“It’s up to us to (practice) sustainability.”
That was the message April 2 to Aurora Lions Club members from Mavis Bates, chair of Aurora mayor John Laesch’s Sustainable Aurora advisory board. Bates, District 4 Kane County board member, also chairs the County’s energy and environmental committee.
As guest speaker at the Lions’ membership luncheon at Riverview Diner in Montgomery, she presented “Making a Livable Future for ourselves and our Children.”
Bates opened by defining sustainability: “The ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.” She stressed, “We are our brother’s keeper. This is for our grandchildren.”
According to Bates, Aurora adopted a nine-point sustainability plan in 2019. “We’re still working on its implementation,” she said. Plan focus areas are climate change, community development/land use, education/engagement, energy efficiency/conservation/management, environmental justice, resilient communities, transportation/infrastructure, waste minimization/reuse/recycling and air/water quality and conservation.
“Make a difference, be energy smart” she urged the Lions. “Climate change is all about taking care of the atmosphere.” Key strategies, Bates said, are improving air quality, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and engaging communities in climate-change mitigation.
She invited the Lions to Aurora Greenfest set for Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the former Scitech museum, 18 W. Benton St. in downtown Aurora.
The free, public event features 100+ green vendors, a green-vehicle car show, live music, hands-on activities, food trucks and a student sustainability contest with prizes for idea presentations.
“Aurora GreenFest is a vibrant, family-friendly festival dedicated to sustainability, education, and community action,” Bates added.
—Al Benson