Living Sustainably: Parents can teach street safety to kids

By Kerry Irons, Pedal Holland As the weather gets nicer, it’s easier to get children outside for biking and walking while following facemask and social distance guidelines. But other safety measures should be taken too – even after the COVID-19 crisis passes. Parents and caregivers can help children learn safe skills and behaviors by providing …

Living Sustainably: A Sustainable Look at Lawn Care

By Chris Grant, Citizens Climate Lobby One day while I was raking leaves, it occurred to me to investigate the decibel level of the leaf blowers in use all around me, with the thought that I might need ear protection while using my rake. A Google search turned up information regarding noise, and also some …

Living Sustainably: Local campaign asks, “If you don’t need it yourself, #ShareTheStimulus”

By Patrick Cisler, Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance Stimulus checks from the federal government started to arrive in the bank accounts or mailboxes of Ottawa County residents over the past week. These funds are vital for those who are currently unemployed or underemployed, struggling with food security, or facing unexpected financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. …

Earth Day Bingo!

In celebration of the 50th Annual Earth Day (April 22), Michigan universities and colleges are excited to collaborate to present Earth Week Bingo as a call to action.  Please join us in completing various Earth-themed activities (this week and every other day) to honor our beautiful community and take care of our Earth.  While still …

Living Sustainably: Earth Day turns 50!! April 22

By Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger, Religion Department, Hope College April 22, 1970. I remember it well. The very first Earth Day. It was a special day in my junior high school. We watched some of the national events – in Washington D.C. and New York City – on a television. We went outside and planted some …

2020 Hope College Student Sustainability Research Projects

In Holland, we believe that in order to become a vibrant, world-class community we must look at all aspects of our community.  This includes the “Triple Bottom Line”  and the economic, social, and environmental impacts we all have. Our City of Holland Sustainability Committee has created a seven-pillar framework with “lenses” to help us evaluate and make …

Living Sustainably: Traffic safety awareness needed by all

By Kerry Irons, Pedal Holland As people look for socially-distanced recreation close to home, the growing numbers of families and individuals out for walks or bike rides makes this a good time to review bicyclist and pedestrian traffic awareness. The safety of active transportation users depends on traffic awareness by all involved. Bicycle and pedestrian …

Living Sustainably: Families are helping families with #StayHomeFightHunger

By Mike Goorhouse, The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area I am inspired by all of the quarantined individuals seeking out opportunities to connect and support one another during this time of social distancing. People are engaging in impromptu concerts on balconies, coordinating two minutes of applause for those on the front lines of the …

Living Sustainably: CareOttawaCounty.com highlights hope, positivity

By Mike Goorhouse, The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area Life can change so fast. Just two weeks ago, local school districts closed and people began to self-isolate amidst the COVID-19 outbreak. Earlier this week, Gov. Whitmer issued the “Stay Home, Stay Safe” executive order which suspended activities that are not necessary to sustain or …