Little City’s Agency-Wide “Green” Initiative Provides Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities

With the goal of creating an organizational culture change, Little City Foundation rolled out green initiatives reducing the carbon footprint of their 56-acre Palatine campus while educating both staff and individuals served.

Already making great strides towards becoming more eco-friendly, Little City changed light bulbs to tube fluorescent bulbs reducing energy usage by 75 percent. In addition, all exterior lighting is operated by timers and campus shower heads are now energy-saving models. Comprehensive inspections also took place in all community-based homes to maximize energy efficiency.

“It is important for us to make sure that everyone at Little City has the opportunity to participate in this exciting going green venture. We are strategically planning ways to get the children, students, adults and staff at Little City involved,” commented Executive Director Shawn E. Jeffers.

Included in Little City’s Going Green Initiative is the introduction of agency-wide composting. Little City began composting on a small scale more than three years ago, slowly creating enough compost to use in three accessible gardens in their Horticulture Center.

In the future, Little City plans to advance its recycling and composting programs, increase energy efficiency and create an agency-wide culture change towards environmental sustainability.

To support individuals with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, visit www.littlecity.org/support.

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Sally Blake at sblake@littlecity.org or 847-221-7831.