This Earth Month, we asked a simple question: Who inspires you? You responded with powerful stories of care, quiet leadership, and everyday action across Illinois. Thank you for sharing
them with CUB!
Congratulations to Nanci and Leslie for being randomly selected to win $25 home-improvement gift cards in our Earth Month Hero giveaway. Nanci nominated Leslie for her long-standing commitment to environmental education, including being a founding organizer of “Green Drinks,” a regular social event in which people can discuss sustainability, conservation, and other hot topics about the environment.
She ‘walks the walk’ and is very involved with Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. Recently retired, Leslie teaches day care children about our environment.
Your Earth Month Hero nominations were inspirational. From neighbors organizing cleanups to retirees dedicating their time to sustainability to family members passing down environmental values from one generation to the next, your responses reminded us that being an “Earth Month Hero” doesn’t require a title. It simply requires action. Check out other nominations:
Eric nominated their grandmother, Ruth, for the values she instilled early on:
My grandma taught me the importance of how the Earth and our existence are connected. She explained the science of cause and effect and how our behavior determines the outcome. Polluting, recycling, fracking, conservation, environmental destruction, etc… She once asked me, “Do (you) take care of (your) mother if need be?” “Absolutely!” I replied. Her response was: “Alright then, take care of Mother Earth; do your part.”… My hero, Granny (Ruth), molded us after her knowledge and wisdom. Her saying was, “The world is not my oyster; we share it with others.”
Valeri nominated David for working after hours to keep the state park he managed “a welcoming and pleasing attraction for Illinoisans” and showing the same dedication at home:
In his neighborhood, he picks up trash, cleans street drains, and maintains a neighborhood park that he created at the site of a now-demolished, boarded-up eyesore house…. He has incepted several neighborhood beautification projects with greenery and signage and transformed a declining … neighborhood into a vibrant and attractive one.
Lisa nominated Nathalie for giving so much of her time to making sure their neighborhood is sustainable:
…She organizes events that teach sustainable gardening and brings neighbors together for planting and cultural events. She also volunteered (and won the election) to be the community representative on the local school council…ensuring sustainable practices happen at the school. Nathalie also volunteers with other nonprofits to make sure our neighbors in need don’t go hungry, and feel safe. Plus, she has this amazing dog named Travis that looks like a giant potato.
Paula nominated Brad for continuing to give back even when he’s earned the right to slow down:
Brad cares so much about our environment. He started a grassroots nonprofit that is advocating for better sustainability practices for our city and county…. Brad is my hero because instead of enjoying retirement, he is caring for our community and our planet.
Morris nominated Phyllis for her passion for gardening, sustainability, and helping others take action:
I have volunteered with her for several years, and found her to be a passionate advocate for not only gardening but for plastic reduction and energy conservation. Phyllis…brings a lot of energy towards making change happen.
Catharine nominated Richard for his leadership in the environmental action group Third Act, and his dedication to educating others about electrification, including giving tours of his own electrified home:
Richard…is a tireless champion of home electrification. He electrified his own home…and now spends many hours each month advocating and educating on home electrification…He has also been instrumental in organizing electrification educational events, including SunDay in 2025, an event which promoted the use of solar energy and attracted hundreds of participants.
Shirley nominated Sandy for her commitment to environmental advocacy, including planning programs at the local nature center:
She is a lifelong environmental activist, a member of Sierra Club and active in Elgin’s green efforts…When Elgin offered community solar, she showed me how to sign up for it.
And while some nominations came with longer stories, others were simple—but just as meaningful reminders of the many ways people show up for their communities every day.
Sally nominated Michael for his contributions to conservation and a local historical society:
He’s…very much a conservationist. I don’t think many know how much he contributes to the community
Joseph nominated Andrew for speaking up in local spaces about the importance of clean energy and environmental responsibility:
Andrew continues to promote clean energy. He speaks at many local government meetings about the importance of solar and wind energy and about climate change… He is a member of my village’s Environment Committee.
Joseph also nominated Jen for taking that same message beyond her own community.
Jen speaks at many local government meetings about clean energy. She is a director of the oldest environmental organization in our county. She will also travel to other communities and speak at their government meetings.
Thomas nominated Randy for staying active in service to others long after retirement, including volunteering for the Special Olympics and delivering food to local pantries.
He continues to be actively involved in his community, his family and service organizations… Randy is just a great man who truly believes…that service to humanity is the best work of life.
At CUB, we fight every day for lower utility bills, cleaner energy, and stronger consumer protections—and we thank people like you for helping to bring those values to life.
