Sustainability

We are all dependent on the environment in which we live. We all need clean air to breathe and a clean and plentiful supply of water to drink and to use. We all have a right to a safe living environment, where we have access to necessary goods and cost-effective services. We have the right to grow as individuals and the responsibility to sustain resources for future generations.

Mission Statement

To help sustain our community for future generations by using resources in the most responsible way at the right times and for the right reasons.

The Sustainability Committee meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:15p.m. in the Assembly Room at Village Hall. All are welcome to attend! Review minutes and agendas online.

Brochures | Applications | Policies

Community Garden Plot Request Form
Backyard Chicken Brochure
Village of Fox Crossing Green ProcurementPolicy
Green Infrastructure Audit
IDA Energy Waste
IDA Safety Brochure
IDA General Brochure

2016 Sustainability Accomplishments

Created plans for a potential new community garden in Wittman Park.
Installed water spigots at the community garden at Schildt Park
Continued to pursue energy efficiency for the Municipal Complex and the Utility District.
Organized and hosted two electronics recycling events, one in spring and one in fall.
Participated in quarterly Sustainable Communities Network meetings to facilitate collaboration and collective learning between area municipalities.
Produced approximately 7% of the Municipal Complex’s energy needs through solar power.
Researched the possibility of allowing beekeeping in the village and collected public input with surveys.
Continued to work on potential community composting and explored the possibility of a leaf burning ordinance.
Participated in Summer Safety Night.

2017 Sustainability Accomplishments

Designed, planned for and gained approval of a second community garden at Wittmann Park
Put out a monthly Schildt Park Community Garden newsletter
Wrote and gained approval of a Zoning Ordinance amendment to allow beekeeping on residential properties
Organized and hosted two electronics recycling events – one in April and one in October
Participated in quarterly Sustainable Communities Network meetings to facilitate collective learning between area municipalities
Produced approximately 7% of the Municipal Complex’s energy needs through solar power
Continued to work on potential community composting and explored an ordinance for the prohibition of leaf burning
Participated in Summer Safety Night with educational materials about stormwater and solar energy
Collected over 2,000 lbs of plastic film (as of August) for the Trex plastics recycling program and received two free benches

2018 Sustainability Goals and Objectives

Implement community garden in Wittmann Park
Pursue grants for the placement of wind turbines for renewable energy and electric vehicle charging stations
Continue collecting plastic film for the Trex recycling program
Continue hosting electronics recycling events and expand the collection to include batteries, light bulbs and other recyclables
Continue the creation of a linkage with the HSBN business designation and the state’s Green Master’s program
Participate in the Village’s Summer Safety Night, along with other sustainability events in the Village and Valley
Support the Village’s urban forestry efforts
Investigate partnering with high school eco clubs and invite them to participate in Village sustainability events
Continue to participate in the Sustainable Communities Network
Continue exploring changes to the leaf burning ordinance
Collaborate with other municipalities or local experts to explore the feasibility of a municipal compost site
Participate in stormwater education and outreach efforts

Sustainability must be balanced and includes three main focus areas:

Environment – protecting the natural resources that we depend on for life (clean air, water, food)
Economy – providing cost effective goods and services
Society – meeting human needs fairly and efficiently

Real Outcomes of Sustainability

Reduced carbon emissions and overall impact on the environment
Greater innovation and adaptability in community services and practices
More efficient utilization of natural resources
Increased resident awareness, participation and involvement in the community
Improvements to individual health, safety and well being

Value to Resident and Society

Greater resident satisfaction
Improved environmental performance
Increased quality of life and sense of community
Improved cost effectiveness and capital utilization

Sustainability Policy Key Guiding Principles

Encourage active participation and effective input from all residents on issues of planning and sustainability
Encourage and provide for cooperative and open relationships between individuals, neighborhoods, communities, local and state governments and other organizations/agencies
Think Globally, Act Locally: to ensure implementation of sustainability goals and objectives, village leadership and staff will be guided by principles of sustainability in their actions and decisions

Sustainability Strategy

Ensure sustainability factors are included in all planning and decision-making processes
Consistently measure and report on progress towards sustainability for continuous re-evaluation and improvement
Focus on effective utilization of energy and raw materials
Ensure that the capability to meet all regulatory requirements and standards are not compromised

What Can You Do?

Get Involved!

Attend Sustainability Committee meetings – we welcome new ideas and new points of view

Get Informed!

Attend an ECOS-Fox Valley event
Go to your local library
Search the internet

Take Action!

Even little changes can make big differences
Plant a tree/plant or a rain garden
Bike/carpool/ride the bus
Buy locally
Change your light bulbs
Turn off your lights while not in use
Turn your heat down
Have a chemical-free lawn
Use environmentally-friendly cleaning products
Recycle

Links to Learn More: