Hope College Sustainability Institute

March 12, 2018 – Hope College has again been selected in 2018 as one of “West Michigan’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For”! This will be the 13th year that Hope College has been honored with this award.

March 12, 2018 – This technique could restore a big chunk of Amazon rainforest

March 12, 2018 – 50 gallons of sewer discharged at Grove Lift Station

March 11, 2018 – Owens, Wilderer named among ‘Most Influential’ women

March 9, 2018 – Too Much Technology: Children Growing up With Weak Hands, Fingers

March 9, 2018 – Community-Scale Solar to Account for 10% of US Power? Could Be…

March 8, 2018 – Hope College in top 25 colleges in Peace Corps volunteers

March 7, 2018 – Kohler Signs 100-MW Wind Power PPA with Enel Green Power North America

March 7, 2018 – MICHIGAN SPACE GRANT CONSORTIUM SUPPORTS SEVERAL HOPE COLLEGE PROJECTS

March 6, 2018 – Saving South Africa: The Real Issues Businesses Face When it Comes to Water Shortages

March 6, 2018 – GE Develops ‘World’s Largest Offshore Wind Turbine’

March 5, 2018 – Living Sustainably: Herrick’s collection ‘grows’ with new seed library

March 5, 2018 – Climate Action Makes Business Sense – See These Recent Commitments

March 5, 2018 – Grand Rapids parent fighting lead poisoning wins environmental award

March 5, 2018 – Holland Christian adding nature-based kindergarten

March 5, 2018 – Ways to conserve water

March 4, 2018 – Construction could start on Grand River restoration next year

March 4, 2018 – Women change agents panel to be held at Herrick District Library

March 4, 2018 – West Michigan’s Blue Economy: A Special Report from MiBiz

March 4, 2018 – Amid transition to clean energy, utilities tackle water conservation

March 4, 2018 – How to keep your seafood wild

March 2, 2018 – PROTECTING DRINKING WATER IN THE GREAT LAKES: Great Lakes states should ensure clean, safe drinking water for all residents. New report shows how Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin are implementing the Safe Drinking Water Act.

March 2, 2018 – Ottawa County to begin search for new assistant administrator

March 2, 2018 – County OKs $37,640 to improve historic barn at Eastmanville Farm

March 1, 2018 – Michigan Legislature OKs $175M infusion into roads, bridges

March 1, 2018 – They’re Here to Fix Climate Change! They’re College Republicans.

March 1, 2018 – The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan – 2018

Living Sustainably: Workshop targets positive community impacts by business

By Hanna Schulze, Local First
Helping businesses make positive social and environmental impacts on their community is the focus of a workshop called “Raising the Bar for Business” to be held in Holland on April 12.
Local First has partnered with the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance and Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute to host the workshop. Together they will share how to integrate both social and environmental justice values into business plans.

Those who attend will walk away with tangible methods to retain and attract talent, broaden their customer base and create lasting financial sustainability. Refreshments will be provided by Joe 2 Go.
The Holland workshop kicks off the six-part spring lineup of the 2018 Measure What Matters Workshop series, part of the “Good for Grand Rapids” campaign that celebrates West Michigan companies using their business as a force for good in the region.
“A key part of Good for Grand Rapids is providing educational resources to local businesses through our Measure What Matters Workshop series,” said Elissa Hillary, Local First president.
“Our workshops equip business owners with the tools and information they need to demonstrate a positive social and environmental impact on our community. Building upon last year’s success, we have a great series planned for 2018 and welcome any business owner or community member who has an interest.”
“Local First continues to provide impactful events like the Measure What Matters series, where business owners and decision-makers can gain knowledge, access resources and create an action plan that helps address critical issues like diversity in small businesses and renewable and efficient energy use,”
said Christine Lindeman, relationship and operations manager for Sytsma Wealth Strategies and a previous Measure What Matters attendee.
“It’s energizing to be around people who care so much about our community and the individuals who live here.”
The spring schedule for the Measure What Matters workshop series covers a variety of topics, from building healthier teams to best practices for environmental sustainability. Series participants will also learn more about the Good for Grand Rapids campaign and Local First’s Quick Impact Assessment.
In addition to the April 12 workshop, set for 9 to 11 a.m. at Herrick District Library in Holland, subsequent workshops will include “Affording Retention: Building Healthier Teams” and “Putting the ‘Eco’ in Economy,” both of which will be held in Grand Rapids. Go to http://localfirst.com/events# to find out more.
 Local First’s mission is to lead the development of an economy grounded in local ownership that meets the basic needs of people, builds local wealth and social capital, functions in harmony with our ecosystem, and encourages joyful community. For more information about Local First and its efforts to promote a sustainable local economy, visit localfirst.com.

