Carrie Malfeo, the sustainability coordinator for Park Forest, described on March 23 how her lifelong connection to nature led her to a career focused on environmental responsibility and resilience in the community.
Malfeo said her interest in the environment began as a child spending time outdoors, which developed into a passion for understanding connections between people, nature, and daily choices. “I was always more happy outside than inside,” Malfeo said. “That curiosity eventually turned into action and a desire to understand how everything is connected — people, the environment, and the choices that are made every day.”
Now in her sixth year with Park Forest, Malfeo continues to build on a decade of local planning and policy work aimed at sustainability. The village follows several key plans such as the 2012 Sustainability Plan and the Climate Action and Resilience Plan. These plans include goals like reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 26 percent below 2010 levels by 2025 while improving community resilience to climate challenges.
According to Malfeo, existing programs such as community gardens provided a strong foundation for new initiatives. She has since worked on expanding these efforts through projects like enhancing community gardens, starting a tool lending library, supporting expanded events like the Sustainability Expo through the Environment Commission, promoting solar installations and electric vehicle charging stations for municipal fleets.
The village is also collaborating with local organizations to launch Roots & Vine Community food hub intended to strengthen local food systems and increase access to fresh products. A recent outreach grant has allowed Malfeo to connect low-income households with resources that help lower energy bills through home energy assessments or participation in community solar programs.
“Part of the role is making sure people know these programs exist and understand how to use them,” she said. “Many of them can save money while also reducing environmental impact.” While final data for 2025 is pending, she noted that Park Forest had already achieved a 20 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions due largely to renewable energy initiatives.
Malfeo emphasized ongoing priorities such as increasing residential energy efficiency because much of local emissions come from household or municipal sources. She also highlighted community involvement: “I want to be a resource for residents,” she said. “There are so many opportunities out there to save energy, save money, and make a difference. Sustainability is really about understanding that individual actions add up to a larger impact.” Through partnerships and public engagement efforts—such as those promoted by dedicated commissions—the village seeks long-term environmental stewardship.
According to its official website, Park Forest promotes health and engagement through various commissions and programs while operating under council-manager government featuring an elected mayor alongside six trustees as its governing body. The village has received recognition for its sustainable practices in town planning according to its official website. It supports broader agreements like the U.S. Conference of Mayors’ Climate Protection Agreement according to its official website.
Park Forest aims not only at environmental goals but also at bolstering economic conditions via collaboration according to its official website. Educational opportunities such as those offered by their Civic Leadership Academy help address key issues facing residents.
