Thanks to IKEA, Joliet is now home to Illinois’ largest solar rooftop
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IKEA’s Midwest distribution center in Joliet now boasts the largest solar rooftop in the state. The two IKEA stores in Bolingbrook and Schaumburg also have solar rooftops, making IKEA the owner of the three largest solar rooftop in Illinois.
The Joliet rooftop will produce approximately 3,377,000 kWh of electricity yearly, which is the equivalent of reducing the emissions of 538 cars or providing electricity for 377 homes.
Solar rooftops absorb the sunlight as a source of energy to generate electricity and/or heat.
The Joliet distribution center is favorable for IKEA’s network due to its central location and nearby railroads. IKEA is already planning to build another facility nearby, which could be a big job creator for Illinois.
IKEA is working toward moving to clean energy in all aspects. The company has earmarked $2.5 billion to invest in renewable energy until 2020, when the company also hopes to be energy independent – IKEA wants to produce as much clean energy as it uses in its buildings.
IKEA has constructed 700,000 solar panels on buildings across the world and has over 300 wind turbines. One-third of the approximately 300 wind turbines are located here in the United States, and 49 are in Hoopeston, Illinois.
For more information about IKEA, click here.
Illinois is a greener state thanks to a piece of legislation passed one year ago
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The Future Energy Jobs Act aims to turn 25 percent of Illinois’ power green by 2025, and already some residents and businesses are utilizing provisions of the bill to switch to more renewable energy sources.
In one Tazewell County township, plans are in the works for as many as 400 households to utilize renewable energy, according to the Peoria Journal Star.
Fondulac County could be the site of the first community solar project as early as 2019, pending zoning board approval. County administrators credited the Future Energy Jobs Act for making the investment in clean energy possible.
These advancements are made possible by the act’s wide range of tax credit incentives for businesses big and small, along with individuals wishing to switch to residential renewable power production or energy efficiency.
Villa Park, Illinois named one of best places to raise a family
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Villa Park has recently been named one of the best places to raise a family in the United States, according to Money Magazine.
Located 20 miles west of Chicago and home to more than 22,000 residents, Villa Park is ranked 8th on the list due to its low crime rates, reasonable housing prices and a variety of local amenities.
The magazine ranked cities based on different thresholds for convenience, excellence and affordability. They also focused on safety, economic health, diversity and placed an emphasis on education and child-friendly amenities like libraries and parks.
Incorporated in 1914, Villa Park boomed as a company town for workers at the nearby Ovaltine chocolate factory. Although the Ovaltine factory closed in 1988, the village continued to grow and now boasts incomes at the top of the state median and moderate unemployment rates.
Earlier this year, Money Magazine also ranked Villa Park as one of the best places to live in the country. Their list used eight categories to evaluate 2,400 cities and towns with populations between 10,000 and 100,000 people.
Other Illinois towns that made the top 100 include:
No. 9 – Schaumburg
No. 27 – Wheaton
No. 28 – Villa Park
No. 35 – Des Plaines
Kid's Day: Rocks, Minerals and Fossils!
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The Illinois State Museum is hosting a Kid’s Day on Saturday, January 6 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. in Lewistown at the Dickson Mounds Museum (10956 N. Dickson Mounds Rd., Lewistown, Illinois 62542).
This event is a fun opportunity for kids to learn about the variety of rocks, minerals and fossils by viewing different collections from area experts and local clubs. Children will be able to view specimens from the Illinois State Museum collection.
Children must be 5 years and older and be accompanied by an adult. Registration is not required and it is free for kids to learn and participate with experts in this field. Although this program is free, donations to the museum are appreciated.
There will also be other hands-on activities for children to participate in as well as crafts to take home.
Kid’s Day is guaranteed to be a fun experience for the entire family. For more information and directions, click here. You can also get updates and notifications about Kid’s Day from our Facebook event.
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