Food, fun, and a positive environmental and safety message highlighted a family day at the newly reopened McDonald's® at 2230 S. Sherman Dr. in Beech Grove, Ind. on Saturday. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development (OED) presented information to patrons, along with an animal rescue organization and other businesses. Local insurance provider Ingle Harris, III and Farmer's Insurance Group fingerprinted children to provide parents with a security record.
IDEM and OED spoke with attendees about the Hoosiers Care program, a state initiative that encourages Hoosiers to take simple steps to protect the environment and conserve energy. Among those steps are turning down the water heater, not idling in drive-through lines, and for children, unplugging gaming systems when not in use. Area residents that were willing to sign the Hoosiers Care pledge were given a compact fluorescent bulb to begin their energy conservation.
"Children are future caretakers of our environment," said Thomas Easterly, IDEM commissioner. "It is vital that we, as current environmental stewards, demonstrate the positive steps that children can begin to integrate into their everyday lives as they grow."
About Hoosiers Care
Hoosiers Care is a statewide educational outreach effort to teach Hoosiers about simple, everyday actions that can protect the environment and save money. The program is a joint effort between four state agencies, including IDEM, OED, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). More information about the Hoosiers Care program can be found at http://www.HoosiersCare.IN.gov.
About IDEM
IDEM (http://www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.
Aaron Clayton, 5, of Beech Grove looks through a recycling-themed coloring book with Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) employee Amber Finkelstein. IDEM, along with its partner agency the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development (OED), visited a local McDonald's® to talk about the Hoosiers Care initiative. The Hoosiers Care program teaches Indiana residents simple ways to protect the environment and save money through energy conservation.
Cris Dorman of the Indiana Office of Energy and Defense Development (OED) talks to brothers Brandon (9) and Aaron (5) Clayton, and local insurance agent Ingle Harris, III of Beech Grove about the difference between incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs. OED, along with its partner agency the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, visited a local McDonald's® to talk about the Hoosiers Care initiative. The Hoosiers Care program teaches Indiana residents simple ways to protect the environment and save money through energy conservation.
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