DuPage County Receives Much Deserved Recognition

Dear Readers,

DuPage County was recently recognized for their sustainability efforts by receiving the first Governor’s Sustainability Award.  Their recognition is well-deserved. 

There are so many efforts and programs that DuPage County has implemented to better sustain the environment in which we live.  The county has altered their traffic signal timing programs to increase traffic flow thereby reducing congestion to save fuel and energy, diverted waste from landfills, and partnered with the Illinois Environment Protection Agency to offer a latex paint exchange program in order to properly dispose of paint.  The county also made several energy-efficiency improvements in 2010, and created the prescription drop box program for residents to drop unwanted medicine to keep hazardous waste items out of the waterways and soil. 

These efforts and programs are helping to reduce energy consumption, utilize proper resources, reduce emissions, and properly recycle waste materials.  In DuPage County, it is happening at every level, from businesses to homes.  The county has done a tremendous job in all areas to get businesses and the public involved in the effort and the whole county should truly be commended.

Additionally, not only has the impact on the environment been lessened, the impact financially has been beneficial as well.  These efforts have also proven to be great fiscal policies.  When you can implement policies and changes that not only help the environment, but are also financially efficient and saves money, that certainly deserves recognition.  I’m sure a lot of other counties have similar initiatives, and for those who don’t, this sends a message of some worthy initiatives that others can be modeled after.

This recognition really highlights the efforts that have been made by the county as a whole to become more efficient and responsible in the ways they operate.  I know the county has every intention of continuing their efforts and will introduce other environmentally-sustainable initiatives.  With this award, DuPage County is a commendable leader in sustainability.

I extend my warm congratulations to DuPage County, County Board Chairman Dan Cronin, DuPage County Board members, Environmental Committee Chairman Jeff Redick, and the people of DuPage County for this honorable recognition. 

Best regards,

Ron Sandack
State Senator
21st District