The I.D.E.A. Store's education team has been working on a few new ideas to help you get more out of your shopping experience.

You can now find info tags posted around the store to give you ideas for using some of our materials. The books or web sites where the images were found are listed on the tags (check out the playing cards, stamps and crayons for prompts).

The display case near the Wall of Intrigue also offers examples of artwork that will get your creative juices flowing. Other examples can be found throughout the store. And, of course, if you are indeed inspired by what you see, we have all the materials you need to create your own work.

Also, keep your eyes out for the factoids we will be posting to reinforce environmental impact

of the choices we make.

Let us know what else we can do to inspire, educate and encourage you in your creative re-use!

It took several weeks of volunteer labor - plus equal parts determination and perspiration - to construct The I.D.E.A. Store's "Fantasy Fence" downtown Champaign last summer during a heat wave. But the fence recently came down in just two days, thanks to the efforts of staff and volunteers who answered a call to assist with its removal. The public art installation, created from donated billboard vinyl, graced a chain-link construction fence erected around the former site of Champaign's Metropolitan Building. The building was destroyed by fire in 2008. 

The colorful, embellished fence proved to be a popular temporary landmark during its yearlong run. By many accounts, it was a source of pride for many members of our community. At least one couple chose the site as the backdrop for their wedding photos!

Thanks to all the volunteers who helped construct and deconstruct it!

When I taught environmental biology students at Parkland College, we visited a wastewater treatment plant to see how dirty water from the community's homes, businesses and other structures was cleaned before it was discharged into local streams. It was an eye-opening and nose-clearing experience - a reality check for all of us about what people put into clean water pumped to us from the Mahomet Aquifer. The water that comes out of our faucets is excellent. It's my favorite drink! But, how can each of us protect this important resource?

First, become aware of what you are putting into the water. Once, out of curiosity, I monitored each substance that I was putting down my home's drain. There were the usual things, including food bits, toilet paper and bodily wastes, dish and laundry detergents, shampoo and soap, but there were things I hadn't thought about, like liquid materials used when creating art and crafts.

Paints should not be rinsed down the drain.

Second, look for less water-polluting alternatives. Good choices can be found locally. For example, I use Seventh Generation biodegradable toilet paper because it is 100% recycled-content, fragrance- and dye-free, and whitened without chloride. Naturally formulated home and body cleansers can be found at Common Ground Food Co-op and Strawberry Fields, both in Urbana. You'll find Dr. Bronner's "Sal Suds" there, which is good for cleaning everything from cars to carpets. Learn to make greener liquid art-supply recipes in the "Green Guide for Artists" by Karen Michel or identify commercial options online when you search for an alternative to a particular product. To learn more about proper disposal of traditional art liquids, check out the book "Artist Beware" by Michael McCann.

Here's a starter list of things that should not be put down home 

and street drains:

* Medications. Take left-over or expired pharmaceuticals to the Walgreens located inside Carle Hospital at 602 W. University, Urbana.

* Paints, used oil, cleaning solvents, polishes, pool chemicals, insecticides, and other hazardous household chemicals (from the Natural Resources Defense Council)

* Antifreeze.

* Items that won't biodegrade.

The Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation saw a need in the community to accomplish several things: 1.  Support the arts and arts education, 2.  Support environmental education in our communities, 3. Impact the environment by reducing the rate of waste disposal, 4. create a place for everyone to have access to quality materials and 5. Support itself in light of the difficult economic times.  So donate your discards and shop re-use.  Its about making a difference!

 www.cuSchoolsFoundation.org