Local environmental news and happenings for DuPage County.
December 2020
SCARCE has a 30-year history of making real, positive change for individuals, communities and the environment as a whole. We could not have made it this far without the generous support of our friends. If you are able, please show your support with a monetary gift this holiday season.

Your donation will allow us to continue our mission: to educate and share resources for the good health of our entire planet.

The results are in - and we have a new record! The 2020 Pumpkin Smash diverted 159 tons of pumpkins from landfills to restore our soil. There were 49 locations around Illinois collecting pumpkins for composting after Halloween. Many thanks to all the organizations, schools, and local governments that hosted and to all who attended!
Tons of thanks go out to all the organizations that made the Pumpkin Smash a success and also to those that collected cooking oil over the Thanksgiving weekend.
Lisle's Pumpkin Smash, one of 49 in Illinois
Cooking Oil recycling in Elmhurst
408 gallons of used cooking oil were collected for recycling over Thanksgiving weekend.
That's over 3,100lbs!
The annual Thanksgiving cooking oil collection had 9 sites accepting used cooking oil for recycling on Saturday, November 28th. Used cooking oil is recycled into biodiesel, a cleaner burning fuel than traditional diesel. Missed the event? You can recycle cooking oil year-round at 10 permanent collections.
Since our founding, we've had a dual environmental and humanitarian mission. As Thanksgiving approached, we had the opportunity to partner again with the DuPage County Sheriff's office and Electri-Flex company to feed our neighbors in need.
Celebrate World Soil Day by joining this free screening of Kiss the Ground - an inspiring environmental film about the solution to climate change that lies under our feet. Hosted by KidsGardening.org. Register here.
Don't toss those old light strands - recycle them! There are dozens of locations across DuPage County and the Chicagoland area thanks to Elgin Recycling. Check our list to find a location near you.
Downsize & Declutter without the Dumpster
Virtual Workshops
Are you trying to downsize and de-clutter while you're stuck at home? Join SCARCE for a virtual workshop to learn how to minimize your impact on the planet while minimizing your possessions. Two sessions offered:


Registration required. This program is held on Zoom.
Eco-Friendly Snow & Ice Removal
Winter is coming! Learn how to save money and protect our waterways while keeping your walkways safe with these simple tips from DuPage County Stormwater Management.
Webinars: Green Infrastructure for MS4 Communities
DuPage County Stormwater Management is hosting two free webinars featuring multiple speakers covering topics relating to the maintenance of green infrastructure practices. They will educate government staff involved with maintaining public surfaces in green infrastructure construction and maintenance and ensure a seamless transition as green infrastructure replaces conventional surfaces.
  • Webinar 1: Thurs, Dec 3rd 1pm-2:30pm. More info
  • Webinar 2: Thurs, Dec 10th 9am-10:30am More info
Eco-tip: Cardboard box recycling etiquette
Remove all packing material & flatten boxes before placing in recycling bin. Air pillows, Styrofoam, packing peanuts, bubble wrap and shredded paper are not recyclable at home.
Illinois seniors are invited to apply for four $2,000 scholarships through the Conservation Achievement Scholarship program. Ideal candidates have shown dedication to the preservation, protection, enhancement and/or promotion of Illinois' natural resources. The application deadline is March 1st, 2021.
Support SCARCE with your Holiday Shopping
Give back while you shop this holiday season!
  • Select SCARCE as your Amazon Smile charity to donate a portion of your purchases to our programs. It's free to you!
  • Shop SCARCE-LY USED Books & Records Monday-Friday 9am-4:30pm and Saturdays 9am-12pm. Find great reads and vinyl treasures for the book or music aficionado on your list.
SCARCE Donations & Deliveries on Hold
SCARCE is not accepting donations/deliveries through December 14th. Starting December 15th, we will begin accepting books, LP records and recycling projects only (such as holiday lights, keys, and Terracycle items). We are not taking school or office supplies for the time being. Visit scarce.org for an updated list.
We are at limited capacity due to the spike in COVID cases and the governor's stay-at-home advisory. Thank you for understanding!
SCARCE Holiday Break
SCARCE will be closed starting at noon on Wednesday, December 23rd through Sunday, January 3rd.
Drop-offs will not be accepted during this time.
We wish you and yours a safe and happy holiday season!
Recycling Events
Environmental Events - Mark Your Calendar!
SCARCE is participating in or hosting events in green.
Ongoing:
SCARCE-LY USED Books & Records @ SCARCE Mon-Fri 9am-4:30pm, Sat 9am-noon
Thank You to Businesses
A special thank you to businesses who donated supplies to our Reuse Center this month!
  • Domtar - Addison
  • Whole Foods - Wheaton
Special THANK YOU to our October volunteers:

Glenbard South High School Key Club - Glen Ellyn

Volunteer Opportunities

- our volunteer program is currently on hold -
Our reuse center couldn't function without these amazing individuals that dedicate their time each week to sorting, stocking, and organizing your donations!

If you see them when you visit, give them a high-five!
Helpful Links
Green Bulletin | SCARCE | 630.545.9710 | [email protected] | www.scarce.org
This newsletter was created by SCARCE and funded by the DuPage County Board, Daniel Cronin, Chairman, the DuPage County Environmental Committee, Liz Chaplin, Chair, and the DuPage County Stormwater Committee, James Zay, Chair.
SCARCE Team
Kay McKeen, founder & director
Jan Breyne, Laura Fanning, Heather Goudreau, Carrie Horak,
Bev Jaszczurowski, Erin Kennedy, Jean Kent, & Rose Naseef
Environmental education programs are operated by SCARCE
(School & Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education)
This newsletter is part of the Teacher Training Program funded by DuPage County.
Our Professional Development Provider Number: 190000000000000
The mention of a specific product or company is not an endorsement by DuPage County's Environmental Education Program.