Small Steps to Saving the Planet
What You Can Do to Help
The problems of climate change seem so overwhelming. With this four-part virtual Adult Ed series, you will learn about positive things you can do – each helpful, and some even fun. It may be the joy of butterflies in your native garden, the satisfaction of reducing your landfill volume, or the savings with community solar. You’ll also hear about how Fair Oaks is working in each of these ways to care for God’s creation.
The heavens are yours, the earth also is yours; the world and all that is in it – you have founded them.
Psalm 89:11
Wildly Beneficial: Native Plants
Want to feed birds, butterflies, insects, animals in your garden – naturally? Consider native plants. By adding native plants to your garden, you are not only providing food, shelter and breeding spaces for wildlife but also you are helping to reduce pollution, save water, and reduce pesticide use.
Stephanie Walquist, president of West Cook Wild Ones, will help us learn ways to use different native plants to enhance the beauty, hospitality, and sustainability of our gardens.
Click here for the handout that accompanied the talk. The recorded session can be accessed below, with an introduction by Meghan Strubel, the head of Fair Oaks’ Adult Education Committee.
Community Solar
For those of us who want to use solar energy for our homes, but can’t use roof panels, here’s an answer – community solar. By renting panels in a solar farm, you can get solar energy into your mix. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be helping to save the planet.
Art Spooner, leader of the Energy Team for the Interfaith Green Network, will walk us through the science, the logistics, and the environmental impact of this new option.
The recorded session can be accessed below, with an introduction by Meghan Strubel, the head of Fair Oaks’ Adult Education Committee.
Monarch Butterflies
It’s the Year of the Monarch in Illinois! Learn how you can provide these migrants with the food, shelter and breeding space they need when they return to our area each year. Explore the wonders of their fascinating life cycle and learn to recognize the Monarch caterpillars and chrysalis.
Pam Todd, Board member of National Wild Ones, will share her love of these remarkable creatures and help us learn how to be good hosts.
Interested in learning more about amazing Monarchs? The Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory have compiled this list of local events open to the public.
The recorded session can be accessed below, with an introduction by Meghan Strubel, the head of Fair Oaks’ Adult Education Committee.
Recycling and Composting Today
We all mean well, but we’ve all asked the questions – Can this be recycled? How do I safely dispose of hazardous waste? Can I compost if I don’t have a bin or a yard? And we’ve also asked – where can I get answers and information?
Mindy Agnew, the Village of Oak Park Sustainability Coordinator, will provide information about recycling and composting services as well as information resources.
The recorded session can be accessed below, with an introduction from Reverend Ben Lynch, co-pastor of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church.