Forest Park’s first sustainability fair

The Forest Park Environmental Control Commission will co-host its first sustainability fair at the Forest Park Public Library Sept. 28.  

From 2 to 4 p.m., the free fair will promote environmental sustainability and include community partners who will help educate and entertain visitors of all ages through activities related to composting, energy and recycling.  

“For anyone interested in environmental, economic, and social sustainability, this is a chance to have fun with the kiddos, neighbors and friends, learn ways to be efficient and save money, and celebrate the place we live in and how we power it,” said Skye Lavin, manager of adult services at Forest Park Public Library. 

Community partners and their offerings include: 

• The Citizens’ Utility Board, which will inform attendees about the Inflation Reduction Act  
• Empowering Gardens will teach attendees about worm composting  
• The Forest Park ECC will introduce its Trex Recycling Challenge, a new program where participating retailers will have recycling bins for plastic film   
• The Museum of Science and Industry will have a curiosity station to teach kids about energy 
• Nicor will talk to adults about saving energy audits 
• Oak Park DIY Repair Cafe, which will be helping to fix one broken household item per person 
• PCs for People, which will be collecting electronic devices to recycle and helping those who qualify to get a new device at a low cost. Those who are eligible can buy a low-cost computer to be shipped or picked up at the sustainability fair for $100 to $150. Anyone can enter PCs for People’s drawing to win a new computer. 
• Scouts America will be collecting batteries to properly dispose of, and local Cub Scouts will be distributing seed bombs 

There will also be eco-crafts at the sustainability fair. Attendees can make reusable wax wraps to use in lieu of plastic wrap, as well as upcycled desktop organizers. Visitors can build a green city with the library’s collection of LEGOs, inspired by qualities that the United States Green Building Council defines for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.  

“Our dream is that people who attend will be encouraged to feel inspired to find ways to practically engage in the collective hope for a sustainable future in our resilient Forest Park,” Lavin said.  

The Forest Park Public Library’s three-year strategic plan, created in 2021, includes sustainability as one of its main priorities.  

“Our library has made progress as an institution, and we want to share inspiration, insight and opportunities to grow with the whole community,” Lavin said.  

Lavin added that, because this is the library’s and ECC’s first sustainability fair, they’re unsure how many people will attend. Though, Lavin said the library’s quarterly all-ages events usually garner 50 to 200 people. If the community receives the sustainability fair well, Lavin said the library might make it an annual occurrence.  

The sustainability fair is at the Forest Park Public Library, 7555 Jackson Blvd., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. Register for free online at fppl.org/sustainabilityfair.