If You Go
What: “Raising the Bar for Business” workshop on positive social and environmental impact
When: 9-11 a.m., Thursday, April 12
Where: Herrick District Library, 300 S. River Ave., Holland
How: Free for Local First members and non-members. Register at www.localfirst.com/events/raising-the-bar-for- business

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Economic Development: Businesses and the local consumers are driving engines that generate capital for growth and development. We want to be a location of choice for new business and industry.

ABOUT THIS SERIES
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.

Living Sustainably: Watershed Monitoring is a Community Effort

By Dan Callam, Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway
As Lake Macatawa and its watershed continue their slow, steady journey towards clearer water, Project Clarity partners continue keeping tabs on the progress.
Grand Valley State University’s Annis Water Resources Institute leads these efforts, with additional efforts led by Hope College’s Day1 Watershed program, the Outdoor Discovery Center, and the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council. These efforts provide data that gives feedback on projects and can alert the team to new issues.
Staff and students from Dr. Al Steinman’s lab at the Annis Institute are in the watershed at least once a month, collecting samples and measuring flow rates in several local streams. Several of these sites are located near large wetland complexes that have been restored through Project Clarity.

Institute staff are also out on Lake Macatawa four times a year, collecting samples and taking readings in each of the lake’s bays. Fish sampling also occurs early each fall, when the team uses nets and electroshocking to record the types, counts, and sizes of fish around the lake before returning them to the water.
Hope College’s Day1 Watershed program has built on years of work that Hope has done in the watershed. Engaging freshmen with faculty and older peer mentors, students are helping collect weekly water samples and examining water chemistry, microbial communities, and groundwater flow at more than a dozen sites around the watershed.
In addition to the work by local schools, project partners continue to engage with local citizen scientists. This included a new initiative this past year to get weekly updates on lake conditions from waterfront neighbors and boaters.
These citizen scientists recorded the color and clarity of lake waters at docks, road ends, and sites around the lake. Using Secchi discs – a weighted black and white disc about the size of a dinner plate – they measured the depth of the water at which the disc disappeared from view. They also recorded water color, whether it was a shade of brown, green, blue, or somewhere in between. This data supplements the sampling of the Annis Institute and provides a clearer idea of how quickly conditions in the lake change from season to season.
Upstream from the lake, volunteers help examine seven tributaries for other signs of water quality. Benthic macroinvertebrates – bugs that can be found in streams and lakes – are an important indicator of water quality. As water quality increases, the numbers and types of bugs that are found also increase. These collections have involved everyone from students to seniors. Who doesn’t want to wade in streams in the name of science on a warm summer day?
As more than a hundred projects designed to improve water quality have been completed across the watershed since Project Clarity began, these ongoing monitoring efforts help provide a clearer idea on how the watershed is changing.
 Dan Callam is Greenway manager for the Outdoor Discovery Center Macatawa Greenway.

What: Macatawa River Cleanup
Who: Community volunteers and the Macatawa Watershed Project
When:1 to 4 p.m. April 29
Where: Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave., Holland. Meet near the boat launch
How: Register at outdoordiscovery.org under “Get Involved.” Work will be on foot and in kayaks; boats,
paddles and life vests provided. Anyone under 16 must be with an adult.

What: Annual Project Clarity Update
Who: Project Clarity supporters and community members
When: 7:30 a.m. May 24
Where: Boatwerks, 216 Van Raalte Ave., Holland
How: $20 admission includes breakfast. Pre-registration required at 393-9453 or at outdoordiscovery.org

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Environmental Awareness/Action: Environmental education and integrating environmental practices into our planning will change negative outcomes of the past and improve our future.

