Category Archives: Economic Development

Living Sustainably: Two events address business sustainability

By Michelle Gibbs and Paul Lilly, Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute Businesses are emerging as significant players in the environmental/social movement because of their opportunities to implement solutions while still following principled business methods. Two upcoming events provide opportunities for businesses and community members to learn about ways to support the “triple bottom line” – the business approach that …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Two events address business sustainability”

2019 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 …

Continue reading “2019 HOPE COLLEGE STUDENT SUSTAINABILITY RESEARCH PROJECTS”

Living Sustainably: MAX Transit again offers efficient access for Tulip Time

By Shelby Pedersen, Max Transit There’s no need to tiptoe to the tulips this year – or walk or drive downtown, for that matter. The Macatawa Area Express (MAX) is again pairing with Tulip Time to offer an inexpensive way to avoid parking and traffic problems during the festival that begins May 4. To avoid traffic and …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: MAX Transit again offers efficient access for Tulip Time”

Spring into Sustainability this Earth Month!

Below is a listing of some of the fun things happening around the greater Holland area that you can participate in to learn more about our Earth and how to protect it.   Be sure to also check out the events on the calendars for the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, Outdoor Discovery Center, DeGraaf Nature Center, City Parks, and our county …

Continue reading “Spring into Sustainability this Earth Month!”

Living Sustainably: Water, water everywhere? Not so much, anymore

By Paul Sachs, Ottawa County One of Ottawa County’s most alluring features is its water. For as far as the eye can see, Lake Michigan’s crystal-blue waters lap up against our expansive sandy shoreline. Twenty-four miles of coastline provide the perfect backdrop for walking, swimming, kayaking, boating, and fishing. But what we can’t see, and something that is …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Water, water everywhere? Not so much, anymore”

Living Sustainably: Free trees can help cut energy use

A properly planted tree can help a homeowner save up to 20 percent on energy use. And Holland Board of Public Works residential electric customers can reserve a free tree this spring to strategically plant in their yards to save energy and lower utility bills.  From the Arbor Day Foundation, the Energy-Saving Trees program began in 2012, …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Free trees can help cut energy use”

Living Sustainably: Panel to discuss complexity of affordable housing

By Hannah Gingrich, Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore “Affordable housing is not a simple subject” might be the understatement of the year.  Regular consumers of local news have undoubtedly noticed this topic repeatedly featured in recent city discussions. Housing issues affect everyone, though in different ways. Even the casually interested likely have heard friends or coworkers mention how difficult …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Panel to discuss complexity of affordable housing”

Living Sustainably: Good business is doing good for the community

By Hanna Schultz, People First Economy It’s 2019, and with the new year comes inspiration, a renewed sense of purpose, and the added drive to become the best version of yourself you can be. So, why would your approach to your business be any differently? This last year has seen economic growth and opportunity for many businesses, …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Good business is doing good for the community”

Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution – Thursday, February 21

Please join the Macatawa Creation Care Group on Thursday, February 21 in Graves Hall for a film screening of “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution.” Doors open at 5:45, and the film starts at 6:00. The film will be followed by a panel of representatives from the City Of Holland, Holland Board of Public Works, and …

Continue reading “Happening: A Clean Energy Revolution – Thursday, February 21”

Living Sustainably: Film examines troubling issue of poverty

By Cameron Geddes, Hope College Markets & Morality The great specter of the modern age is shapeless, manifesting in a menagerie of forms: Fathers unable to keep a roof over the heads of their sons. Mothers having only empty pantries to offer their daughters. Neighbors squabbling over property that rises just above worthless. Poverty is the English word …

Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Film examines troubling issue of poverty”