Environmental Enhancement Commission

The policy of the Village of Tinley Park is to provide, maintain and ensure a healthful environment for all citizens, as well as for future generations. Environmental damage seriously endangers the fulfillment of this objective. In order to fulfill this obligation, the Environmental Enhancement Commission formulates, prepares and recommends to the Board of Trustees a comprehensive plan that will protect the right of each resident of this community to a healthful environment.

Goals and Objectives

1. To determine whether or not there presently is any contamination of the air, land and water in the environs of the Village
2. To formulate, prepare and recommend to the Board of Trustees a comprehensive plan to deal with any such pollution
3. To formulate, prepare and recommend to the Board of Trustees the adoption of an adequate ordinance which will insure a healthful environment for all citizens of the Village and which should contain, among other things, the following:

• A provision for the abatement of existing pollution
• Prohibitory sections in such ordinance which shall render the violation of such provisions unlawful
• Provisions designed to prevent further pollution of the environment through the use of a permit system, which would serve to regulate the installation of new and altered equipment, having a significant capacity to contaminate the environment
• A machinery for the enforcement of this division
• Penalties for any violation of the act, including both civil and criminal penalties
• Provide that the Village may enforce the ordinance by injunction

1. To review the existing building code to determine whether or not there are sufficient standards contained in such code to prevent the installation of equipment having a potential for damaging the environment
2. To hold public hearings to gather necessary information to achieve the aims imposed upon the Environmental Commission by this division and for the general purpose of public understanding
3. To review the activities of other governmental agencies in the area of environmental control and make recommendation to the Board of Trustees, with a view toward establishing intergovernmental cooperation among all such units of government
4. To recommend associations with individuals, associations and corporations, in any manner not prohibited by law, to insure a healthful environment for the citizens of the Village
5. Establish programs for residential, multi-family and businesses for the recycling of materials as established by the current contracted waste hauler
6. Promote neighborhood beautification in public areas of the Village that have been neglected or under-improved

Chairperson
Evan Vogt

Members
Erin Bradley
William Drobitsch
Stella Haddad
Meaghan Kern
Amanda Loxtercamp
Dee Molinare
Kyle Vester
Evan Vogt
Teegan Wigboldy
Roger Zylstra

Staff Liaison
Anne Mitchell

Monthly Meetings
The Environmental Enhancement Commission meets at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month in the Kallsen Center at Tinley Park Village Hall, 16250 S. Oak Park Ave. Agendas, minutes and meeting presentations are posted on the Village website.

Eco-Initiatives for Businesses
Here are some practices that qualify as eco-initiatives for your business:

• Biking regularly
• On-site recycling
• No styrofoam packaging
• Use eco-friendly packaging
• Recycling paper
• Reduce the use of straws
• No plastic utensils
• Eco-friendly cleaning supplies
• LED lights
• Occupancy sensors for bathroom
• Offering water by request only
• Having a company-wide green initiatives/strategic plan
• Carpooling employees
• Refillable water bottle station
• Limiting use of single use plastic
• Onsite recycling bin
• Landscaping that incorporates native plants

Garbage Contract
Read the Village's garbage contract for more information.

Simple Recycling Textile Program
Visit the Simple Recycling page for information on the Village's optional, free textile recycling program.

Native Plants
The Tinley Park Environmental Enhancement Commission (EEC), in partnership with the Sag Moraine Native Plant Community, is sharing information about the ecological benefits of native plants and how to incorporate them into your landscape. Whether you have 10 acres or a 10-foot patio with pots, you can help better the local ecosystem!

How to prepare for spring planting now!
Are you planning to start a native garden this year? One of the best ways to create room for your garden and double its ecosystem benefits is through a method called "sheet mulching." It’s quick and easy, and if you do it soon, your garden space will be ready by May! Follow these simple steps:

• Mow your lawn as short as possible and throw the clippings back.
• Water thoroughly.
• Layer cardboard over the area. Be sure to overlap, as you want to prevent all sunlight from getting through to prevent photosynthesis. Be sure to remove all tape and staples that may be connected to the cardboard.
• Wet the cardboard until it is soggy.
• Layer four to six inches of dirt, compost or mulch over the cardboard.

Let it sit for six to eight weeks. By that time, the grass will have died back, and earthworms and other composting insects will have broken down much of the organic matter, leaving a nutrient-rich planting bed that will be ready for your native plants. Happy planting!

Ask the EEC
Have your questions answered by members of the Tinley Park Environmental Enhancement Commission! Submit your questions to environment@tinleypark.org.