Living Sustainably: How to “green” your yard’s warm weather routine

By Carolyn Ulstad, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council
The days are getting warmer, the sun is setting later, and the tulips are starting to emerge from their long, cold sleep. Springtime is right around the corner, and I really couldn’t be any more ready for it.
What I’m going to say next will sound utterly crazy to most of you, but I’ve really missed yard work. Yes, you read that correctly! I really enjoy mowing, pruning, and pulling weeds. My husband and I became first-time homeowners last year, so the thrill we get from taking care of our little patch of earth is still fresh!
We decided early on that we wanted to manage our property in an Earth-friendly manner that would benefit our air, water, and soil. The practices I’m going to share with you are very simple and can be applied to any home or business.
Mowing: Annually in the U.S., it’s estimated that 5 percent of our air pollution comes from mowing, with Americans using around 580 million gallons of gas to cut grass. After moving, we purchased a human-powered reel-style mower. I feel good knowing that I’m not polluting the air or bothering the neighbors with the noise, and I get a decent workout! Electric mowers are good alternatives and have come a long way in terms of quality. If you do own a gas mower, keep the blades sharp and oil fresh. The more efficiently it runs, the less it will pollute.
Fertilizer: Over time, standard fertilizer can have negative effects on groundwater and soil biology. After mowing, leave clippings on the grass; they will break down and become fertilizer for new growth. But keep the clippings off hard surfaces so they don’t end up in storm drains when it rains. This can lead to localized flooding and extra nutrients entering Lake Macatawa. Compost is another great form of fertilizer. Sprinkle it on your grass and plants. Compost piles are a great way to divert valuable food waste from the landfill.
Herbicide: Using herbicides can potentially cause unintended harm to other plants or animals. There are a number of natural alternatives that can be explored, but hand pulling weeds is particularly satisfying!
Rain barrel: Rainwater is free, and plants prefer it to tap water. Barrels also decrease the amount of water rushing into storm drains, reducing problems downstream.
Native plants: Native plants typically require less water and maintenance because they are adapted to the local climate. Their deep roots help to store water underground, diverting and cleaning stormwater and recharging aquifers. They also provide critical habitat and food for native insects.
And finally, would you rather leave the work to the professionals? Then check out the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council’s lawn care company program at www.the-macc.org, under the Watershed/Urban Water Quality/Lawn Care pulldowns, to see which area companies have agreed to follow practices that protect Lake Macatawa’s water quality.
 Carolyn Ulstad is the program assistant at the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council where she works to help the community address transportation and water quality issues. Carolyn is a life-long resident of Holland and member of the Holland Sustainability Committee.

Living Sustainably: Skilled workers needed to sustain local manufacturing

By Jennifer Owens, Lakeshore Advantage
The Lakeshore region is driven by manufacturing. Nearly one quarter of the jobs in Ottawa County are manufacturing-based, which is almost three times higher than the national average. Many of these jobs require skills, certification and training beyond high school, but not necessarily a college degree. Yet, the average wage in manufacturing is significantly higher than the average income.
As we found by interviewing 100 local company executives last year, 75 percent of these businesses plan to expand in the next three years. But more than half said there are barriers to growing here, citing the need to secure talent, particularly skilled trade workers and engineers, as their number-one issue.
Our current talent pipeline is not sustainable for our employers’ future growth. It takes actions, perception changes, investment and everyone working together to create a sustainable economic future for our employers and citizens. The good news is significant forward motion is occurring in our region.
This year, 57 local companies will receive $2.4 million to train their workforce and help fill their talent gaps through the State of Michigan’s Skilled Trade Training fund. This funding, administered by West Michigan Works!, helps to provide transferable skills to new and existing employees in high demand careers like CNC machinists, welders, carpenters and electricians.

Lakeshore Advantage and West Michigan Works! are bringing the “Hot Jobs” report and wage information to life for teachers by sharing skills, competencies and education levels needed for the most in-demand careers, along with what they pay. Last year, we shared this information with more than 300 teachers in the lakeshore region.
These are great strides, but we have more work to do. Continued forward progress will take a strong partnership between our employers and school districts to ensure the incredible career exploration programs, like those offered at the Ottawa Intermediate Area School District Careerline Tech Center, are led by strong manufacturing mentors.
Progress will also require a shift in the minds of parents to recognize that earning an advanced certification in a program like welding is just as significant and lucrative an accomplishment as earning a college degree. As parents, educators, peer students and citizens, we must recognize manufacturing and skilled trade jobs as fruitful career choices with potential and opportunity to thrive in our community and professionally.
A sustainable economic future is one in which individuals are successful as their interests match their education levels, skills and careers; in which our companies grow as their talent needs are met, and in which our region experiences a vibrant economy with great jobs now and in the future. For everyone.

 Jennifer Owens has been president since 2013 of Lakeshore Advantage, a non-profit economic development organization that connects businesses to the resources they need to grow in Ottawa County, northern Allegan County and West Michigan.

Living Sustainably: Herrick’s collection ‘grows’ with new seed library

By Andrea Goodell, Herrick District Library
Not all knowledge comes in books. Herrick District Library has long advocated knowledge in all its forms, not the least of which is experience. Our new seed library aims to create a cycle of locally grown plants and saved seeds … and gardeners.

The Seed Library’s motto is “Select, Learn, Grown, Return.” Starting this month, patrons will be able to select from among 78 varieties of fruit, vegetable, herb and flower seeds (up to five packets per visit; no more than one of any variety). They will learn about gardening from seminars, seed swaps, books and videos. They can visit the HDL Seed Library website, Herrickdl.org/HDLseedlibrary, for tips, tricks and more resources.

Kicking off the new project will be Ben Cohen, sustainable homesteader and proprietor of Small House Farm. Cohen is an heirloom seed expert and will present “Community Knowledge: Planting and Saving Seeds” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 6 in the Herrick District Library auditorium, 300 S. River Ave. The presentation is the latest in the Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore series.

