ABOUT REPLACE PLASTIC
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 was a Program Associate in the Environment, Energy, and Resources Law section of the American Bar
Association. She is now pursuing a JD at George Washington Law, specializing in human rights and international relations.
Passionate about environmental justice and sustainability, she is excited to further Replace Plastic’s mission of ending our reliance on plastic.
Lauren Grodnicki
Special Consultant
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 pursuing a Master’s degree in Sustainability Management.
Barbara Cooper
Special Consultant
Barbara is the founder of Organizing for Plastic Alternatives and an active member of Coalition for Plastic Reduction. She was instrumental in connecting RP with Dr. Robert Sargis as a presenter at our first event.
TBA
Social Media Contributor
TBA will produce graphic on social media that is related to facts about plastic.
EARLY HISTORY
In 2022 in the midst of the Covid pandemic, Ivy went to grocery stores in Winnetka as part of Go Green Winnetka to ask them to allow customers to use reusable bags again. That allowed her to see the difficulties the stores face in adopting Bring Your Own Bags. That summer, Ivy met Jon Lavin at the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley Pancake Breakfast and shared her vision for replacing plastic in Skokie retail businesses.
That started Ivy on the path to talk with Howard Meyer of Skokie Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Young Kim of Virginia Tech about the state of bioplastic research, Skokie’s Sustainability Environmental Advisory Commission (SEAC) and Green Business Team (GET) about incentives for businesses to reduce plastic, Laura of Collective Resource on the composting list.
On 10/2/2023 Ivy, Jon and Cesar spoke at the Skokie Village Board meeting to suggest a plastic bag ban.
On 12/20/2023 Replace Plastic was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in Illinois.