Recycling Drive Saturday, February 14

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County (EDMC) will again conduct a recycling drive on Saturday, February 14^th from 9a.m. until noon. They will be in front of the Soil & Water Conservation District building at 2222 S. Dean Street, just south of Route 14, in Woodstock. The Defenders recycle materials that are not collected in curbside recycling but would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.  It costs them to recycle these unusual items and therefore monetary donations of any size would be appreciated from everyone who brings materials to the drive. 

EDMC will take household batteries (alkaline & rechargeable), car batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. Electronics, such as computers, televisions, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. (Become a new member of EDMC at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!)

USAgain Clothes Collection System (http://www.usagain.com) will be providing a truck at each EDMC drive to accept any kind of cloth items—clothing, linens, or just plain rags, clean and bagged.  They will also accept shoes, tied together by their laces and placed in the bag. 

There are additional drop off sites for electronics:  Algonquin Township Road District 3702 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, 847-639-2700 X6, Computer Recycling Center in Crystal Lake (computers only) 815-455-6300 (call for information) and Lakewood's electronics drop-off site at 6570 Haligus Road, south of Ballard Rd. Also, Styrofoam can be dropped off any time at the Lakewood Village Hall or the Lakewood Public Works building on Haligus Road.

EDMC will accept donations of aluminum cans at all recycling drives to help fund their educational and advocacy programs.

Defenders’ recycling drives are held on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393, Monday-Thursday, 11am-4pm.

Annual Defenders Book Sale Begins Friday -- Woodstock Square

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual Spring Book Sale at the Woodstock Square Mall building lobby, 110 S. Johnson Street , on the Woodstock Square , Friday, June 6th from 11am-4pm, Saturday, June 7th from 11am-3pm, and Tuesday through Saturday, June 10-14th from 11am until 4 pm (3pm on Saturday).

Books are priced at $1 for hardcovers, 50¢ for mass market paperbacks and 25¢ for children’s books. On Saturday, June 14th, all books will be $5 per paper grocery bag.

Books have been donated by the public as well as several libraries. There is an amazing variety of books – everything from kids’ books to popular fiction, science to biography, and everything in between!

Donations of re-sellable books are accepted year round at the Defenders’ Green Spot Used Book store, also located in the Woodstock Square Mall building on the main floor.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Old-fashioned Christmas Event

If you’re looking for that old-fashioned, family friendly experience of getting outside and cutting your own tree for the holidays, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County invite you to Pioneer Tree Farm, located at 4614 Pioneer Road, McHenry.  The trees are raised organically, with no chemicals used for controlling weeds or tree pests.  The motivation of the owners, Bill and Alice Chuck Howenstine, is their love of nature – trees, wildlife, weather, and the land.

The farm will be open the next two weekends from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. December 7 - 8, and December 14 – 15.  A variety of sizes of pines, spruces, firs, and junipers will be available for $45 each. Ten percent of each tree sale is donated to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, and most of the workers are volunteers from the Defenders.

“Everything is much like old times. As you walk around to look for your tree, we hope you will enjoy the country air and the diversity of vegetation on our tree farm, perhaps see some wildlife, and have fun with other friendly people!” say Alice and Bill.

Wagon rides to and from the pines, tree shaking, and baling are included at no extra charge. Hot coffee and cocoa (both Fair Trade) are available in the Warming House. Hand saws are also provided, or bring your own (no chain saws or axes, please).   For more information, visit the farm’s website at www.pioneertreefarm.com.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information about EDMC, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

"Use It Again" Garage Sale Wednesday

In preparation for their spring “Use-It-Again” garage sale, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are still taking donations of gently used item, and today and Wednesday, May 1, from 11 am until 3 pm, at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive back to the beige garage on the right).

What type of things will be accepted? Just about anything that is re-sellable, with a few exceptions: small appliances & electronics must be in working order, no monitors or TVs, no clothes, no baby carriers or cribs, no large appliances. Not sure if they’ll take it? Email mcdef@owc.net or call 815-338-0393.

