DuPage Municipalities Earn "EV Ready" Bronze Awards

DuPage County, Illinois sent this bulletin at 06/29/2026 12:00 PM CDT

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DuPage County Sustainability in Motion header with the DuPage Administrative Complex in the background

Distilling Change: A Chicago Climate Week Business Panel & Social

Join DuPage County and Sustainable DuPage at Tierra Distilling for an evening dedicated to celebrating eco-friendly local businesses.

As part of Chicago Climate Week, we are bringing together business owners, community leaders, and environmental advocates who are driving green change right here in our county.

Why Attend?

  • Get Inspired: Hear from three DuPage County businesses leading the charge in environmental stewardship. Learn how they turn green initiatives into thriving business models.

  • Network & Connect: Meet local business leaders and sustainability professionals. Enjoy complimentary appetizers provided by our event collaborators.

  • Enjoy a Toast: Your registration includes one free drink ticket for a sustainably crafted refreshment, courtesy of Tierra Distilling. 

  • Go Behind the Scenes: Take a facility tour of Tierra Distilling to see how sustainability is built directly into their daily operations.

Event Timeline & Details

  • Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026

  • Time: 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

  • Location: Tierra Distilling, 211 Burlington Ave., Clarendon Hills, IL 60514

  • RSVP Deadline: Friday, July 17, 2026 (Seating is limited)

Register for the Chicago Climate Week Event at Tierra Distilling

Sustainable Tips for the 4th of July

Photo of Fireworks in the night sky

Summer heat, popsicles, fireworks, and great food mean July 4th is just around the corner! As you plan your holiday celebrations, consider adding a few sustainable habits to your party plans.

Reduce Landfill Waste

  • Label Bins Clearly: Place clear signs on your recycling bins. Give simple instructions so your guests know exactly where to put their empty cans and bottles.
  • Choose Reusable Items: Use real plates, cups, and silverware instead of throwaway plastic.
  • Buy in Bulk: If you must buy disposable items, purchase them in large quantities to reduce packaging waste. Try to choose packaging that can be recycled.

Lower Your Party's Carbon Footprint

  • Shop Local: Buy your party food from local farmers' markets, food co-ops, or community farms. This supports local businesses and cuts down on transportation emissions.
  • Compost Leftovers: Instead of throwing unwanted food scraps into the trash, compost them. Composting prevents methane gas buildup in landfills and creates rich soil for gardens.

If you want to use reusable dinnerware but do not own enough pieces for a large crowd, you can rent them locally!

Explore Reusable Dinnerware Options on Go Green Glen Ellyn

Learn About the SCARCE Green Your Gig Rental Program

Local News: DuPage Municipalities
Earn "EV Ready" Bronze Awards

The EV Readiness Program fourth cohort awardees

Photo courtesy of UL Solutions The EV Readiness Program fourth cohort of nine communities was recognized for achievements to earn EV Ready Community Bronze or Silver designation at an award ceremony on Friday, June 12, 2026, at UL Solutions in Northbrook.

We are incredibly proud to celebrate our local communities! On Friday, June 12, the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and ComEd recognized nine northern Illinois communities that successfully graduated from the 2026 EV Readiness Program during a ceremony in Northbrook. The program supports municipalities as they prepare for the continued growth of electric vehicles (EVs) through improved local policies, permitting and first-responder readiness.

DuPage County Communities Honored:

  • Burr Ridge (Bronze Designation)
  • Downers Grove (Bronze Designation)
  • Woodridge (Bronze Designation)

These forward-thinking towns are reducing local barriers to green energy, streamlining charger installations for residents, and helping Illinois meet its clean transportation goals. Congratulations to our local leaders for driving sustainable progress!

Read the Full Press Release on the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Website

Now Live: Public EV Charging Stations on the DuPage County Campus

EV Charing parking spaces at the DuPage County Care Center

Drivers can now charge up while visiting our county campus! To support the growing number of electric vehicle (EV) drivers in our community, DuPage County has installed four campus charging stations. This includes a high-speed DC "fast" charger open directly to the public.

These stations make it easy to power up your vehicle while taking care of regular business at our county facilities.

The stations are placed across the county campus at these primary locations:

  • DuPage Care Center
  • DuPage County Courthouse
  • JTK Administration Building

Important Rules and Pricing

  • There is a baseline fee of $0.20 per kilowatt-hour for all charging sessions. Other local rates or session fees may apply.
  • These designated parking spaces are strictly reserved for electric vehicles that are actively charging. Parking a non-electric vehicle or parking without charging may result in a penalty.

For more information on EV charging rules, visit the DuPage County Code of Ordinances or the full EV parking ordinance.

Feed the Cart Quiz

Loop the Cart speaking Yum! Yum! Yum! over a red oval background

Which of the following can’t be recycled?

A. Soda Can

B.  Newspaper

C. Candy wrapper

D. Glass

*See answer at the bottom of our Newsletter*

Plastic Free July

Wednesday marks the start of Plastic Free July, a global movement that helps communities reduce their single-use plastic waste. Every day, small habits add up to a big difference. By choosing to refuse everyday plastics, we can keep our local streets, parks, and waterways clean across DuPage County.

Simple Ways to Get Started:

  • Bring a Bag: Keep reusable grocery bags in your car or by your door so you never have to ask for plastic at checkout.

