421 N. COUNTY FARM ROAD

WHEATON, IL 60187

DU PAGE COUNTY

Environmental Committee

Final Summary

www.dupagecounty.gov

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

8:30 AM

Room 3500A

CALL TO ORDER

8:30 A.M. meeting was called to order by Chair Sheila Rutledge at 8:30 A.M.

ROLL CALL

Other members present: Yeena Yoo, Greg Schwarze

Cronin Cahill, Evans, Haider, Honig, LaPlante, and Rutledge

PRESENT

CHAIRWOMAN'S REMARKS - CHAIR RUTLEDGE

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following individuals made public comment:

Jacqueline Casazza, president and co-founder of Go Green, Glen Ellyn, and an advocate for

reducing plastic pollution, spoke about the dangers of single-use plastics, particularly in terms of

health and environmental impacts. She emphasized that plastic contains harmful chemicals

which can accumulate in the food chain and in our bodies. While she acknowledged that a

plastic-free world is unrealistic, she advocates for reducing single-use plastic products where

alternatives exist.

Casazza supports the county's consideration to eliminate single-use plastic water bottles from

vending machines, citing research that found significant microplastic contamination in bottled

water. She also highlighted the environmental cost of bottled water production, which is much

higher in energy consumption compared to tap water. She suggested alternatives, such as water

bottle refill stations and the use of recyclable aluminum bottles, encouraging the county to ensure

proper recycling systems are in place. Casazza voiced her strong support for any actions taken by

the county to reduce single-use plastics.

Wendy Vernon, the Plastic Reduction Chair for the River Prairie group of Sierra Club in Carol

Stream, spoke in support of eliminating plastic bottles from vending machines in DuPage County

government buildings. Vernon emphasized that plastic production emits harmful toxins and

contributes to microplastic contamination in the environment and human bodies. Exposure to

microplastics has been linked to various health issues, and the burden affects communities near

plastic production sites.

She highlighted the high hidden costs of plastic waste management and health care expenses,

estimating that plastics contribute $250 billion annually to U.S. health care costs. Vernon also

noted the inefficiency of recycling plastic, with less than 6% being recycled in the U.S. She

wants DuPage County to act by removing plastic bottles from government buildings, setting a

positive example for businesses and institutions while fostering a cleaner, healthier community.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

5.A.

25-0554

Environmental Committee Minutes - Regular Meeting - Tuesday, February 4, 2025

APPROVED

RESULT:

Cynthia Cronin Cahill

Saba Haider

MOVER:

SECONDER:

DISCUSSION

6.A. Dining Services Plastics Alternatives

Diane Borske, the Manager of Support Services at the Care Center, shared an update on the

center's efforts to reduce plastic usage. Key initiatives before 2023 included switching to

compostable cups, using unbleached napkins, and providing refillable thermoses for coffee

creamers, paper bags and plates. This was not successful due to most customers taking their food

to their offices. A discount was offered for bringing refillable cups, and food scraps were

recycled to help Animal Services feed small animals.

In 2023-2024, they made more changes, including eliminating foam cups, switching to paper

cups and recyclable plastic containers, and biodegradable straws. A trial of aluminum cans for

drinks was also implemented. They are now working on eliminating single-use condiment

packages.

These changes have had a financial impact. The Care Center's efforts to cut back on plastic have

led to an extra $50,000 in expenses annually. The Care Center's vending contract may be

affected because vendors anticipate a decrease in sales due to the shift to cans. Some customers

prefer plastic bottles over the canned options. Sales have already decreased significantly and

there's concern that reduced revenue from the cafeterias and vending will directly affect residents'

activities and services. Diane is seeking direction from the committee on how to balance

environmental goals with customer preferences and financial impacts.

Member Greg Schwarze inquired about the revenue the care center generates from the vending

company. The care center receives $5,500 plus 29% of the sales from the vending company in

the first year.

The revenue from the vending company last year was close to $100,000, plus the $5,500. Each

year, the revenue structure increases, with both the percentage and the flat fee rising. The largest

revenue comes from the cafeterias.

Member Schwarze asked about the disadvantages of using cans for water at the Care Center.

Diane explained that plastic costs are a concern, as well as safety issues for residents. Cans are

harder to manage because they create a spill hazard for residents using wheelchairs or walkers.

Diane also mentioned limited housekeeping staff to manage these issues.

