SGA prioritizes building strong networks in order to better collaborate with communities and regions to support local sustainability plan development and implementation. These plans help communities reduce their impact on climate change, improve community health, and conserve and enhance existing natural resources. SGA’s capabilities include:

  • Developing and implementing comprehensive sustainability plans
  • Linking communities to funding, programs, technical experts and resources
  • Building networks and coalitions to drive sustainability change
  • Measuring results through success indicators and report cards

PlanItGreen is the sustainability plan for the communities of Oak Park and River Forest, Illinois.

Since 2010, SGA has convened stakeholders from all sectors and institutions to develop and implement the sustainability plan.


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The Fox Valley Sustainability Network (FVSN) brings together the public and private sectors from around the Fox Valley to cut across boundaries and create a healthy, sustainable and vibrant Fox Valley.

SGA worked in partnership with a5 Branding and Digital, Kane County, and the City of Aurora, to launch the FVSN in 2016.


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GreenTown conferences are the best way to work with community stakeholders, civic leaders and passionate citizens to jump start a network.

SGA and partner a5 Branding and Digital bring everyone to the table to start on the path to building a healthy and sustainable community.


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The Illinois Food Scrap Coalition (IFSC) grew out of a one-year food scrap composting forum planning process to support research, programs, education and policy initiatives.

SGA is a founding organization and sustaining partner of the IFSC. SGA members sit on the Board and lead the Education Committee.


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The Wasted Food Action Alliance (WFAA) aims to develop a working strategy and action platform that makes Illinois a leader in reducing wasted food through collaboration, education, and policy.

SGA leads the Coordinating Team (driving the strategic direction of the group) and the team developing a K-12 School Food Waste Toolkit.


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Getting Back on Track with Zero Waste

November 8, 2021
Determined to overcome pandemic challenges and interruptions, schools in SGA’s Zero Waste Schools-Lake County Program have made it a priority to get their zero waste lunchrooms back up and running.…


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Big Idea Prizewinner

March 25, 2019
SGA is proud to announce that It’s Our Future was the Big Idea winner at this year’s event! We look forward to getting this project off the ground and helping mobilize…

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