Recycling Hints

As everyone has heard there have been some challenges in our recycle stream. Here are a couple of videos to help you decide what to put in the recycle bin and what to put in the trash.

Here is a great little video from the IL recycling task force:

Want to know what happens to your stuff? Also some great hints on how to recycle better and stop recycling contamination:

And specific guidelines from Waste Management:

https://www.wm.com/thinkgreen/what-can-i-recycle.jsp

Want to know more:

https://www.co.madison.il.us/departments/planning_and_development/sustainability.php

http://stlcityrecycles.com

City Installs Energy Efficient Lighting

In a cost saving move, our new Economic Development Director, Cathy Hamilton led an initiative to survey and identify City property where new efficient LED lighting should be installed. Working with Ameren and the Jarvis Company the city was able to do the installation at no cost. The energy saving opportunity was passed along to the Port Authority District. Together that equals a savings of $300,000 in energy costs.

Tree Inventory Coming to Granite City

In September, don’t be surprised to see Arborists walking our streets looking at trees. The City has received a grant through the Heartland Conservatory to inventory 1800 trees in our city. They will identify the existing trees in the selected areas and provide recommendations for new plantings. The grant could also provide funds for trees to be planted in the recommended planting areas.

Granite City Community Garden Receives Grant

The Granite City Community Garden at the 2nd Baptist Church is a recipient of a grant from Growing Illinois Food Access Allocations.  The project proposal of $2,800 was approved to grow and provide food to the Community Care Center food pantry.  The grant will be administered through the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners and SNAP programs and supports the GC Sustainability plan to increase local food to our community .  For more information or to volunteer, contact Eadie Schillinger at eadien@charter.net.

Grow Solar Metro East – Granite City dates coming soon

Grow Solar Metro East is a community-wide program that lowers the barriers for local homeowners to go solar through strong consumer education, paired with a group buy discount.
Home and business owners in three Metro East counties: Madison, St. Clair, and Monroe, will be able to take advantage of this group purchasing discount and volume rebates from now through October.
New this year: When you refer a friend and they go solar, you’ll receive a $50 gift card as a reward. This referral reward is offered in addition to the volume rebate to all participants to who go solar in the program.
Please join us at one of the upcoming Solar Power Hour presentations!
SOLAR POWER HOUR SCHEDULE
All are FREE and open to the public!

 

 

The Great Pumpkin Purge

 

Decaying jack-o-lantern

Did you know that food waste takes up to 30% of landfill space?  This year, compost your pumpkin with Madison County!  Composting pumpkins lets nutrients feed Illinois soil, not landfills.

Madison County Planning & Development is sponsoring The Great Pumpkin Purge on November 4 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and it will be held in two locations simultaneously!  Bring your old pumpkins (free of paint, stick-on decorations, and candles) to one of the following locations:

Alton Middle School
2200 College Avenue
Alton, IL

OR

Highland Elementary School
1600 Lindenthal Avenue
Highland, IL

Enjoy prize drawings, games, and FREE hot chocolate!  For more information, contact bklamb@co.madison.il.us.

Click here for a copy of the official flyer (PDF).

Granite City Garden Tour with Chris Carl

Help Granite’s Gardens Grow! Take a tour of downtown’s gardens and learn how you can help! All ages welcome. Attendees responsible for their own transportation.   Tour begins at 19th & State Street in Granite City.

Questions? Call 452-6238 ext. 755