Diane explained that bottles are better for residents because they are less likely to spill and can

be stored in the refrigerator. She also mentioned that nursing staff prefer bottles as they can take

them back to the nurse's station. However, due to a recent COVID/Norovirus outbreak there are

additional concerns influencing these decisions. She said the twist bottles are always better.

Diane mentioned that for some residents, drinking from cans poses a safety risk, as they might

cut their mouths or hands.

Member Saba Haider asked about the $100,000 revenue and how much is from the water bottles

that are being sold? Diane stated that she would have to get more details from vending company

as it's hard to get estimates.

Member Haider stated when we look at the number of cans we have sold in the month of

February which was 5, but don't know in comparison to how many water bottles were sold in

previous months, we don't have that comparative number to decide if we are going in the right

direction.

Member Haider mentioned that a cultural shift takes time, effort and doesn't happen in an instant.

She added it's important to see numbers in comparison to cans and how many water bottles are

selling every month and what that revenue looks like. Member Haider asked about refillable

water dispensers and suggested a campaign to encourage people to use refillable water dispensers

and bring their own water bottles, as this could significantly help in achieving the environmental

goals.

Member Cahill inquired about potential revenue losses from vending machines and cafeterias

due to a shift from bottles to cans, asking if there's an estimate of the decline. Diane explained

that the trial of selling only cans is currently happening only in the 421 building, and making this

change is a complex process. Member Cahill mentioned that there was an 81% decrease in water

sales, and Diane clarified that sales between bottles and cans are roughly 50/50, but cans are

cheaper.

Member Cahil emphasized that a reduction in revenue would be detrimental to the Care Center.

They suggested alternatives like refillable stations or giving each person a personalized cup, but

also noted the sanitary concerns. Member Cahill expressed that she is inclined not to remove all

plastic bottles.

Member Evans clarified that she does not want to negatively impact the Care Center. She

emphasized that it shouldn't create additional work or difficulties for the staff or residents. Her

primary worry was about the products sold in cafeterias and vending machines. Member Evans

also voiced concern that if plastic bottles were removed, no one would be willing to bid on the

vending contracts if plastic bottles aren't included.

Diane says there are 50 machines in all the county buildings and the scope is big. Chair Rutledge

asked Diane to have the numbers the members asked for and the discussion will be continued.

PRESENTATIONS

7.A. SCARCE

Kay McKeen from SCARCE presented several successful initiatives in DuPage County. The

"Pumpkin Smash" event had the highest participation with three locations in Naperville and

growing involvement from scout groups. The vegetable cooking oil collection saw over 200

gallons collected in one morning, and efforts are being made to expand collections in

underserved areas. Other achievements included successful holiday light collections, recycling of

over half a million pounds of paper and metal, and increased reuse of books for literacy projects.

There were 89 programs offered, including energy conservation and composting, reaching 1,252

participants. Medinah schools had a STEM night and 80 kids participated in energy conservation

projects. The fifth Repair Fair saw 90 attendees and 190 items repaired. Collaboration with

sustainability specialists in towns like Naperville and Downers Grove is ongoing, and there were

educational initiatives, such as a hazardous waste site tour for teachers. Kay highlighted the

importance of the Green Your Gig program and how much growth has occurred.

A design challenge will take place on April 15, and the Earth Flag ceremony will be held on

Earth Day, April 22. The Sheriff's department is adding a fourth location for syringe and

medicine collection, and Downers Grove is reintroducing a Recycling Extravaganza after a

decade. Other upcoming events include Lisle Sustainability Saturday on March 15 and 27

scheduled events for the year.

STAFF REPORTS

8.A.

25-0621

Switch Together Solar: Northern Illinois 2025

Joy Hinz mentions that her team is collaborating with Citizens Utility, the Midwest

Renewable Energy Association, and the collar counties on a group-buy initiative for solar

energy. This program involves soliciting reputable solar firms to offer discounted group

pricing, which has saved residents about $0.24 on solar installations. Over the years, the

initiative has resulted in 80 solar installations.

8.B.

25-0622

Waste Hauler Survey

Joy discusses the waste hauler survey, noting that an ordinance was passed requiring

waste haulers to report their commercial, industrial, and residential numbers. This data

will be used to implement the solid waste management plan in the future, providing a

clearer understanding of the commercial sector's waste activities.

OLD BUSINESS

No old business was discussed.

10.

NEW BUSINESS

No new business was discussed.