“The Defenders have been involved with diverting things from the landfills for over 40 years. Doing a garage sale is a form of recycling. Buying second hand items instead of new ones keeps things out of the landfills, saves you money, and supports a McHenry County non-profit,” said Christy Matsuoka, EDMC’s office administrator.

Sale dates for the garage sale are Thursday, May 2, from 8am until 7pm, and Friday And Saturday May 3-4 from 8am until 3pm. 

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Special Recycling Collection By Defenders Saturday

On Saturday, March 9th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon at the Metra Station parking lot, 4005 Main Street, in McHenry. They continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries. The Defenders also collect fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

Electronics, such as computers, phones, printers, clean microwaves, and electronic toys, are accepted. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35. Become a new member of the Defenders at the recycling drive, at the Basic or higher level, and get two coupons to recycle a television or monitor for FREE!

At the McHenry collection, the Defenders will again accept and pay for aluminum cans. 

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location, or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at 

http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm or 

phone 815-338-0393, or 

find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Annual Defenders Used Book Sale Begins January 31

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual winter Used Book Sale, in conjunction with Groundhog Days.

The location is downstairs at the Woodstock Square Mall building, 110 S. Johnson Street, lower level, on the Woodstock Square. The event is taking place  from Thursday, January 31 through Saturday, February 2. Hours are 11am-4pm each day, with evening hours on Thursday until 7pm.

Most books will be $2 for hardcovers, $1 for paperbacks on Thursday, $1 for hardcovers, 50¢ for paperbacks on Friday. On Saturday, all books will be $5 per paper grocery bag, $3 per plastic grocery bag.

Books have been donated by the public as well as several libraries. There is an amazing variety of books – everything from kids’ books to popular fiction, science to biography, and everything in between. Lots and lots of history this time!

Donations of re-sellable books are accepted year round at the Defenders’ office or their “Green Spot” used book store, also located in the Woodstock Square Mall building on the main floor.

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment.

The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Defenders Fall Book Sale Through Saturday

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County are holding their annual Big Fall Book Sale at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive straight back to the last garage on the right).

A few more days remain for the sale. – it closes Saturday. That is when the Bag Sale takes place. - $5 per paper grocery bag, $3 per plastic grocery bag.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393

Special Type Recycling Event Saturday

Fluorescent Tubes

Electronics

Styrofoam™

Want to discard some of the above?

Don’t know where to go with them?

Here’s the answer--

On Saturday, August 11^th, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will conduct a recycling collection for fluorescent tubes, Styrofoam™, electronics, and batteries from 9 a.m. until noon.

The location is The Farm Bureau parking lot, 1102 McConnell Road, Woodstock. The Defenders continue to collect certain items which are not usually accepted by curbside programs, and which would be harmful to the environment if put in a landfill.

As of January 1, it is no longer legal for individuals to dispose of unwanted electronics in their regular trash and it will be illegal for Illinois landfills to accept them.

Discarded electronics must now be taken to a registered recycler for proper management. The Defenders are here to fill this need.

Electronics, including computers, monitors, keyboards, scanners, fax machines, clean microwaves, and just about anything with a cord or batteries, are accepted at their monthly drives. TVs and computer monitors will be accepted for a donation of $10-$35.

The Defenders’ Recycling Drive also accepts household batteries, car batteries, lithium and button batteries, fluorescent tubes, clean Styrofoam™, VHS & Cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, packing peanuts and re-usable, unpopped bubble wrap. A donation is requested for fluorescent bulbs and batteries that are brought in to offset the costs involved in processing these items.

The Defenders hold a recycling drive on the second Saturday of each month, alternating between McHenry in odd-numbered months and Woodstock in even-numbered months.  Area residents may drive up and drop off their recyclables with Defenders’ volunteers, who help to unload and sort the materials.

For more information about the recycling schedule and types of materials accepted at each location or to access the Green Guide recycling directory which is put out annually by the Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute at MCC, visit the Defenders’ website at http://www.mcdef.org/recycling_information.htm, phone 815-338-0393, or find them on FaceBook at https://www.facebook.com/EnvironmentalDefenders.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides the community with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Used Books, Tapes, Software Today Through Saturday

The Environmental Defenders will hold their spring Used Book Sale at the Woodstock Square Mall, 110 S Johnson St, lower level, starting today, Wednesday, May 30^th through Saturday, June 2^nd 9 am - 4 pm. Saturday will be a Bag Sale!

