiking trails and wildlife from Friends of Busse Woods, or hear about the impact of worms on the environment from the Urban Worm Girl. Many other organizations will also have exhibits. You will also have the opportunity to purchase unique handmade items or fair-trade chocolate and coffee from Gifts of the World, and unusual varieties of tomato plants from the Tomato Lady. Stop by the library's board member table to meet the STDL trustees. Feel free to ask questions and bring your suggestions to the board. Throughout the day, various programs and workshops will take place, including those listed below.
Learn about "Green Cleaning" from noon-12:45 p.m. in the Rasmussen South Room. Presenter Andrea Volif, a member of the Village of Schaumburg Environmental Committee, will explain how to make your own sustainable cleaning products that are cost-effective and safe for families.
Ever wish you could harness the sun's energy? Come to "Powering Your Home with the Sun" from 12:45 -1:30 p.m. in the Rasmussen North Room. Presenter Peter Gorr will explain how to convert a home to solar generated energy. Learn about installation, costs and returns.
If you ever considered being a friend to the environment, learn how at "Habitat Restoration at Busse Woods" from 1:30-2:15 p.m. in the Rasmussen South Room. Matt Haas and other members of Friends of Busse Woods will discuss volunteer restoration projects, including removing invasive species, collecting trash, and spreading native plant seeds.
Ready for an earth-friendly hobby? If you would like one with delicious results, try beekeeping. Learn about this exciting and interesting hobby from 2:15-3 p.m. in the Rasmussen South Room. An expert will explain how to start and maintain a bee hive, and what you need to keep your bees healthy and productive.
Children ages 8-14 are welcome to attend the "Make a Terrarium" workshop from 12:30-1 p.m. in the Craft Room. Participants will make a simple terrarium using rocks, soil, plants and other materials. Registration is required, and this program is limited to 30.
Also on May 2, the library will hold a "Free Comic Book Day" for all ages from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Choose your free comic book by visiting the kidsZone at the Central Library in Schaumburg, or at the branch libraries in Hoffman Estates and Hanover Park.
All of the events in this article are free and do not require any registration. If you have questions about the Environmental Fair, please contact Youth Services director Melissa Jones at mjones@stdl.org.