Cool Cities brought Springfield environmental leaders together to work on the goal of reducing local carbon emissions. Mayor Tim Davlin embraced the program by signing the Cool Cities pledge and appointing a Mayor's advisory council. Like many other cities, it helped strengthen Springfield's environmental movement while facilitating more action by the city.
Here's part of a press release about why she was recognized but be sure to read the whole thing here.
When environmental activist and long-time Lombard resident Lonnie Morris won the Sierra Club’s highly competitive Special Achievement Award, she could have accepted the Club’s offer of a free trip to San Francisco for herself and her husband Andrew Cohen with luxury accommodations and a glitzy awards ceremony. She could have worn her slinky red dress and silver shoes.
But to minimize her carbon footprint, she opted instead to receive the award locally at Sierra Club’s Moving Planet Day which will take place on Sept. 24 at Rugaard Gazebo in Villa Park.
She will ride her bicycle to it. No red dress.
Morris said the local, less environmentally impactful presentation was fitting because she received the award for her work as chair of Illinois Sierra Club Cool Cities, a program that encourages towns and counties to reduce their carbon footprint.
“I am thrilled and honored to receive this award,” said Morris. “But it makes sense to receive the award in DuPage County at Moving Planet Day, which is all about getting beyond carbon-based fossil fuels.