There’s still time to work for Mother Nature before winter hits.  Volunteer at one or both of the Friends of the Morton Grove Forest Preserves work days this month.

• Saturday – November 14 – Linne Woods 9 – noon.
• Saturday – November 21 – Seed Processing Day 9 AM – 3 PM.

For further information about the location of the Seed Processing event, contact Marion or John at 847-966-0231.  To learn more about the Friends of the Morton Grove Forest Preserves, visit their website.

Come to SWANCC’s 3rd annual Trashy Fashion Show to see MGPL’s entry: a flapper dress embellished with handmade recycled paper beads (pictured left).  The fashion show will be held at Glenview’s Park Center, 2400 Chestnut Ave, on Friday, November 13, 7pm.  Admission to the show is free, but reservations are required.  To make your reservation, email info@swancc.org or call SWANCC’s office at 847-724-9205, ex. 201.

Make this Halloween a greener one.  While Halloween is great for many reasons – the fun of dressing up and the excuse to indulge in large quantities of chocolate – it also produces a lot of waste.  From candy wrappers to party decorations to costumes worn once, it doesn’t take long to get the picture.  However, there are easy ways to have a fun time that’s not too scary for the environment.  Read a recent article in the Chicago Tribune for tips on having a greener Halloween.

Wondering what to do with that ratty, old pair of athletic shoes stuffed in the back of your closet?  Don’t throw them out – recycle them!  Nike and the National Recycling Coalition are partners in the Reuse-A-Shoe program, which promotes recycling athletic shoes to give them new life.  Donated shoes are separated into parts – rubber, foam, and fabric – and then ground up to produce surfacing materials for athletic fields, playgrounds, and more.  It takes about 2,500 shoes to create the surface of a playground, while it takes about 75,000 to produce enough rubber to surface a running track.

Donating shoes is easy.  Just drop off up to 10 pairs of athletic shoes at an authorized Reuse-A-Shoe location, or mail them to Nike’s recycling facility (you pay for shipping costs).  Luckily, if you live in Morton Grove or in the vicinity, there’s a drop-off location in Skokie at 4999 Old Orchard Ctr. Suite B6 (847-763-1529).  Not all shoes are suitable for recycling; flip-flops, dress shoes, boots, and metal-containing shoes are not accepted.

As you may already know, Ken Burns’ newest PBS documentary, The National Parks, debuted last Sunday, September 27.  The six-episode series primarily explores the history of the National Parks – from the mid-1800s to the present.  Not only full of fascinating facts about our nation’s treasured lands, The National Parks is also a treat for the eyes, showcasing a combination of archival photographs and original footage shot by Buddy Squires, Allen Moore, Lincoln Else, and Burns.  Visit PBS’ The National Parks website for related information and resources, including TV schedules.  Also, check out the documentary’s companion book by Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan.

The National Parks: America’s Best Idea
By Burns, Ken
Author Duncan, Dayton
2009-09 – Knopf Publishing Group
9780307268969 Check the Library’s Catalog

This evocative and lavishly illustrated narrative–the companion volume to the 12-hour PBS series–delves into the history of the park idea, from the first sighting by white men in 1851 through to the most recent additions to a system that now encompasses nearly 400 sites and 84 million acres. …More

Planning on embarking on a major cleaning or remodeling project before winter rears its ugly head?  Why not take advantage of the Solid Waste Agency of Cook County’s Roll-off program?  The Roll-off program rents ten cubic yard roll-off boxes that can hold 2-4 tons of refuse.  Rentals are only available to residents of SWANCC communities, and they are offered for $299 for a five day period.  Visit the Roll-off program page on SWANCC’s website to learn more about the program.

Photo Credit: http://www.swancc.org/gts/rolloffprogram.html.

Members of the Chicago Prius Club will discuss hybrid cars: what a hybrid is, how they operate, how they get good gas mileage, and how they impact our environment. Some hybrid cars will be on hand for your inspection. Bring your questions and talk to hybrid car owners.

The program will take place at the Morton Grove Public Library’s Baxter Room Auditorium on Sunday, October 3, from 1-3pm.  Registration is not required.  Questions?  Call the Reference Desk at 847-929-5101.

Morton Grove animal lovers who want to reduce their pets’ carbon paw prints can now consult several new library resources. Advice for environmentally-friendly care includes participation in spay/neuter programs, adopting from shelters, feeding, home modifications, protecting wildlife from your pets, greener waste disposal, and more.

Green Dog, Good Dog: Reducing Your Best Friend’s Carbon Paw Print By De Vito, Dominique C. Check the Library’s Catalog

The Green Guide for Horse Owners and Riders: Sustainable Practices for Horse Care, Stable Management, Land Use, and Riding By Heather Cook Check the Library’s Catalog

Pets and the Planet: A Practical Guide to Sustainable Pet Care By Frischmann, Carol Check the Library’s Catalog

Thinking about replacing that avocado green dinosaur of a fridge?  How about that 20-year-old washing machine in your basement?  You may just want to wait a few months before you replace those old, energy-wasters.  Rumors are swirling about a home appliance version of the immensely popular “Cash for Clunkers” program.  The so-called “Cash for Kitchen Clunkers” program may be coming soon to your state.  The plan, through the U.S. Department of Energy, will possibly reward you with a tax credit for purchasing energy-efficient appliances.  So in the coming months, be on the look-out for official news about “Cash for Kitchen Clunkers.”  In the meantime, read more about the rumors on MSN Lifestyle.

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Energy (http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/refrigerators.html).

Mark your calendar for the Friends of the Morton Grove Forest Preserves work days.  These are great opportunities to get some fresh air and keep the Morton Grove Forest Preserves beautiful.  Visit the Friends’ website to contact them if you have any questions.

• Saturday – August 29 – Linne Prairie  9 – noon
• Saturday – September 5 – Linne Woods 9 – noon
• Saturday – September 26 – National Public Lands Day  9AM – 2PM.  For further information contact: Marian or John at 847-966-0231