November 2017 Sustainability News

November 2017 Sustainability News November 30, 2017 – Betsy DeVos approves Michigan’s federal school accountability plan November 30, 2017 – Plan for Parkside Marina redevelopment presented in full, faces opposition November 30, 2017 – Holland e-commerce business busy this Cyber Monday November 29, 2017 – Jeff Goodell’s ‘engaging, often terrifying’ book November 29, 2017 – 4 great gifts for your green-living …

Living Sustainably: ‘Energy literacy’ is key for Holland’s future

By Peter Boogaart, City of Holland The City of Holland has put down a marker. It’s well out there into the future – 40 years in the future. Our intention is to become a world-class, energy efficient city. That’s an exciting, big goal, and it should fire your imagination. But, it’s equally important to see that the goal …

Living Sustainably: Heat hints and free LED lights make holidays greener

By Deena Roberson, Holland Board of Public Works With the holiday season upon us, the cool weather and impending snowfall will drive up our energy bills. The largest energy expense in the winter comes from the furnace and the energy needed to heat your home. Check out the tips below to see how you can combat the winter …

Living Sustainably: Make your holidays a little greener

By Marissa Ruehl, Hope College Green Team Intern Chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Jack Frost nipping at your nose. The holidays are quickly approaching, and we often overlook the environmental impact of these events. Below are a few easy suggestions to help make the most wonderful time of the year a little more green. The Feast: Holidays …

Living Sustainably: Three’s not enough: The eight R’s of recycling

By Ken Freestone, GreenMichigan.org For those who think recycling is difficult – sorry, but I’m about to take you from the “Three Rs” of recycling to the “Eight Rs.” And for those who actively recycle, you are going to love that we have added  five more Rs. Earth Day’s beginnings in the early 1970s emphasized the message …

October 2017 Sustainability News

October 2017 Sustainability News October 31, 2017 – Letter: Opposition growing to Saugatuck development October 31, 2017 – Holland High launches student engineering pathway October 30, 2017 – Living Sustainably:  Healthy food sustains healthy living October 30, 2017 – Community Action House offers Thanksgiving baskets, seeks holiday donations October 30, 2017 – Corals eat plastic because we’ve made it …

Living Sustainably: Healthy food sustains healthy living

By Melissa Roessing, Community Action House Think of the words “food pantry” for a moment. What comes to mind? I’d be really surprised if anyone’s first response was “quality.” People usually think of macaroni and cheese and a place that’s a little dull and drab. We’re in the process of changing that assumption at Community Action House. We …

Living Sustainably: Social diversity enhances area’s sustainability

By Alice Jasper, Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance As we endeavor to build a sustainable Lakeshore community, we must consider all the elements of sustainability, including social diversity. When people hear the word “sustainable,” they most typically think of environmental conservation and advocacy. However, when business author John Elkington coined the term “triple bottom line” in 1994 – also referred …

Living Sustainably: Airport supports sustainable local economy

By Aaron Thelenwood, West Michigan Regional Airport Authority The West Michigan Regional Airport has been serving the Holland area for more than 50 years, and 30 years ago this month it became a public facility. Since then, it’s economic impact has been massive. According to statistics from the MDOT/Aeronautics Division’s 2017 Michigan Aviation Plan report, an estimated $164 …

Living Sustainably: Three Holland projects are finalists for state energy awards

By Anne Saliers, Holland Board of Public Works Holland’s leadership in energy efficiency could produce three winners in the Third Annual Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards that recognize people and organizations in Michigan that have taken firm, meaningful actions to improve energy efficiency. Sandra Keirnan is a finalist for Best Residential Project. She had already begun renovating her 1891 home …