For over 40 years, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County has been a leader in encouraging re-use and recycling practices throughout McHenry County. Each year, the Woodstock-based nonprofit holds several sales of good-quality used books, tapes, videos, and software that have been donated by private citizens and area libraries. Items are sold at extremely low prices to keep them in use and out of landfills. All proceeds go to support the environmental programs and services offered by the Defenders.

The sale offers flea-market prices on thousands of top authors and best-selling novels, biographies, sports, travel and adventure books, self-help titles, cookbooks and crafts, philosophy and religion, business guides, computer manuals, and much more.

Book donations can always be made (even after the sale ends) at the drop box in front of the Woodstock Square Mall or at the Defenders’ “Green Spot” used book store, located on the first floor of the building, during regular hours.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Fracking--What's That?

The public is invited to join the Green Drinks McHenry County group on March 7th from 5pm-7pm at Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake. This month’s presentation is entitled “What the Frack?”

Flaming water, earthquakes-- fracking is all over the news these days.  Cindy Skrukrud, Clean Water Advocate for the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club will explain how fracking is used in oil and gas well drilling and the risks it poses to our environment.  She will report on progress in the Illinois legislature to strengthen the state's fracking regulations.

Cindy has served as the Illinois Sierra Club's Clean Water Advocate for the past decade.  She has been an active member of the Environmental Defenders since moving to McHenry County in 1988.  She served on the board of directors, as board president and was the group's Executive Director from 1993-1999.  She currently chairs the Defenders Water Resources Protection Committee.  Living in McHenry County where we all depend on our vulnerable groundwater as our sole drinking water source, she is acutely aware of the need to prevent pollution of everyone's water supply, no matter where they live.

Fracking - Hydraulic fracturing - a questionable method being used for extracting oil and natural gas.

Pick up a drink or order some food at the bar before coming upstairs for info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course!

There will be an information table set up, and you are welcome to bring information about your green products and services each month to share. 

Additional parking is available at the train station.

To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or “like” the group on FaceBook  www.FaceBook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

Four Score And Two Year Celebration

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will be celebrating their 42^nd year of working to protect and preserve the environment in the county at their Annual Meeting and Theta Award Ceremony on Sunday, March 11^th.  The event will be held at the Loyola University Retreat and Ecology Campus, 2710 S. Country Club Road, Woodstock, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with social time, a raffle and silent auction prior to dinner at 5:30 pm. 

Following the dinner, the Defenders will present their annual Theta Award.  Theta is the eighth letter of the Greek alphabet, and has come to be a symbol of the threat of pollution to Earth and its atmosphere.  It is usually displayed on a flag of green stripes, representing unspoiled land and white stripes denoting pure air.  In 1970, the Defenders chose this symbol and title for their award honoring an individual or group who has shown an outstanding commitment to improving the environment of McHenry County.   

The program for the evening begins at 7:00 p.m. Tim Loftus of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Nancy Tuchman of Loyola University will speak on the importance of watershed planning and its application for sustainability on the Loyola Ecology Campus.  

The public is invited to attend. Tickets may be purchased on the Defenders’ website at www.mcdef.org through March 1^st.  The cost of $40 for non-members includes a one-year family membership.  The program alone is free with advanced reservations.  Contact the Defenders’ office at 815-338-0393 or mcdef@owc.net to RSVP or for more information.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Environmental Film Series Continues Friday

The Defenders' Environmental Film Series Continues with a showing of the documentary "YERT - Your Environmental Road Trip" on Friday, January 20, 7pm at the Woodstock High School Auditorium, 501 W South St, Woodstock, sponsored by the Defenders, McHenry County Transition, and the Woodstock High School Green Club.

Fifty States. One Year. Zero Garbage? Called to action by a planet in peril, three friends hit the road - traveling America with hope, humor…and all of their garbage - to explore the good, the bad, and the weird across every state in search of the extraordinary innovators and courageous citizens who are tackling humanity's greatest environmental crises. As the YERT team layers outlandish eco-challenges onto their year-long quest, an unexpected turn of events throws the project for a loop in this award-winning docu-comedy. Featuring Bill McKibben, Wes Jackson, Will Allen, and more.

