Living Sustainably: Food projects help share the summer bounty

By Lisa Uganski, Ottawa Food It’s summertime in West Michigan, which means it is time to enjoy the abundance of fresh, local fruits and vegetables. However, not everyone has access to the juicy strawberries, crisp asparagus, and tasty blueberries that are grown right here in our community. The good news is that you can help provide local fresh …

Living Sustainably: Framework guides sustainability efforts

By Aaron Thelenwood and Ken Freestone, City of Holland The City of Holland is putting its Sustainability Framework to work by looking at ways to reduce waste in all its facilities – repurposing used items, reselling outdated equipment and working with local nonprofits to recycle and recover scrap materials. For example, the city recently ordered new office chairs. …

Living Sustainably: Summer is time to spur kids’ natural curiosity

By Susan Ipri Brown, Hope College – Center for Exploratory Learning “Nature is our kindest friend,” said the famous British scientist Michael Faraday. Place-based environmental learning is a powerful tool for improving students’ knowledge of the world around them and sustaining their natural curiosity. Summer is the perfect time to put this natural curiosity into play as families …

May 2018 Sustainability News

May 2018 Sustainability News May 31, 2018 – Avoiding meat and dairy is ‘single biggest way’ to reduce your impact on Earth May 31, 2018 – Group challenges Nestle’s water permit from Michigan May 30, 2018 – Exhibit provides a look at ‘Industrial Nature’ May 30, 2018 – Lower temps at a lower price: How to improve the energy-efficiency …

Living Sustainably: Bus ride to Farmers Market pays off in MAX Market Bucks

By Shelby Pedersen, Macatawa Area Express Holland Farmers Market shoppers will be able to double up their savings simply by riding the MAX bus to the market in June. A new program will launch June 1 in which people who ride the bus to the market can earn MAX Market Bucks to redeem at market vendors. The program …

Living Sustainably: Green Commute Expo marks special week

By Michelle Gibbs, Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council’s 11th Annual Green Commute Week kicks off today, Sunday, May 13, and runs through Saturday, May 19. As part of the annual challenge to practice alternative ways of commuting, a Green Commute Expo is set for Friday, May 18. The Expo, focused on the sustainability framework …

Living Sustainably:  Rethink, Reuse, Recycle with Holland BPW during Tulip Time

By Morgan Kelley, Holland Board of Public Works As part of its ongoing commitment to encourage conservation and sustainability, the Holland Board of Public Works is the Tulip Time Conservation Partner, working to promote and encourage festival goers to apply sustainable practices during the festival. Among the activities it is offering, the HBPW will be at the Family …

April 2018 Sustainability News

April 2018 Sustainability News April 30, 2018 – Sustainability at the 2018 Tulip Time Festival April 30, 2018 – Living Sustainably:  Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s Summit on Race and Inclusion April 30, 2018 – Department of Energy Announces $19 Million for Advanced Battery and Electrification Research to Enable Extreme Fast Charging April 30, 2018 – 2018 Michigan …

Living Sustainably: Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance’s Summit on Race and Inclusion

By Alice Jasper, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance The United States is experiencing an unprecedented change in the country’s racial demographics. The U.S Census estimates that by the 2060, non-Hispanic whites will be in the minority and, as a result, many organizations and communities are seeking ways to foster diversity and inclusion. Moving the needle on racial equity …

Living Sustainably: Green Commute plans for any weather options

By Carolyn Ulstad, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council With today, April 22, being Earth Day – the annual reminder to protect and preserve our planet for future generations – Green Commute Week can’t be far behind. Green Commute is a week-long challenge, May 13 through 19, that promotes healthy living and a healthy planet through walking, biking, carpooling, riding …