Compost Workshop

Learn the science behind mixing yard waste and acceptable food scraps toward creating a nutrient rich garden and lawn on Saturday (May 19) from 1 - 1:45 p.m. and 2:15 - 3 p.m., weather permitting, at SWANCC's Glenview Transfer Station (1151 N. River Rd., across from Maryville Academy DP). This free workshop has limited space, so registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by emailing  info@swancc.org or by calling 847/724-9205

Considering Purchasing a New Car?

Are you in the market for a new car? Have you considered an electric vehicle, or a hybrid? Check out this article from Earth911 to determine which one is right for you: Buying an Electric Vehicle.

Plant Sale at Friendship Conservatory

Get your garden started on Saturday (May 12) from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. when a spring plant sale takes place at Friendship Park Conservatory (395 Algonquin Rd. DP). Posies are the featured flower, but plenty of annuals, perennials, vegetables and herbs will be available for sale. Master Gardeners will be on site to answer gardening questions. Admission is free. For more information, call 847/298-3500.

National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

On Saturday, April 28, unwanted and unused prescription drugs and controlled substances can be dropped off at the Mount Prospect Public Safety Building (112 E. Northwest Highway) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  A uniformed police officer will be available inside the main lobby to answer any potential questions from residents.

Friendship Park Conservatory Earth Day Celebration

Friendship Park Conservatory will be hosting an Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 21 from 1p.m.-3p.m. Tours will be given in the greenhouse and experts will be on hand to provide tips on gardening and lawn care. Games and activities will be available for kids. Admission and activities are free and all ages are welcome to attend. www.mppd.org

Green Ideas and Discussion

A PDF of the powerpoint from last evening's "Green Ideas and Discussion" is posted below:

Download Green Ideas 04182012

E-Cycle at Friendship Park Conservatory

On Friday,  April 20 and Saturday April 21 Friendship Park Conservatory (395 Algonquin Road, Des Plaines) will be hosting an electronic recycling event from 9a.m. to noon both days. Cell phones, digital cameras, fax machings, tv's, video game units etc. will be accepted at no charge. For a complete list of acceptable items, please visit www.mppd.org. For more info call 847-298-3500.

Hope Phones

Donate your unwanted cell phones to “Hope Phones,” an organization that responsibly recycles or refurbishes cell phones and sends them to isolated and developing areas. This organization assists with setting up communication networks for health workers that serve millions of people. For more information: www.hopephones.org where you can print a free shipping label.

Clean Up the Parks Day

The Mount Prospect Park District is sponsoring a "Clean Up the Parks" Day on Saturday, April 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone wishing to pitch in is welcome to participate. This would be a great community project for scout troops, ball teams, church groups etc. and others looking to make a difference. Registration is required: Friendship Park Conservatory, (847) 298-3500. A certificate of appreciation will be issued to  all participants. For more info: Clean Up the Parks Day.

Is your screen saver really saving energy?

Many of us routinely use screen savers thinking we are doing a good thing not only to save energy but to save the life of our computer monitors as well.  According to energystar.gov  this is not necessarily true.  Screen savers are often filled with graphics which may cause your computer to burn twice the energy. The screen saver also can prevent the computer from going into “sleep” mode.  Initially, screen savers were developed to prevent permanent etching of patterns on monitors but are no longer necessary due to technological advances, and now are for entertainment only.

A website called techsoup.org offers an alternative.  They suggest that you turn on the power management feature that is already an option in most computers.  This will enable your monitor to turn off automatically, or, after a period of inactivity it will put it into a sleep mode.  For a PDF with step-by-step instructions go to:  http://www.climatesaverscomputing.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Power_management_instructions.pdf