Go Green for Future Generations

Going Green to improve our environment has become a high priority for businesses nationwide including those in Cary and Fox River Grove. Cary Grove Chamber members are certainly doing their part towards building a better community. From using energy saving light bulbs and new green materials, to programming heating and cooling systems and more, our members are laying the foundation for a healthier environment for our future generations.

“At Wholesale Carpets & Flooring, we've made green a priority,” said owner Steve Knisely. “We have replaced lights in our showroom with low energy compact florescent lights. We now feature several green products, like renewable resource products such as hardwoods, and carpets made from corn products and recycled content.

“You actually have to do your homework to be green,” Knisely added. “For instance, bamboo flooring is considered green because it's fast growing and renewable, but bamboo is a very thin product and the glues and other chemicals used are bad for the environment. A standard red oak floor is actually more green, economical and tougher than a bamboo,” he said.

To spread green knowledge, Kristi Butkus of Cleaning Solutions has launched an educational cleaning program with classes such as “Greener Lifestyles” and “Solutions & Supplies.” Her classes are available through the Cary Park District. Kristi consults both residents and businesses on clean living and a greener community.

Windridge Memorial Park in Cary has introduced green burials on nature trails. “This is a growing trend,” said Kelly Hulata, Family Service Manager at Windridge. “These are ideal for the true nature-lover. These sites are tree-lined with wild flowers and birdsong.” Windridge also offers waterfall estates.

The UPS Store in Fox River Grove has changed their flood lamps to long-life halogen bulbs to conserve energy, according to owner Stuart Breitberg. “We also recycle clean packing peanuts and foam,” he said. “You can bring them to us when you get a delivery.” For shipping laptops and other small electronics, UPS now uses a reusable and biodegradable box.

JNL Climate Control is now sending all proposals via email, according to owner Kurt Olszewski. “This has cut back on paper for proposals by 75 percent. We have also started to advertise via email. All cardboard from new equipment installs are also recycled.”

At Goddard School they have chanced many things to “Go Green,” said owner Kimberly Mitchem. They now e-mail newsletters, memos, tuition bills and more. Reports are now two-sided. They reuse paper in their classrooms. They only use green cleaning products. “We also use our programmable heating and cooling system to save on heating and air conditioning,” Kim said. In addition to their efforts, Goddard is teaching their students about the importance of Going Green. They have many environmental children’s books.

R & W Construction Custom Home Remodeling uses many green products in their projects, such as energy saving windows, lighting, and fans. They install low flow toilets, showers and sink faucets. They also recycle a large percent of their construction debris.

Together, Cary Grove Chamber members are making a positive contribution to the world. Let us know what you are doing to go green. We will run periodic updates other Green news. For information, call the Cary Grove Chamber at (847) 639-2800.