The Environmental Concerns Commission strives to keep our village on a green path

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Did you know that Downers Grove has an Environmental Concerns Commission (ECC)? The group of seven members is from different backgrounds. Some have worked for the EPA, and some have business experience. Just as important are the members who are not necessarily experts, but dedicated advocates.

Members serve staggering three-year terms and are appointed by the mayor.

Jason Michnick

Jason Michnick currently serves as our Village Sustainability Coordinator. Michnick was initially hired to help revive the ECC after regular meetings had gone on hiatus during the pandemic.

While Michnick is very dedicated to his role, his path to the position was somewhat circuitous. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Northern Illinois University, he began his career in economic development for local government. The opportunity to serve as the first Executive Director of a non-profit organization that offered educational programming in Tanzania presented itself. Michnick, who had volunteered with the group while in graduate school, jumped at the opportunity.

While he loved the work, funding for the organization – like many non-profits- slowed during COVID. “When my role was reduced to part-time work, I decided to pursue my PhD,” said Michnick. He enrolled at the University of Chicago in sustainability finance – a new area of study that combines economics and public finance. “There wasn’t a lot to research in that field yet, so I decided to get out there and work,” he said. “That’s when I found this position in sustainability. I’ve been in the role for two years now, and it has been an amazing experience so far.”

Writing and implementing a village-wide sustainability plan was the first and main task Michnick took on during the initial 18 months in this position. “We adopted the plan during Earth Week last year, and have been focused on implementing it,” he said. “It’s a two-year action plan.”

One important part of the plan involves the village’s new solid waste contract, which took a close look at the current situation and evaluated options to come up with more environmentally friendly solutions. Other aspects involved reevaluating building codes to include more sustainable options to reduce our emissions, as well as our carbon footprint, by not having to replace things as often.

“We adopted the village-wide sustainability plan during Earth Week last year, and have been focused on implementing it.”

– Jason Michnick

“The ECC is always looking at ways that we can be more friendly toward electric vehicles and solar and wind energy storage, as a village,” said Michnick.

In order to engage and involve the community in these goals, the ECC also created The Greener Way Pledge, which is a sustainability promise. Businesses and residents alike can sign up to take the pledge to live in a greener way. “So far it’s been well-received,” said ECC member, Ken Lerner. “Sustainability efforts were prominently addressed in the mayor’s first meeting of the year. A comprehensive plan, as well as an active transportation plan and streetscape plan, were also part of the proposal.” The ECC has been instrumental in encouraging the consideration of sustainability in long-term village plans.

The ECC partners with Greener Grove, our local non-profit advocacy organization, in getting the work out on all things environmental. “They played a huge role in creating the sustainability plan and also in helping the council to create my position,” said Michnick. “They have been so helpful in terms of outreach and education, and also helping the ECC promote and educate the community on ways to implement the Greener Way Pledge.”

Greener Grove holds monthly meetings and plans many environmentally friendly activities around town. They often bring in experts to speak on sustainability topics such as composting and the effects of lighting in a community. Meetings and lectures are open to the public and free to attend. “It’s an incredible resource for the community to have an organization that coordinates and offers such a service,” said Michnick.

Greener Grove has a full schedule of activities to raise awareness in honor of Earth Week this April. Bring the kids and come on out and learn how to take better care of our environment while having fun!

The ECC meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in Betty Chambers Council Chambers at Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public. To learn more, visit www.greenergrove.org