Elmhurst Public Library earns Earth Flag
SCARCE presented Elmhurst Public Library with an Earth Flag at the September 2021 library board meeting.
Earth Flags honor schools, corporations, and organizations promoting more sustainable practices, such as recycling, green cleaning, and energy conservation within their institutions.
The DuPage County Board issued a resolution of commendation for the library's "exemplary efforts and outstanding sustainability accomplishments" during the ceremony as well.
Over the last two and a half years, the library has partnered with SCARCE to evaluate the building's environmental impact.
Using SCARCE's Green Audit as a guide, the Library reviewed energy use, water consumption, indoor air quality, recycling efforts, and took concrete steps to make improvements. Some notable efforts include an updated and automated HVAC system, LED lighting upgrades, downward facing exterior lights that limit pollution, carpet squares that are easy to clean or replace, and a reflective white rock roof, which was part of the library's original building design.
All of these efforts dovetail nicely with the library's most classic function, resource sharing.
By lending out special craft, kitchen, and technology items in addition to books, the library is environmentally friendly by design.
To further benefit the community, the library circulates eco-friendly tools in its collection like the Kill-a-watt, an electricity usage monitor, and a thermal leak detector.
Additionally, the library regularly offers programs on subjects related to conservation and the environment. Recent topics include composting, native plants, and insects.
Other notable efforts include a Walk/Ride/Share campaign to help ease parking issues at the library and promote earth-friendly practices, an Eco Car Show in the Spring of 2018, and a partnership with the Chicago Region Trees Initiative to give away free saplings to celebrate Earth Day.
"Receiving the Earth Flag from SCARCE is something the Library is incredibly proud of," says Assistant Library Director Marcy Rodriguez, who led the library's efforts. "SCARCE is a valued local leader and partner in promoting environmental education and awareness in the ways we can lessen our impact on the earth. The library will continue to learn and search for ways we can serve our community, while being stewards of the environment."
SCARCE (School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education) is an award-winning environmental education nonprofit based in Addison. For details on how to earn an Earth Flag: visit www.scarce.org/earth-flags.