IT IS encouraging to see a growing local interest in promoting environmentally friendly activities.

Last week, several groups sponsored a community meeting that set the stage for establishing the Adams County Green Coalition.

The meeting was hosted by the city Planning and Development Department, the League of Women Voters of Adams County and the University of Illinois Extension Adams/Brown Unit.

About 40 persons attended, including members of the general public, city aldermen and other community leaders.

They discussed and ranked a variety of ideas and suggestions that will be sent to those interested in moving the coalition forward.

The coalition, organizers say, will strive to educate and support residents about ways to engage in an environmentally sensitive lifestyle.

Many programs already are in place. The well established citywide recycling and cleanup-day programs, and the new glass recycling program are just a few examples.

"Green" also includes promoting community gardens, tree-plantings, creating bike and walking paths and other activities that bring people and the environment together in healthy, eco-friendly ways.

The impact of one of the most notable recent green efforts already is evident. Scores of trees have been planted since last year along Maine Street, from 12th to 30th, and along 24th Street from Maine to State through the Trees for Tomorrow campaign led by Anne St. John.

That campaign continues and will be extended to other neighborhoods.

Energy conservation also is a key "green" principle that everyone can practice.

The most recent example of a large-scale green commitment can be found in the Salvation Army's plans for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.

Those plans include measures that will qualify the structure for LEED certification, an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.

Buildings that qualify for the honor -- the Kroc Center would be the first in this region -- must meet strict standards that reflect responsible environmental stewardship.

There are many small-scale ways, however, by which everyone can embrace that principle.

Practical, affordable initiatives, with proven benefits for consumers and the environment and that are compatible with economic development certainly will add to the region's quality of life.

Groups that educate the public and create opportunities in that regard perform an important and commendable service.