Business to get tips on going green at Oakton Community College

If you have wanted to make your business more green, a conference this Friday can give you the right tools.

The Green Business Conference and Luncheon will provide tips on how to reduce, recycle and reuse for businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and schools.

Organizers expect 100 people, mainly businesses, to attend the event, which runs from noon to 3 p.m. at Oakton Community College's Des Plaines campus, 1600 E. Golf Road.

Deb Popely, whose Des Plaines marketing company is among the conference's sponsors, said it is no longer a matter of why businesses are gravitating toward green practices.

"I think we're at the point where it's not 'why' anymore, it's 'how,'" Popely said.

Businesses are learning that being green and cost-effective don't have to be mutually exclusive, she said.

Some Des Plaines businesses will be on hand to share some changes that they've adopted in an effort to be more green.

For example, Abbott International has offered incentives to employees for using hybrid cars.

Oakton started offering a shuttle bus between its campuses in Des Plaines and Skokie.

An official with HSBC-North America will address the advantages of leadership in energy and environmental design, or LEED, standards and how building professionals can become accredited.

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will join speakers at the event.

Registration is $35 and including lunch, presentations, and handouts. To register, call (847) 635-1934.

If you go …

What: Green Business Conference

When: Noon to 3 p.m. Friday

Where: Oakton Community College, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines Fee: $35 (includes luncheon, presentations and handouts)

Registration: Call (847) 635-1934