Joliet Becomes Part of the Greenest Region Compact

Last Tuesday, the Joliet City Council voted to join the Greenest Region Compact. The compact is a simple pledge, taken by more than one third of all municipalities in the Chicago metropolitan region to take action to improve the environment. Joliet is now a part of this collaboration.

There are 107 municipalities promoting sustainable environmental practices in the Chicago region. Other towns that are a part of the compact include Mokena, Frankfort and Minooka.

According The Herald News, “At the council meeting, Maria Anna Rafac, chairwoman of the city's Water Conservation Committee, told the council that she plans to use resources available through the compact.” Since Joliet is now involved in the compact, they have to make goals to stay sustainable. The city council will write a plan for the year that will list what they will do improve Joliet. The compact establishes a broad range of goals, including land conservation, reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, and the cultivation of sustainable jobs.

The Greenest Region Compact made a list to maintain sustainability in the area.

• Support safe and effective active transportation

• Recycle materials across all sectors

• Divert waste from landfills

• Use and distribute water efficiently

• Engage the community in water stewardship

• Sustain beautiful landscapes that provide ecosystem services

• Maintain clean and healthful air

• Engage the community in climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Engage the community in clean energy practices

The Chicago region is very sustainable. According to mayorscaucus.org, an organization of the Chicago region’s 275 cities, towns and village did a research that shows that 81 percent of all communities are making a significant effort toward sustainability.

Image Source: mayorscaucus.org

For more information on how to help your city stay sustainability, visit http://mayorscaucus.org/initiatives/environment/rec/.