Hinderman: Time to go green

Spring is just around the corner, even though it may be hard to believe with this Chicago-style roller coaster of weather. Spring also equals green, in more ways than one.

The most obvious is greening of lawns, trees, plants, and other growing objects in yards. The fresh green smell is intoxicating, as the plants and flowers welcome the sun. It is amazing to see the plants “wake up” after a winter slumber.

But let’s consider green slightly outside the box, and think eco-friendly. The Village of Orland Park has a number of programs to introduce residents to different options of Going Green.

The Village of Orland Park’s Shop Local and Go Green Program rewards participants for shopping green and engaging with local vendors. Pick up a Smart Living “Go Green” card from various locations throughout the village – Sportsplex, Recreation Administration, the Smart Living booth at local events, and soon – the Farmers’ Market. Make approved purchases or take part in qualifying activities and earn a “punch” on cards. Punches earned transfer into rewards as prizes and a chance to win a monthly raffle. Participating local businesses can be found at: https://www.orland-park.il.us..

For more information email Donna Kargol: dkargol@orlandpark.org or call 708-403-7275.

If you have the spring cleaning bug with the recent tease of nice weather, make an effort to up cycle, recycle, and donate or dispose of refuse in an eco-friendly manner. Batteries may be turned in at village offices; used crayons and office writing instruments also can be donated to the village offices in an effort to let them live a second life.

What to do with electronics or televisions since they are no longer being picked up with regular waste collection? From 8:00 a.m. until noon on April 9th, Orland Township will host a “Green 3-in-1″ electronics collection, paper shredding, and Scholarship Foundation support event at the Orland Township Highway Department, 16125 S. Wolf Road. This safe and green disposal is the preferred method.

If you are looking to reduce your water consumption, the Village of Orland Park is offering free rain barrels through the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD). Residents are allowed up to four, 55-gallon barrels, and can choose between black, blue, terra cotta and light gray. Visit the Village website at www.orland-park.il.us and click the ‘Smart Living Orland Park’ page. Download and complete the order form (also available at the Village Hall information desk, 14700 Ravinia Ave. To learn more about acquiring a rain barrel, please visit http://www.orlandpark.org or call (708) 403-6100.

Mark your calendar for the Village of Orland Park Recreation Department’s “Celebrate Earth Day” event on April 23; outdoor – Civic Center parking lot, 14750 Ravinia Ave.; indoor alternative – Orland Park Civic Center, 14750 Ravinia Ave.

Some of the activities planned are:

Smart Living /Recycling Event, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Document shredding and electronics recycling (no TVs), 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Police department drug take back, crayon recycling, demos 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Village Center, 14700 Ravinia Ave.

Clean the Park, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Civic Center parking lot, 14750 Ravinia Ave.

There are many programs listed on the village’s website on how to live a green lifestyle, and quick, small changes that can increase your energy efficiency. Know that some programs can be cost savings, as well!

Orland Park Police Department (OPPD) Investigations Sergeant Ken Rosinski provided information about their Drug Take Back Program. Expired and no longer needed prescriptions will be accepted from village residents only at the OPPD headquarters from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays.

The following CANNOT be accepted:

•Any drug in liquid form.

•Aerosol type medications.

•Hypodermic needles and syringes.

Sgt. Rosinski also provided the upcoming Beat Meetings schedule:

March 15, 6 – 8 p.m.

Beat 3 at Kruse School, 7617 Hemlock Dr.

March 23, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Beat 2 at Prairie School, 14200 South 82nd Ave.

March 30, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Beat 6 & 8 at Meadow Ridge School, 10959 West 159th St.

April 6, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

Beat 1 & 7 at OPPD Station, 15100 Ravinia Ave.

April 12, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Beat 4 & 5 at Jerling Jr. High, 8551 West 151st St.

Rosinski asks that residents look out for the many community events the Orland Park Police Department has planned for 2016, including Cook Out with Cops, Coffee with a Cop, Teen Citizen Police Academy, Citizen’s Police Academy and National Night Out.

Look for more spring village civic engagement and the “Cookouts with Cops” coming up this summer.