The duties and responsibilities of the Oak Forest Green Steps Commission are meant to be broad in scope so as not to limit the commissioners in their efforts to develop ideas that will make Oak Forest second to none in terms of its "environmental footprint". The purpose of the Green Steps Commission will be to encourage residents, schools, businesses and government within Oak Forest to be more eco-conscious and make more eco-friendly choices. The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
(A) Identify both general and specific issues that need to be addressed that will enable Oak Forest to preserve natural resources and protect the natural environment.
(B) Create an atmosphere of concern about the natural resources we use and what we must do about it to preserve our standard of living.
(C) Develop ideas that will help resolve existing problems in Oak Forest such as more environmental friendly building codes and more efficient recycling methodologies.
(D) Encourage businesses and other organizations to pursue innovative "green" initiatives that will help them to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.) certification.
(E) Promote the goal of sustainability: the effort to conserve an ecological balance to avoid the depletion of natural resources.
(F) Disseminate information that will educate others - particularly the young - so that all will be aware of being more eco-conscious.
(G) Educate the public that protecting our environment and ecological systems is a positive way to economically grow and prosper in the long run.
(H) Communicate ideas to the Mayor and City Council that will make them consider eco-friendly choices in programs and project they propose for the city of Oak Forest.
(I) Initiate efforts within the community that lead to programs and projects that reduce our consumption of natural resources and promote conservation.
(J) Strive to become an "All Green Community” whether by official designation or simply through the efforts put forth by Oak Foresters themselves.
(Ord. 2010-06-0295O, passed 6-8-2010)