By Jenny White, Velo City Cycles Normally, this is the time of year that hundreds of West Michigan kids, ages 2 to 16, and their coaches meet up at local parks for bi-weekly Velo Kids bike rides. At these rides, Velo Kids learn and practice bike skills, bike safety, and bike trail stewardship. Now, due …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Kids on bikes get creative this summer”
By Aaron Thelenwood, City of Holland The City of Holland has a history of established best practices in recycling as evidenced by a long-standing city ordinance requiring recycling service for all residential users as well a designated single hauler to service the city’s residents – two factors which promote active recycling participation and success. City …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Holland’s Long Recycling History Evolves Again”
Hope College has again earned a STARS Silver rating in recognition of its sustainability achievements from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). STARS, the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment & Rating System, measures and encourages sustainability in all aspects of higher education. Hope has held a silver rating since 2017, after previously …
Continue reading “Hope Again Receives Stars Silver Rating for Sustainability Achievements”
By Rich C. Lakeberg, Ottawa County Water – it’s one of the building blocks of life, and Michiganders are surrounded by it. With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, one may assume Michigan could never face a water shortage. But Ottawa County is facing such a challenge. To understand why, we need to …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Combat groundwater challenges by watering wisely”
By Lisa Uganski, Ottawa County Department of Public Health It’s that time of year when many people look forward to shopping outdoors at farm markets. The Holland Farmers Market is now open to provide the community with fresh, local and healthy food in a safe outdoor environment. Due COVID-19 concerns, the market has implemented a …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Holland Farmers Market opens with new safety regulations”
By Donna Lowry, Ready for School A healthy and economically vibrant community depends on meeting the real-time needs of families. Early learning and child care professionals know this well. They partner with working parents and caregivers to provide children the early learning experiences they need for a strong start in kindergarten and life. Prior to …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Economic restart must meet child care needs”
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 …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: Parents can teach street safety to kids”
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 …
Continue reading “Living Sustainably: A Sustainable Look at Lawn Care”
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. …
