Romeoville middle school commits to going green

ROMEOVILLE -- A. Vito Martinez Middle School in Romeoville has joined a small group of schools statewide in promising to continue ongoing efforts to "go green" by signing the Illinois Sustainable Schools Compact.

The one-page document, signed by Principal Kelly Gilbert and Gov. Pat Quinn, commits the school and its students to:

n Conserving energy and lowering carbon emissions by shutting off lights and computers when not in use, and adjusting thermostat settings

• Encouraging recycling, composting and purchasing of products with minimal packaging

n Practicing sustainable grounds maintenance by minimizing chemical fertilizers and following a conservative watering schedule

• Converting the school rooftop to a white reflective roof

• Conserving soil and water resources by planting drought-resistant native species in landscaped areas

• Participating in environmental community service projects, field trips and assemblies

• Starting an environmental club to promote green awareness

• Integrating environmental studies into the school curriculum

• Creating a rain garden on school property

Martinez is already doing many of the things the compact requires, including holding community recycling events. The next Community Recycling Day will be Nov. 14, when newspapers, magazines, paper, juice pouches, cell phones, crayons, printer ink cartridges, pop tops, tires, e-waste, plastic shopping bags and more will be collected.

A used book sale will also be held at the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Martinez Ecology Club and the Romeoville Green Team are sponsoring the event.

For more information on the recycling day, call 815-886-6100, ext. 409.