“It's taken more than 150 years to get ourselves into this mess, with America leading the way. The science tells us we have 5-10 years to get ourselves out of it. The question is, will America be leading the way or...are we doomed? You'll just have to watch the movie to find out.”

Watch the trailer (and other clips!) at www.yert.com.

This event is free and open to the public. Donations to help cover expenses are always welcome. For more information, call the Defenders at 815-338-0393.

Christmas Music On Woodstock Square Friday

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County invite the public to take a moment to relax with an evening of music, a bit of shopping, and some good food at the Woodstock Square Mall building, 110 S Johnson Street, 1^st floor, on the Woodstock Square.

On December 16, members of Woodstock’s Off Square Music will entertain visitors with live music from 6pm – 8:30pm. The event is hosted by the Defenders in partnership with Expressly Leslie Vegetarian Specialties to thank the community for their support over the past year.

T
The Defenders’ not-for-profit Green Spot used book store will be open that evening until 8pm. The store has been open for just over a year, and features gently used books and quality used decorative items. All proceeds support the Defenders’ volunteer efforts and environmental programs

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Green Wednesday Coming

In McHenry County, the first Wednesday of each month is Green Wednesday. The public is invited to Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main Street in Crystal Lake for Green Drinks on December 7^th from 5:00-7:00 pm.

Rick Latella from the World Trade Center Illinois office will speak about opportunities for green businesses. He will touch on who World Trade Illinois is, what resources are available, and how can you take advantage of these resources to grow your green business globally.

Preset drink menu includes fun, food and friends, info and inspiration, business and pleasure. Come talk about “greening” the future with others. Must be 21 to purchase alcohol - non-alcoholic drinks are available, of course.

You are welcome to bring information about your green products and services to share at the information table.

Additional parking is available at the train station.

1. To be added to their email list, send a note to: GreenDrinks@mcdefenders.net or “like” them on FaceBook: http://www.facebook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty

If you’d like more information about this topic, contact the Environmental Defenders office at 815-338-0393 or e-mail mcdef@owc.net.

A Film -- Everything's Cool -- Showing Thursday At MCC

The film Everything's Cool will be shown on Thursday, September 22, at 7pm in McHenry County College's Conference Center, 8900 US HWY 14, Crystal Lake. This film traces the recent history of the movement to reduce carbon in the atmosphere. The film is sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and hosted by Lou Marchi Total Recycling Institute of MCC.

The Defenders will also host an exhibit at the Woodstock Square Farmers' Market on September 24, 8am - 1pm. The exhibit, called “Our Earth Then and Now”, will highlight Defenders’ activities and portray how the earth has changed in the past 5 decades. It was 53 years ago that the modern hula hoop made its appearance. Interested children and adults will be able to try their hand -- or waist or leg or neck -- at a hula hoop.

“Our Earth Then and Now” is one event of thousands being held worldwide on Saturday, September 24, called Moving Planet. The international day of climate change is sponsored by 350.org. The group’s goals are to reduce carbon emissions, transition to renewable energy, support policies and programs that ensure financing for a fair transition, and uphold the rights of people and nature.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment. The group provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.  For more information, visit www.mcdef.org or call 815-338-0393.

Huge Garage Sale Thursday Thru Saturday

Reuse is better than recycle! Come to the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County’s spring garage sale Thursday, Friday & Saturday, May 26-28, 8am – 3pm at the Algonquin Township Road District garage, 3702 U.S. Route 14, between Crystal Lake and Cary (drive straight back to the last garage on the right).

“People have been very generous with the things they have donated,” A Defenders’ spokesman said, “including a heavy wooden dining table, a Thomasville side table, a vintage metal doll crib, a telescope, and lots of miniature figurines and Precious Moments collectibles.”

Proceeds from the sale benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. The group is dedicated to the preservation and improvement of the environment, and provides community residents with educational programs and volunteer action on pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. For more information, visit www.mcdef.org.