Learn what it takes to nurture a green economy
The Bioneers at McHenry County College Symposium will provide green information from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, in the college conference center and commons area in Building B, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.
Presented by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at McHenry County College, this event will feature sessions by regional experts on local water quality issues, eating better and buying foods locally, building the green economy, energy savings and climate change.
John Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist, authors of "Ecopreneuring - Putting Purpose and Planet Before Profit," will present a keynote address titled, "Living A Green Life."
"Bioneers at MCC is an opportunity to alert McHenry County residents, businesses and governmental agencies about the growing green economy and what is available for them locally," said Pat Dieckhoff, waste reduction assistant for the Lou Marchi Institute at MCC.
In addition to the keynote address, participants can attend a variety of morning and afternoon breakout sessions featuring five main topics:
• Geothermal, wind and solar: It is used locally in new construction and existing homes, featuring low maintenance homeownership.
• Energy and Climate Change: Where are we now and where are we going will be discussed in a panel discussion of government policy regarding the impact of climate change.
• Energy Efficiencies and Using Alternative Fuels: It will highlight McHenry County College's Alternative Fuels Training Program by Phil Grandinetti, MCC's automotive technology department chair. In addition, new energy saving information will be highlighted by a representative of ComEd, as well as, new LED lighting and tax incentives for energy efficiencies will be provided.
• Always in the News - Water in McHenry County: This topic will include a talk on the "Importance of Conserving Land and Preserving Water" by Lisa Haderlein of the Land Conservancy of McHenry County. Other topics and speakers will include the "Status of McHenry County Water Supply" by Cassandra McKinney of the McHenry County Water Resource Department; and "Rain Gardens Recycling Water" by Nancy Gonsiorek of The Wildflower Preservation and Propagation Committee.
• The Green Economy: The authors of "Ecopreneuring" will explain how to put purpose and planet before profit. Also, "Food and Sustainable Living" will be presented by Zak Dolezal, manager of Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen, and "Edible School Garden" will be presented by Mary Noonan of Alden-Hebron Elementary School.
Participants can view three of the National Bioneers Conference DVDs featuring prominent environmental leaders on cutting edge topics.
Cost is $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Use event ID NCC S50001 when registering for adults. Cost for students in advance is $20; $25 at the door. Use event ID NCC S50003 when registering for students.
The price includes lunch, featuring organic and local food prepared by Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen in Crystal Lake. To register with a credit card, call (815) 455-8588. For more information, contact Pat Dieckhoff at (815) 479-7817 or pdieckho@mchenry.edu.