Yorkville Congregational Church’s Green Group Recognized for "Green Practices"

Members of the Yorkville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Green Committee on Wednesday presented members of the Green Group of the Yorkville Congregational United Church of Christ (YCUCC) a plaque designating their organization a “Green Business.”

The designation is awarded to local businesses and organizations who have used or promote the use of sustainable and green business practices, such as cutting back on printing to save paper, using energy star appliances, using reusable bags instead of plastic, and safely disposing of toxic substances like batteries, copier toner and paints. 

The UCUCC’s Green Group, which was formed in 2006 as a ministry within the church, has as its mission “to exemplify good stewardship by promoting environmental awareness through projects in our church and community.”

In filling out its application to receive the designation, Green Group member Anne Englehardt said that she and other members take seriously that “caring for the earth . . . is one of the important things that the Creator has entrusted to human beings.”

Among the green promotions undertaken by this very active group were “Strike Out Styrofoam,” a 2007 project to promote the elimination of Styrofoam serving products; “Reduce the Plastic” a 2008 series of handouts, slide show, newspaper articles and handout of re-usable shopping bags to reduce the use of plastic bags, etc.;  “Ban the Bottle,” a 2009 project promoting re-usable thermos and mugs instead of plastic water bottles; and “Value of Trees,” a 2011 distribution of dozens of white oak and white pine seedlings to church members.

The Green Group also has participated in numerous community green initiatives, including the annual Go Green Environmental Fair and the Chamber Green Committee’s 2013 Rain Barrels on Parade.  

A member of the Green Group served on the City of Yorkville’s Green Committee during its existence from 2008 to 2011 and participated in three “Share and Care Recycling Day” events.

Members of the Green Group in addition to Anne Engelhardt are: Jerry Engelhardt, Gail and Fred Gaebler, Ben and Regina Moe, Deanna and Brian Bazan, Terri and Keith Frisk, Daine Lee, Kathy Tomasek, Harve Knell, Ramona Young and Pastor Mark Gregory.

The Chamber Green Committee’s mission is to educate, promote and encourage businesses and organizations within the Yorkville Chamber to enhance the community environment and to participate in sustainable ecological practices.  

Membership on the committee is open to any local business, organization or individual interested in promoting “green” goals.  For more information, visit the Chamber website at www.yorkvillechamber.orgor call 630-553-6853.

Photo Caption: Joselyn Taylor of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois and a member of the Chamber’s Green Committee, presents Anne Engelhardt, a member of the Green Group of the Yorkville Congregational United Church of Christ, with a plaque designating the group a “Green Business.”  
Others pictured from left, are  Green Committee members Lilia Reyna, Girl Scouts; Valerie Burd, Positive Media Solutions; and Norman Johnson, Committee chairman and owner of Independence Renewal Energy;  and Jerry Engelhardt, Gail and Fred Gaebler, and Regina and Ben Moe of the Green Group; and Green Committee members Karen Kulzer, Fox River Academy of Music and Art, Inc., and Cheryl Lee of CL Design/Build.