LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears quarterback Kyle Orton on Tuesday visited two Chicago elementary schools to speak to students about ways they can be more environmentally friendly.

Orton’s first stop was Gallistel Elementary School, where he met with students in the C3 Club, whose primary focus is on environmental studies. He also participated in an assembly for 230 students, where he spoke about why he has taken a personal interest in the environment.

Later in the day, Orton visited with the C3 Club at Robert Black Elementary School and spoke to students at a similar assembly.

Both elementary schools Orton visited have completed two units with their conservation clubs. In the fall, students measured trash and recyclables as part of a recycling campaign and worm-composting project. In the winter, the clubs performed an audit of their schools’ energy use and did a campaign to improve energy efficiency.

The clubs are currently performing audits of their schools’ water use by measuring and observing drips and leaks, and will follow up with a campaign to raise awareness of water conservation and quality issues.

Orton’s visits were arranged in conjunction with the Chicago Conservation Corps.  At each visit, he handed out “Take Five for the Environment” pamphlets that included tips on how students can take simple steps to conserve energy and resources, as well as websites and local organizations that teach Chicago residents environmentally-friendly strategies.
 
The pamphlets also included an environmental pledge card, asking each child to “pledge to do [their] part for the environment and help Chicago become the most environmentally-friendly city in the nation.” Each student was asked to sign the pledge card and follow five simple suggestions: replacing four light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs; turning off the tap water while brushing your teeth; replacing at least one car trip a month with walking, bicycling or public transportation; planting or caring for a city tree by watering, mulching and removing litter; and replacing plastic shopping bags with reusable shopping bags.
 
Orton partnered with the Chicago Conservation Corps during the 2007 football season and visited different Chicago schools each Tuesday to speak about the importance of conservation.  He has more visits scheduled in April. Orton is also featured in a segment on the new Kid Zone at ChicagoBears.com called “Kyle’s Go Green Tip of the Week,” to help educate young fans about how they can be more environmentally friendly.