Green Solutions began as a grass roots effort to raise awareness in West Central Illinois of the efforts of local companies and organizations to be environmentally friendly and what we can each do in our own lives to mitigate our impact on the natural environment.

In 2007 the Green Solutions Committee began to organize an exhibition to showcase the wealth of resources in the region, as well as alternative fuel sources being used and developed in our region and the efforts of companies to reduce their impact on the environment.

Our first Green Solutions Expo was a big success with over 20 exhibitors from alternative energy (Wind, Ethanol, Solar and Hydrogen Fuel Cells!), eco-friendly products, energy savings appliances, recycling information, worm composting and more!

After the first year the committee decided to expand the scope of the group and do additional educational programs as well as hands on service projects.

The committee is now planning for the 3rd annual Expo at Knox College for April 22nd, 2009 as well as a clean up at Citizen's Lake planned for April 25.

History
Green Solutions was the idea of a small group of concerned citizens who were interested in both educating the public on what can be done to be eco-friendly in West Central Illinois as well as highlighting the great work already being done in the area by companies and organizations trying to mitigate their impact on the environment and developing products to help others mitigate theirs.

Mission
The mission of Green Solutions is to educate the region on environmental issues as well as celebrate the work being done in the area to conserve resources, find alternate solutions and mitigate our impact on the environment.  

Vision for the future
The Green Solutions Committee intends for the Expo to be an on-going yearly effort to bring awareness of what individuals and companies can do and to celebrate what is already being done in the area.  The creators hope the expo will grow and change over time to become a major event in the West Central Illinois region.  
In addition, the committee looks forward to expanding the environmental education opportunities available in West Central Illinois as well as hands on projects to conserve, improve and protect the local environment.

The Committee
Peggy Kulczewski – Teacher, Monmouth Roseville  
Al Kulczewski – County Director, U of Illinois Extension
Linda Lee Blaine – Director, Prairie Tech Learning Center
Sal Garza – Senior Account Manager, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Anne Lobdell – Recycling, Western Illinois Regional Council
Mark Grover – Monmouth Recycling Center
Isaac Yoder – Farmland Environmental Coordinator
Ken Cramer – Environmental Science Professor, Monmouth College
Brad Sturgeon – Chemistry Professor, Monmouth College
SEA – Students for Environmental Awareness
Marge Smolensky – Biology Professor, Carl Sandburg College
Margie Myers – Christian Education Director, Faith Presbyterian Church
Kathy Lowe-Arthur – Teacher, Monmouth Roseville