8 McHenry Co. Restaurants Take Part In 'Race To Reduce Waste'

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Eight McHenry County restaurants have implemented composting programs as part of an environmental initiative and local residents could score free gift card if they stop out to the businesses in the coming weeks.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County recently launched its "Race to Reduce Waste" promotion, which will run from April 20 to May 24, with eight restaurants agreeing to implement a composting program during the initiative.

The businesses taking part include: Crystal Lake Brewing, 150 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake; Duke’s Alehouse and Kitchen, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake; Conscious Cup Coffee Roasters, 5005 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake; Dunkin’ Donuts, 4817 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake; Julie Ann’s Frozen Custard, 6500 Northwest Highway in Crystal Lake; Cantina 52, 52 Brink Street in Crystal Lake; AROMA Coffee and Wine, 77 E. Woodstock St. in Crystal Lake; and UpRising Bakery and Cafe, 2104 W. Algonquin Road in Lake in the Hills.

During the promotion, guests who dine at participating restaurants will have the opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate to their favorite business by entering a raffle. To enter, those stopping out can scan the unique QR code at each restaurant and fill out the form, according to a news release.

Each of the businesses has implemented a composting program for the duration of the promotion, and have displayed a supplied sign with their unique QR code in a prominent space within their establishment for guests to use to check in, according to a news release.

In addition, the first guest to visit all of the participating restaurants within the time frame will win a special gift basket featuring local products and reusable materials.

The Environmental Defenders of McHenry County have supplied participating businesses with educational and training materials for their teams, including guidance for purchasing certified compostable containers and other products, signage for employees and customers, press releases about the program and its participants, and advertising for the businesses to their over 3,000 followers via email and social media.

McHenry County College and Hickory Hall Crystal Lake have also signed up for the composting program, but are not participating in the Race to Reduce Waste promotion.

Founded in 1970, the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County is a grass-roots organization dedicated to preserving, protecting and educating about the environment. The group provides community residents, in part, with educational programs and volunteer opportunities to assist with pollution prevention, sustainable land use and energy and natural resource conservation. Donations are encouraged and are tax-deductible as charitable contributions.