MISSION
Our mission is to eliminate the use of plastic in the community.
ABOUT
Launched in Skokie, IL, Replace Plastic is dedicated to creating a sustainable and plastic-free future for the community. Our purpose is to champion environmentally responsible practices by eliminating the use of plastic within the communities. We strive to inspire and empower individuals, businesses, and local institutions to adopt alternative, eco-friendly solutions, fostering a culture of conscious consumption and environmental stewardship. We are a 501(c)3 charitable organization.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ivy Sundell
President & Treasurer
Ivy led the school and community SaveOurEnergy challenge for individuals to save electricity and water at home for 15 years.
Ivy believes that the grassroots approach may be the solution to our plastic problem.
Jonathan Lavin
For 40 years, Jon was the CEO of AgeOptions, the area agency on aging for Cook County outside of Chicago.
In retirement, he served as President of the Skokie Valley Rotary Club and has advocated for neighbors and friends to recognize the threat of plastics to our environment and health.
Cesar Marron
Cesar is the founder of Sketchbook Brewing Company in Evanston and Skokie, IL with his wife, Amy. As a teenager, he managed his family’s butcher shop in Brazil.
Cesar integrates eco-conscious practices into Sketchbook’s operations. He aims to create a welcoming space where sustainability and craftsmanship intersect, for all generations to enjoy.
Valentia Sundell
Secretary
Valentia is a Program Associate in the Environment, Energy, and Resources Law section of the American Bar
Association.
Passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, she is excited to further Replace Plastic’s mission of ending our reliance on plastic.
Lauren Grodnicki
Lauren is a Science educator and sustainability advocate. She was part of the team that drafted Skokie’s Environmental Sustainability Plan. She is a member of Go Green Skokie, a Girl Scout leader, and the Treasurer of Devonshire Elementary PTA.
Lauren is currently prusuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management. She has given a talk at the library about reducing plastic waste, and a public comment to the Village Board about reducing microplastic production in Skokie.
Craig Witty
Board Member
Craig is a member of Go Green WInnetka, and is active in the village’s negotiation with IMEA for the electric power source. He is attentive to technical details, and will be a great asset to Replace Plastic.
Barbara Cooper
Special Consultant
Barbara is the founder of Organizing for Plastic Alternatives and an active member of Coalition for Plastic Reduction. She will provide consultation on matters as they arise.
Zoya Ali
Social Media Contributor
Zoya will produce graphic on social media that is related to facts about plastic.
EARLY HISTORY
8/28/2022 Ivy met Jon Lavin at the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley Pancake Breakfast and shared her vision for replacing plastic in Skokie retail businesses.
2/9/2023 Jon and Ivy met with Howard Meyer of Skokie Chamber of Commerce. He gave us a Skokie business guide.
2/28/2023 Ivy discussed the state of bioplastic with Dr. Young Kim of Virginia Tech. Home compostable PHA bioplastic is expected to reach the market in 2 years. He is working with a number of large corporations and CJ Bio in S Korea to develop it. He advocates paper-coated foodware as opposed to solid PHA due to cost.
5/30/2023 Ivy met with Skokie Sustainability Environmental Advisory Commission (SEAC): Liz Zimmerman, Bob Mender and Jenny Grossman.
6/2/2023 Ivy started working with Laura of Collective Resource on the composting list.
6/20/2023 GET meeting (their second) attended by Len Becker, Liz Zimmerman, Howard Meyer, Bob Mender, Katie Bulgrin from Culver and Ivy. We talked about green business recognition awards.
6/21/2023 Replace Plastic first steering committee meeting, attended by Jon Lavin, David Putrus (First Bank Chicago), Valentia Sundell and Ivy.
9/13/2023 Cesar joined the steering committee.
10/1 and 10/5/2023 Val, Jon and Ivy did survey in front of Valli Produce to find out what customers think about using donated cotton bags.
10/2/2023 Ivy, Jon and Cesar spoke at the Village Board meeting to suggest a plastic bag ban. Ivy heard from Lauren Grodnicki from Go Green Skokie.
12/11/2023 Started the Replace Plastic Bags Alliance trial program.
12/14/2023 First Board Meeting with Lauren Grodnicki and Val on Zoom, and voting on the officer positions, along with discussions of articles of incorporation and bylaws.
12/20/2023 Incorporation of Replace Plastic in Illinois.