  • Skip the Straw: When ordering drinks at your local cafe or restaurant, ask to skip the plastic straw.

  • Bring Your Own Cup: Keep a reusable water bottle or travel mug with you during your summer travels.

  • Take the Pledge: Join the official challenge and discover practical solutions for your home, school, or workplace.

Take the Plastic Free July Challenge and Make Your Pledge

Eco-Friendly Pest Control: Try the
"Bucket of Doom" Mosquito Trap

Are mosquitoes ruining your outdoor time? Spraying or fogging kills beneficial insects like butterflies, fireflies, and bees along with the mosquitoes. Instead, try the popular "Bucket of Doom" approach from New Hanover County Center's article - 'Managing Mosquitos Using Larval Dunks.' This simple trap lures adult mosquitoes to lay their eggs in a controlled environment, where the larvae are safely destroyed before they can grow and bite.

Materials Needed:

  • A five-gallon bucket
  • Straw, hay, or dried leaves
  • Water
  • A stick that is taller than the bucket (to let small animals escape)
  • Mosquito Dunks (or any brand containing Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as Bt)
  • Chicken wire or a mesh screen (optional, to keep pets and children out)

How to Assemble Your Trap:

  1. Create the Bait: Add a handful of hay, straw, or dried leaves to the empty bucket.
  2. Add Water: Fill the bucket about halfway with water.
  3. Add the Wildlife Route: Place a stick inside so it leans out of the bucket. This gives non-target insects and small animals an escape route.
  4. Add the Larvicide: Drop in one-quarter of a Mosquito Dunk. The active bacteria (Bt) is considered safe for wildlife, fish, and pets, when used correctly, but it is toxic to mosquito larvae.
  5. Cover Safely: Secure chicken wire or a screen over the top, if needed.

Maintenance Tips:

  • Placement: The bucket is designed to attract pests, so place it in a shady area away from where people sit.
  • Rain Check: Check the bucket after a heavy rain. Spill out any excess water so it doesn't overflow, and replace the dunk every 3 to 4 weeks.

Read the Full Mosquito Management Guide from the Xerces Society | Learn More About the Mosquito Bucket Challenge

National Pollinator Week

Did you know our county campus is full of native plants that help local pollinators? DuPage County is dedicated to growing native species. These plants support biodiversity, protect wildlife, and keep our ecosystems healthy.

Here are some of the beautiful native plants currently blooming across our campus grounds:

Native Trees & Shrubs

  • Trees: Northern Catalpa, Tulip Tree, and Pagoda Dogwood.

  • Shrubs: Southern Arrowwood, Northern Bush Honeysuckle, and New Jersey Tea.

Native Grasses & Wildflowers

  • Grasses & Sedges: Pennsylvania Sedge and Switchgrass.

  • Wildflowers: Rattlesnake Master, Purple Coneflower, Orange Butterflyweed, and Foxglove Beardtongue.

  • Groundcovers: Wild Geranium and Foamflower.

These plants do important environmental work. They provide food and shelter for essential pollinators, including bees, butterflies, caterpillars, beetles, and moths. By planting native species, we conserve water, improve wildlife habitats, and capture carbon from the air to build a more sustainable future.

Want to locate these beautiful species next time you visit our campus? Visit the DuPage County Campus Native Pollinator Map under the Native Gardens and Ecosystems section.

Summer Non-Profit Spotlight: DuPage Pads

DuPage Pads works year-round to end homelessness in DuPage County by providing vital food, shelter, and support services. Their motto, “When someone believes in you, everything can change,” inspires our entire community.

Along with volunteering or giving financial support, you can help by donating extra household items for immediate reuse. Giving items you already own a second home helps families in need and reduces waste in our local landfills.

Current Items Needed for Reuse:

  • New wrapped disposable silverware
  • Hot cups with lids
  • Plastic cups
  • Paper plates

Take a look around your home or office to see if you have extra supplies that can support this great cause!

For the full list of urgently needed items visit the DuPage Pads’ Urgent Donation Needs (PDF).

Give Your Broken Items a Second Chance at the Repair Café!

Do you have a broken household item? Don't throw it away! On the third Saturday of every month, the Aurora Santori Public Library turns part of its space into a community Repair Café.

Knowledgeable volunteer coaches are on-site to help you fix your items for free, keeping usable goods out of our landfills.

What You Need to Know:

  • Items You Can Bring: Volunteer coaches are ready to help you fix countertop appliances, lamps, fans, coffee makers, and clothing in need of mending.
  • Expert Consultation: If you have a broken item that is too large to bring in, you can still stop by. Coaches will look at photos and offer suggestions on how you can fix it at home.
  • Reservations Encouraged: Walk-ins are welcome, but making an online appointment ahead of time reduces your wait time.

Learn More and Reserve Your Spot at the Aurora Repair Café

Upcoming Events

Recycling Events

Webinars/Workshops

For the Kids/Teens

Special Events

Interested in other recycling and "green" events in DuPage County? Then check out our Calendar/Events page on the Environmental Division's section of the website. Please note that inclusion on the page is not intended as an endorsement of any of company or event, nor has the County purposely excluded any additional events.

July Newsletter Footer with Cool DuPage Contact information, Loop the Cart, and the answer to the Feed the Cart quiz