Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant Will County Executive

I am honored to serve as your Will County Executive. As a lifelong resident of this great county, I have witnessed many changes as we have evolved from an ag-community to a major hub in the global distribution market. I am dedicated to building upon this status but I am equally dedicated to maintaining the quality of life for the nearly 700,000 residents and thousands of businesses and organizations that call Will County home.

Please explore our website which is filled with important information about services and departments within the County Executive office as well as connections to other county officials’ websites.

Will County is diverse, vibrant and filled with hard-working people. We have room to grow and we look forward to a great future.

Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive

What's Happening in Will County

Anonym / Friday, December 10, 2021

/ Categories: News, Press Releases, Home Page

Keep the Holidays Green

As residents are preparing to celebrate the holidays with family and friends this year, the Will County Land Use Department’s Reuse Recovery and Energy Division would like to encourage eco-friendly practices.

“There are many simple things we can do to help our environment,” said Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant. “If everyone adopted one or two, it would have an enormous impact.”
Recycling Specialist Marta Keane suggests practical gifts the receiver will use, such as gift cards to favorite stores or restaurants.

“A gift of your time can be the most treasured of all,” said Keane. “Make a gift certificate for a service such as babysitting, car detailing, or a grocery run. And shared activities, such as a spa date, tickets to a sports event, the theater or movie, and lunch, will be remembered long after the decorations are packed away.”

Environmental Educator Joan O’Keefe and Keane both suggested thinking beyond the normal when wrapping gifts.

Use reusable bags, dish towels or picnic baskets that become part of the gift. Reuse gift boxes and wrapping paper where possible.

“Use paper bags or newspapers to wrap gifts,” O’Keefe said. “The craft paper can be left plain or decorated. Gift tags or ornaments can be made by from old Christmas cards. Use twine, which is compostable, to hang them.”

Avoid foiled card envelopes and wrapping paper as they cannot be recycled. Neither can ribbons.

Decorating can be more energy-wise, too.

Energy and Conservation Specialist Briana Moore said, “For indoor and outdoor decorations, residents can look for more energy-efficient and longer-lasting LED Christmas lights instead of incandescent lights. Putting the lights on a timer or shut them off with a smart plug/power strip before going to bed can also help ensure they are not running all night.”

“Also, as always, opting for ENERGY STAR- and WaterSense-certified appliances and devices instead of other models can help use less energy while enjoying all the fun holiday activities like cooking and listening to carols on the radio,” Moore said.

For more information, go to willcountygreen.com

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Tags: Green Team Resource Recovery and Energy recycling Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant green energy recovery will county green Christmas Christmas decorations Christmas lights wrapping paper reuse