Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

2008 Annual Report

Since last year’s strategic planning session many changes have occurred.  One notable change was our name.  We are now the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.  Although not a change in mission, the new title more correctly identifies our sole purpose as a nonprofit, grassroots organization, which upholds the environmental integrity of McHenry County.  Education, Advocacy and Preservation still remain as the focus for the Defenders.

While there are many projects and concerns, the board established three main priorities. The priorities are: to hire a new executive director, build a home utilizing green practices and create new services that take the place of the recycling center.  After much debate the Board has decided to build a new green building on our property at Dean Street and Highway 14 that will serve as an example of green practices.  This area has already been staked out and various events are being planned at the site.  Funds are being explored to hire an executive director who will be our voice in the community and many new service ideas have been explored such as a food cooperative, a yellow bike program and an energy audit for citizens.

Despite these positive endeavors of the Defenders, the most pressing issue facing our county and our planet is global climate change.  I thought everyone knew this and would start to plan for its effects, and I was excited about the possibility of making a difference.  I attended a Woodstock City Council meeting, a District 200 division head meeting, ate dinner on the square and spoke with state and county representatives.  Unfortunately, after this I realized that the general public still doesn’t understand the urgency of what is happening to the world they live in.  Developments are still being approved despite their carbon footprint being taken into account, energy is being wasted, bottles and cans are being thrown away and our officials still listen to the same car dealers that need bailing out.   

As a result, the Board is initiating a new committee for the Defenders.  This is the Global Climate Change Committee.  This committee will investigate, make recommendations and implement strategies centered on remediating the effects of global climate change.  I am asking you, our members, to join this committee and lead the county in making changes that reduce our carbon footprint. The old way of thinking is to make choices between the economy and the environment.  We are past this way of thinking.  Thomas Friedman in his book, Hot, Flat and Crowded states that the only way out of our economic crisis is to develop a green technology and to preserve our biodiverse hot spots.  We cannot wait. The planet cannot and is not waiting.  The Defenders must take the lead in this area and be the umbrella group for every environmental organization in the county.  Only by acting in unison can we make a difference.  This is a key moment in history.  Some may be afraid and want to maintain, but we must grasp this moment and change the way our citizens think and act toward the environment.  In order for this to happen, all of our members must become involved to make a difference so that our children can inherit a world that is centered on peace and justice instead of overconsumption through war and intolerance.

Bill Donato, President

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