Recycle, conserve, grow your own

I have noticed that the paper is getting thinner and thinner. I would like to suggest that they have more eco-friendly information, ideas and news and success stories.

My parents in Des Plaines recently purchased a rain barrel to save water for the garden. It was only $40. The village Web site directs you to the Water Reclamation center in Glenview. I have seen nothing on the news or in the papers on this excellent way to conserve water.

It's said that people will grow more vegetables this year because of the economy. This is the best time to promote that.

Fifty years ago my German Grandparents had two rain barrels and terrific garden and fruit trees. Let's all get back to some basics.

There is also a shortage of recycle bins. Des Plaines has bigger ones and we have small ones and are told to buy something else and just "mark" it recycle. Schaumburg is not on top of this at all. I live on a court and only four people recycle out of 20 homes. That's not acceptable anymore.

There needs to be a huge public awareness reminder now more than ever.

Karen Richter

Schaumburg