Two La Grange residents, Rose Naseef and Linda Christianson, launched Go Green LaGrange to help raise awareness about climate change and other environmental issues. The first meeting was held in Christianson's living room in 2008. In the early years, the group focused on educating local residents about recycling, pollution prevention, climate change, and other environmental topics.
Under the leadership of David Bryant, Go Green LaGrange began collecting items for recycling and donation that cannot be recycled through traditional curbside recycling services. The nonprofit has a table at the La Grange Farmers Market (May to October) where residents can drop off a variety of items, ranging from old shoes and natural corks to LEGOS and old bras.
Go Green LaGrange was incorporated as a 501c3 charitable organization in 2021.
Current board members of Go Green LaGrange are:
The most visible impact of our work is our collection of recyclable and reusable items at the La Grange Farmers Market. But we're about more than that.
The nonprofit also has a cadre of committed and passionate volunteers who help out in numerous ways.
We host educational and outreach events throughout the year for both adults and children. In addition, we are collaborating with the Township of Lyons to launch a repair café where residents will be able get clothes, appliances, and other items fixed. The café is currently slated to launch in late 2023. Learn more about Repair Cafe here.
This website is also an extension of our mission. On this website, residents will discover resources to help them recycle or donate items locally every day of the year, as well as resources for repairing, renting, and buying used items. Residents can also find tips on a variety of topics, from how to compost to where to buy gently used children's clothes.
Whether you are one of our local neighbors or visitors from places near and far, Go Green LaGrange hopes that this website will provide inspiration — to participate in our collection and education efforts; take other important steps to recycle, reuse, reduce, and rethink consumption; and join the greater effort to help Mother Earth.