Rep Manley, JJC Sustainability Launch BYO to Go Event

JOLIET, IL. – In an effort to reduce waste, State Representative Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) and the Joliet Junior College Office of Sustainability launched the inaugural "B.Y.O. to Go Bash" Saturday at the JJC Romeoville Campus.

The free, public event welcomed a crowd of people who participated in various activities, including potting plants for Mother’s Day.

Rep. Manley donated a reusable tote bag, designed by JJC student Wren Biggus. It included two reusable takeout containers.

“The purpose is to keep your bag in your car, so when you’re going out to eat, you will have your containers with you,” Manley said. “The trick is remembering to keep the bag in your car."

JJC had washed all the containers in advance, so they were ready to use at the event’s taco truck that afternoon.

There were resource tables on composting and environmental sustainability. The Will County Forest Preserve Isle a la Cache brought furs from an otter, beaver, red fox and coyote.

The University of Illinois Extension provided master gardeners who passed out seeds, answered questions and gave a speech on gardening, soil and mushroom compost. Other vendors included the Illinois Food Scrap and Composting Coalition, the Urban Canopy Composting Club, and the Conservation Foundation.

“The master gardeners offered a wealth of information and answers at a time when so many of us are planning our gardens,” Manley said. “The speeches from the master gardeners, as well as the composting experts, were interesting and well attended.”

Manley and JJC have already started planning a second B.Y.O. to Go Bash and intend to make it an annual event.

“I would like to thank the JJC President Dr. Clyne Namuo for attending our event, and everyone at JJC Sustainability office who made this new event so successful,” Manley said.