The September 2022 Elgin Sustainability Commission meeting was the opposite of the August meeting. However, it certainly was almost as long. In a nutshell, the following topics were discussed:

• Bike paths
• Sustey Awards (giving responsibility to Elgin Image Awards committee)
• Native Plant Giveaway
• Eastside Community Garden Event 
• Sustainability Marketing Materials
• Reusable Shopping Bag Giveaway (hemp bags vs. other bags)
• Workgroup Volunteer Recruitment Efforts (or lack thereof)

Of course, the big issue for "Democracy Geeks" like Erik & Tia was whether commissioners violated the Illinois Open Meetings Act. This question was explored and remains an open question that Erik plans on asking more knowledgeable people about (including possibly the Illinois Attorney General's office).

Also discussed on the podcast was the recently published Advocacy eGuide focused on the proposed Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance. The eGuide helps Elgin residents see how we got to this point on the plastic bag policy debate and understand what they need to do to help get this ordinance passed before the end of 2022. 

To read, download, and/or share the Advocacy eGuide:

• Go to our Waste webpage at www.elginwatchman.com/waste
• Scroll a little bit down the page and you will see it
• Expand it to full screen, read, and click the buttons/links to learn more
• Consider downloading or sharing the eGuide with likeminded friends
• Start calling and emailing Mayor David Kaptain and all city council members using the information on the last page of the eGuide. Ask them to please adopt the Single Use Plastic Bag Fee ordinance

You can make a difference. Get involved . . . get engaged . . . and always keep watch!