Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition

10/15/2026

Cooler weather is coming. Before you turn up the heat, take a fresh look at your home’s energy use and find simple ways to spend less. ComEd and Nicor Gas have partnered to help you save money
and energy with a free home energy assessment.

Your home energy assessment comes with:
-- Free or discounted energy-saving products, which may include an ENERGY STAR® certified smart thermostat, WaterSense® certified showerhead, faucet aerators, and more
-- Customized tips to help you start saving money and energy right away
-- Additional free improvements including free weatherization services for qualifying homes

Start saving today! Visit eesavings.com or call 855-660-9378.

10/13/2026

The City's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee will continue discussion on the creation of an Environmental Sustainability Commission on Tues., Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Feel free to submit written comment or give public comment in support of a commission. For more information, reach out to us at [email protected].

10/09/2026

POWER Act Veto Session Lobby Day
Wed., Nov. 18, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Illinois State Capitol, Springfield

With Big Tech racing to build data centers across the state, these facilities are snapping up dangerously large amounts of water and energy without paying their fair share, while ignoring the concerns of local communities.

Sierra Club Illinois needs YOU to join them in Springfield to urge lawmakers to pass the POWER Act this fall. The data center build out is being pushed by some of the biggest and most powerful corporations in the world, but it isn’t inevitable, and it doesn’t have to come at the expense of Illinois families. RSVP here! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeA_A9E-LmSxyrPm_supvAsel4aWZ74qqQ9TfBx3I2V9nha2Q/viewform

If you’ve never joined a lobby day or talked to your elected officials before, have no fear! The entire event is designed for first-timers and seasoned advocates alike. All you need to do is register, and you'll receive training and get matched with an experienced Lobby Captain who’ll help guide you around the Capitol. Live far from Springfield? There will be buses leaving from communities across the state.

10/08/2026

The Extraordinary Caterpillar is a 60-minute documentary about the hidden world of caterpillars. People around the country have hosted and scheduled over 400 local screenings, reaching more than 39,000 viewers and counting.

Want to participate? One registration gives you two ways to take part.

1. WATCH: stream The Extraordinary Caterpillar on demand, free with registration, anytime before October 14. Watch it as many times as you'd like, on your own or with your household.

2. JOIN THE CONVERSATION: Join a live panel, Caterpillars Aren't Just for the Birds, featuring experts from the film. New York Times columnist Margaret Roach moderates a live conversation with entomologist Dr. Doug Tallamy, Caterpillar Lab director Sam Jaffe, and botanist Laura Reeves.

Bring your questions! This is your chance to hear directly from the people who study these tiny powerhouses.

What is covered in the webinar: the incredible diversity of caterpillars; what they need at every stage of the year; the everyday things you can do at home to help them thrive.

October 14 · noon-1:30 p.m. ET

Can't make it live? No problem. A replay of the webinar will be available to everyone who registers. Watch it as many times as you'd like through November 14.
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/homegrownnationalpark/event/panel-caterpillars-arent-just-for-the-birds?utm_source=Start+a+new+HABITAT&utm_campaign=f9db5d664f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_11_06_03_46_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fef523e58d-3ff33ca8d7-1366600704&mc_cid=f9db5d664f&mc_eid=209d2d2fb3

10/05/2026

Our October membership meeting on Tues., Oct. 6, is virtual-only. The link to participate can be found in our latest e-newsletter, or reach out to us at [email protected] for instructions.

10/04/2026

10/04/2026

As the Community-Wide Garage Sale winds down and you are left with items that did not sell, consider taking your reusable leftovers to these organizations rather than tossing them in a landfill. https://elmhurstcoolcities.org/recycling-upcycling-and-donation-resources/

09/29/2026

09/28/2026

It's a type of building that drastically reduces energy use and carbon emissions, and there's growing interest in Chicago and across the United States.

09/28/2026

Following are updated dates and locations for broadleaf applications at Elmhurst Park District locations:

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

Crestview Park (Before 8:30am)
Berens Park
Salt Creek Park
Plunkett Park
Washington Park (Before 8:30am)
East End Park
York Commons Park
Butterfield Park
Eldridge Park (Before 8:30am)
Maple Trail Woods
Ben Allison Park

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Administrative Office
Glos Memorial Park
Wild Meadows Trace (Spring Rd. to RR Crossing along Prairie Path Lane)
Centennial Park
Pioneer Park (Before 8:30)
Wild Meadows Trace (Rex Blvd. to Spring Rd.)

For more information, visit www.epd.org.