June 2018 Sustainability News

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 …

Living Sustainably: Holland seeks better recycling outcomes

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 …

Living Sustainably: Eating local: Food for thought

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 …

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Framework to work by looking at ways to reduce waste in all its facilities – repurposing used items, reselling outdated equipment and working with local nonprofits to recycle and recover scrap materials.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 …