By Analise Sala ’19 and Micaela Wells ’19, Hope College Travel has consequences. Thanks to an increasingly connected world, American forests house more than 360 non-native insect species, 30 percent of which have become serious pests. By relocating and displacing organisms, we are effectively homogenizing our planet’s landscape in a period of great human influence on the environment …
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By Hannah Schulze, Local First of West Michigan One sure-fire way to guarantee yourself an A+ when it comes to planning your family vacation is to emphasize unique, exciting experiences that will result in priceless memories for years to come. And a way to add to those experiences is the human connection that can be gained by …
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By Katelyn DeWitt, Hope College Biology Student Have you hugged a tree lately? This summer I have been walking around Holland doing just that. In a joint project between the City of Holland and Hope College, I have been working to census all of the trees on public property in Holland by recording every tree’s trunk diameter and …
By Rebecca Bochenek, Veg Lakeshore Are you looking to improve your health or help save the planet? The plant-based movement is thriving and building steam in Holland and West Michigan. A few years ago, when you went out to eat, your plant-based food options may have been limited to a baked potato, salad, or soup. Now, more restaurants …
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By Ashley Van Zee, Outdoor Discovery Center It’s time to celebrate your watershed! Yes, we all live in a watershed. If you live in the Holland and Zeeland area, you live in the Macatawa watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a certain stream, river, or lake. It’s like a bathtub – all the …
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June 2018 Sustainability News June 30, 2018 – Parks enrich children’s lives June 30, 2018 – ‘Task force’ quietly planning James DeYoung vision process June 30, 2018 – The Annual Macatawa Water Festival is right around the corner, Saturday, July 14! June 30, 2018 – Trump claims Saudi Arabia will boost oil production June 30, 2018 – What will become …
By Aaron Thelenwood, City of Holland The City of Holland has reached a new five-year waste and recycling agreement in the midst of major changes locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. The contract with Allied Waste Services, locally known as Republic Services of Holland, provides recycling, refuse, and yard waste collection for residential users. Among those changes in the realm …
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By Madison Ostrander, Hope College ’17 and Eighth Day Farm Intern I spend my days interning on a farm in the middle of a parking lot learning about the intricacies and practices of urban farming. I’m a recent college graduate with a passion for food and an itch to learn more about agriculture, especially as it pertains …
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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 …
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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. …
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