Buffalo Grove Environmental Action Team turns 10, hosts Green Fair Sunday

The Buffalo Grove Park District's Environmental Action Team, better known as EAT, is celebrating its 10th year Sunday with its annual Green Fair at Mike Rylko Community Park.

The free event, set for 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., gives visitors a chance to learn how they can make their lives greener and healthier. It'll feature a collection of recyclable items, electronic car and bicycle displays, and exhibits from several local organizations offering information and activities to help residents make their homes, workplaces and community more environmentally friendly.

Members of the action team were at this week's Buffalo Grove village board meeting, where they were honored for the group's decade of efforts.

Team member Debi Moritz said EAT's mission is to raise awareness, improve the community's natural environment and encourage sustainability practices.

Besides the annual fair, other group activities include its work with the Working Bikes Cooperative to recycle old bicycles.

"If you have any bicycles, broken ones, new ones, parts of bicycles, please bring them to the fair," Moritz said. "They are put together and sent to areas (where) people don't have transportation to school or work."

The team also conducts roadside cleanup events and works to restore wetlands and prairie areas. Five members of the team are trained citizen scientists through the Illinois River Watch, and the team has received grants for green infrastructure projects at Buffalo Grove Park District and village sites.

On Sunday, items being collected for recycling and repurposing include bicycles and bicycle parts, small electronics, eyeglasses, hearing aids, keys, clothing, shoes, crayons, books, CDs, DVDs, game discs, knives, scissors, blades, flower vases, coat hangers and small working appliances. Televisions or CRT monitors will not be accepted.

For more information on the fair and organization, visit bgeat.org.