Citizens Against Ruining The Environment - CARE

09/28/2026

New Environmental Challenge: Removal of Plastic Debris from Rock Run Rookery Lakeshore.

On April 17th, 2026, plastic debris was discovered scattered along the lakeshore of Rock Run Rookery. This lake is located near the Des Plaines River southwest of Joliet. A sample photo of this material is shown below. We are not sure where this material came from, but it entered the lake through the channel connecting it to the river.

Why is it so important for this plastic debris to be cleaned up? The material is harmful to wildlife. In some locations along the lakeshore a section of the trail that fishermen may walk over is covered with this material. When this occurs tiny microplastic particles are created. During rainy weather these tiny particles will get washed into the lake, creating more hazards for wildlife. If fishermen take their catch home and eat the fish, they may ingest some of this microplastic material.

So, it is urgent for a cleanup plan to be created and implemented as soon as possible. Will County Forest Preserve leadership and the IEPA have been made aware of this issue.

09/21/2026

Pollution Prevention (P2) Week is celebrated annually during the third full week of September. In 2026, the dates are Sept. 21-27, so P2 Week starts tomorrow. P2 is any practice that reduces or eliminates environmental contamination at the source, before it is released.

Pollution prevention is reducing or eliminating waste at the source by modifying production, the use of less-toxic substances, better conservation techniques, and re-use of materials.

09/02/2026

Ways we can stop ruining the environment. Small actions add up, especially when many of us adopt them. Challenge yourself, family and friends!

08/31/2026

Growing and transporting food requires tremendous amounts of energy (labor, fuel, water resources) so when it is wasted, it is an environmental issue. Even when you believe co-workers, fellow community members or students have enough, they may be struggling. Creating a space to share unwanted foods and beverages can help the environment and others.

08/02/2026

Illinois needs to pass a law prohibiting balloon releases. Twelve states now have statewide legislation restricting or banning intentional balloon releases: California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana (effective August 2026), Maine, Maryland, Nevada, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Virginia

08/01/2026

Recycle latex and oil-based paint and stain for free year-round through Illinois Paint Stewardship Act. Click https://www.paintcare.org/states/illinois/

07/31/2026

Recycle electronics and batteries at collection sites throughout Will County. https://www.facebook.com/share/1BzVhWwraP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Every month, various locations across Will County accept unwanted computers, TVs, and other from residents at no cost in Bolingbrook, Channahon, Frankfort, Lockport, Manhattan, New Lenox, Peotone, and Wilmington. Any resident in Will County may visit any site during operating hours to drop off electronics for . Many thanks to our site hosts! August's dates/times are in the calendar below.

Find more electronics drop-off information at https://www.willcountygreen.com/greenguide/electronic.aspx

07/30/2026

Curbside Recycling Reminder. Empty cartons are accepted in all curbside programs in northern Illinois.

07/30/2026

Riding a bike or scooter is better for the environment. New Electric bikes and scooters allow people to travel further and faster, but also requiring safety precautions. Thanks to New Lenox for this guide on Illinois E-bike laws.