Learn to ‘live green’ at lunch
Learn how to “Grow Green, Eat Green, and Live Green” at this month’s Green Bag Lunch, hosted by the ECOmmunity Network of McHenry County.
The public is invited to this free, drop-in program from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, May 19, in the upstairs atrium of the Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S. Johnson St. in downtown Woodstock.
Local experts on eco-friendly green topics will share useful tips that everyone can use.
To celebrate spring, Keith and Judy Johnson of the Off Square Music Guild will entertain with acoustic selections before and after the program. Social networking and displays start at 11:45 a.m., with speakers and discussions from noon to 1 p.m. Individuals or businesses with information to display should drop it off or set up their tables by 11:30 a.m.
Based on the popular “brown bag” concept, no food is provided. Attendees can bring their own lunch or just come to enjoy the program and join in the conversation.
Coffee, tea, and ice water are offered for a small donation, and recycling bins are provided. Attendees can pre-order a bag lunch by phone at Expressly Leslie at (815) 338-8278 or Tarts & Truffles at (815) 338-8278) and pick it up when they arrive.
Green Bag meet-ups are free to the public, reservations are not required and drop-ins are always welcome.
This month, several local experts will join in a discussion of practical tips and simple changes we all can use in our daily lives to create a healthier, “greener” environment for ourselves and our families.
Learn how to “Grow Green” with eco-friendly lawn and garden tips from horticulturalist Kathy Carr, owner of The Growing Scene in rural Marengo, and hear how saving rain can save you money, from Tom Ruzinok of Tom’s Rain Barrels in Lake in the Hills.
It’s easy to “Eat Green” with locally grown produce, says Keith Johnson of the Woodstock Farmers Market, who will talk about healthy eating and the many fresh food options offered at this year’s outdoor market.
Amanda Hitterman, manager of Loyola University’s new Woodstock Campus Retreat and Ecology Center, explains how to “Live Green” by using natural, nontoxic cosmetics, and Lydia Horvath of Shaklee Products describes how organic cleaning supplies may be safer and healthier for your family.
The Green Bag Lunch series is hosted monthly in downtown Woodstock by the ECOmmunity Network of McHenry County, an informal organization of individuals, families, and local businesspeople who share an interest in sustainable “green” living and environmental stewardship.
Members meet to share knowledge and ideas, to provide mutual support, and to help promote community awareness of environmental issues through public service and educational activities.
For details, call (815) 337-2040, email to ECOnet.mchenry@gmail.com, or visit the group Facebook at “ECOmmunity Network.”