Green Commitment

AboutGreen Commitment

Committed to doing our part

We can all do our part to protect our environment for future generations!

At the Park Ridge Park District, we have long believed it is our responsibility to be good stewards of the land we maintain and to conserve our natural resources—and we are committed to doing our part.

The Park Ridge Park District recognizes the irreplaceable value of a healthful environment for our patrons and is committed to protecting the environment while meeting the recreational needs of the community.

Our environmental policy

We will operate in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and strive to exceed the minimal legal obligations for environmentally sound practices.

We will consistently encourage environmentally responsible procedures of our employees and continually improve our environmental performance.

We will continuously promote environmental awareness and model “best practices” in environmental responsibility to the public we serve.

We will plan and budget with protecting the environment as a core value to minimize curtailing of environmentally sound decisions due to budgetary constraints.

We will:

  • Purchase and use products which minimize negative environmental impacts.
  • Implement ways to conserve and protect water and soil, enhance air quality, limit pollutants, and protect plant and animal life.
  • Implement ways to conserve energy resources and actively seek methods of applying alternative energy technologies.
  • Reduce waste and reuse and recycle materials from facility and park operations and encourage others who use our facilities and parks to do the same.
  • Handle hazardous and other wastes according to lawful and safe procedures.
  • Protect and restore indigenous natural areas on Park District property and actively promote the reclamation, acquisition, preservation and management of other open space areas by the Park District and other local governing bodies.
  • Provide education and experiential opportunities for the public that increase appreciation for the natural world and promote environmentally conscious lifestyles, including selective consumption, recycling, and low-impact use of natural resources.

Conserving engery and natural resources doesn't have to be a major commitment! There are a lot of small steps you can do in your own home and throughout your daily activities to be kinder to the environment.

Here are a few ideas you can try:

  • Send your child to preschool or summer camp with a reusable water bottle, lunch bag, and snack containers labeled with his/her name.
  • When packing snacks and lunches, buy in bulk and fill reusable containers instead of single serve packages.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle with you to Park District programs and facilities. We have bottle filling stations at most facilities.
  • Donate your outgrown, gently used dance shoes to the Park District dance program. Participants in need of dance shoes can pick a pair from our donation bin.
  • Reuse dried up markers: Soak a small bunch of the same or similar colors in jar filled with water. The color will bleed into the jar, creating watercolor you can paint with!
  • Carry In, Carry Out Rule – anything you bring in with you to a facility, park, or event, take with you when you leave.
  • Use our online registration system to sign up for programs instead of in person. It saves paper and gas needed to drive to a registration facility.
  • Properly recycle your small electronics, lightbulbs, and batteries.
  • Garden with native plants.
  • Water your garden or grass responsibly (early morning or late evening watering; not watering when grass is dormant during hot weather months).
  • Compost your food and yard waste.
  • Leave your grass clippings behind as natural mulch when you cut your grass.
  • The height of your grass should never be below three inches. The higher your grass, the more shade it provides to the roots, which discourages weed growth.
  • Shut down your computer and turn off your electronics at night, as they still pull electricity.
  • Turn off the water faucet while brushing your teeth.
  • Turn off lights and electronics such as the television when you leave the room.
  • Program your thermostat to adjust accordingly when you’re not at home.
  • Wash your laundry on the cold setting.
  • Don’t use plastic straws. Choose paper, metal or glass straws instead.
  • Before you purchase new items, look for gently used options or ways to alternatively use what you already have.
  • Avoid single use items. If you have to use them, make sure they are recyclable items.
  • Bring your own reusable containers for leftovers when you go out to eat.
  • Bring reusable bags to the grocery store.
  • Know and follow the recycle rules for your area.
  • Use water and vinegar instead of chemical cleaners.

What can you recycle at the Park Ridge Park District?

  • Shoes & Clothing: USAgain collection bins are located behind Oakton Ice Arena, in the parking lot by Wildwood Nature Center, and in Centennial Fitness Center north parking lot
  • Tennis Balls: collection containers are located at South Park and Hinkley Park tennis courts
     
Additional Resources:

School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education (SCARCE) collects various items and gives them away to educators and non-profit organizations or gets them recycled. Visit their website for a list of what you can donate.