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It seems as though the “green” theme is everywhere. Whether you believe in it or not, it’s here and will be for years to come. Parks departments have numerous avenues to pursue this--from using recycled toilet paper to seeking alternative fuel sources for power mowers and service cars. Amazingly, we have not exhausted all things green. Programming is one of the major functions of parks departments and one that can be environmentally friendly.
Like many Americans, I have taken up the gauntlet for the environment, but never injected that philosophy into programming until recently. With so many options in the workplace and at home, why not use recycled paper products (when applicable) for arts and crafts projects, offer educational programming on sustainable and eco-friendly living, or develop carpooling options for parents to get their kids to and from practices and games? In many instances, it makes sense--not only environmentally--but economically as well.
Measuring Up
Recently I had the pleasure of sitting down with several members of the Illinois Parks & Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Environmental Committee to discuss the environmental report card they developed and ways to inject more environmental friendliness into programming. The report below is the programming portion of the larger Environmental Report Card, which can be found at www.il-ipra.org/forms/EnviroReportCard.pdf. Please take a moment and mark down your answers. Your answers--and where your organization/department measures up--may surprise you!