Master Gardener Shannon Campau will also conduct classes later this summer. With all that help, no one needs to be intimidated by growing their own food or flowers from seed.
We hope a wide variety of people take and grow our organic, heirloom seeds. Some experts will grow gardens to save the seeds, carefully making sure they don’t cross-pollinate and noting when they planted and harvested the seeds, plus any helpful tips for the next gardener. Some people will seek to know more about growing food. Some people will want a cheap source of fresh fruit and veggies.
At the end of the season, we hope people will save some seeds for themselves and return some seeds to the library to keep the cycle going, but honestly, we know that many will simply enjoy the (literal) fruits of their labor. And that’s OK, too.
In a way, the seeds themselves will be gaining knowledge, as well. When seeds are saved and planted year over year in one area, it creates a more hardy plant adapted to that specific area.
In the coming years, the library hopes to expand the project to include native species as well. Perhaps it is appropriate that the new seed library is housed in an upcycled card catalog. Yes, this is the library, but if all you’re expecting is rows of books and shushing librarians, you’re in the wrong place.

Herrick District Library is located at 300 S. River Ave. The Herrick North Branch is located at 155 Riley St. For details, visit herrickdl.org/events or call 616-355- 3100.
Also, look for the Book Bike at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade at noon Saturday, March 17, giving away pea seeds!

 Andrea Goodell is community relations associate at Herrick District Library.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme:
Community Knowledge: The collective knowledge and energy of the community is an incredible resource that must be channeled to where it is needed.

ABOUT THIS SERIES:
Living Sustainably is a collection of community voices sharing updates about local sustainability initiatives. It is presented by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute, a joint project of Hope College, the City of Holland and Holland Board of Public Works. Go to www.hope.edu/sustainability-institute for more information.

February 2018 Sustainability News

February 2018

February 28, 2018 – A supermarket in Amsterdam has an aisle with more than 700 grocery items – and no plastic

February 28, 2018 – Hope College to host lecture on climate change psychology

February 27, 2018 – Some Christians are cutting carbon for Lent: Instead of giving up luxuries, they’re reducing pollution.

February 27, 2018 – How Skipping Hotel Housekeeping Can Help the Environment and Your Wallet

February 26, 2018 – Hope College’s RecycleMania limits landfill waste

February 26, 2018 – Upcoming series will focus on urban planning

February 26, 2018 – Coal exec sued John Oliver for calling him a ‘geriatric Dr. Evil.’ A judge tossed the case.

February 26, 2018 – Letter: Success for businesses, but at what cost?

February 26, 2018 – Mountains of trash left behind by hurricanes inflame debate in US Virgin Islands

February 25, 2018 – Holland-area schools, businesses form manufacturing partnerships

February 25, 2018 – Are hidden leaks damaging your home, boosting water bills and harming the environment?

February 25, 2018 – North American energy trade boosts our economic and energy security

February 24, 2018 – Out on the Lakeshore sees growth within first year

February 24, 2018 – My Take: Predicting the tax law’s impact on charitable giving

February 23, 2018 – State of emergency declared in Ottawa County due to flooding

February 22, 2018 – Minister urges Christians to act on climate: ‘Love of God and neighbor means that we have to honor creation and care for it,’ she says.

February 22, 2018 – Shelters open amid Midwest flooding as rivers keep rising

February 22, 2018 – Garcia, Lilly sponsor teacher prep bills

February 21, 2018 – HOPE COLLEGE AMONG PEACE CORPS 2018 TOP VOLUNTEER-PRODUCING COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITIES

February 21, 2018 – ‘Little Miss Flint’ helped hundreds of underprivileged kids see ‘Black Panther’

February 21, 2018 – How Patagonia Grows Every Time It Amplifies Its Social Mission: CEO Rose Marcario, who leads the apparel player, a 2018 World’s Most Innovative Company, has catalyzed the shifting political tides to Patagonia’s benefit.

February 21, 2018 – Will and Jaden Smith create eco-friendly water company: Just

February 21, 2018 – Swap these 4 food fads with nutritious kitchen staples

February 20, 2018 – Hope lecture addresses racial achievement gaps in higher ed

February 20, 2018 – Trump’s EPA budget touches on GenX, other chemicals

February 19, 2018 – Living Sustainably: CareerLine Tech’s EcoLeaders tackle plastic pollution

February 19, 2018 – Consumers Energy Announces Clean Energy Breakthrough Goal: 80 Percent Reduction in Carbon Emissions, Zero Coal by 2040

February 19, 2018 – ASHRAE Publishes Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings

February 19, 2018 – APNewsBreak: Consumers Energy to stop burning coal by 2040

February 18, 2018 – Trump again will try to cut energy assistance to the poor

February 17, 2018 – Farmers confront too much milk, low prices

February 17, 2018 – The WeWork Manifesto: First, Office Space. Next, the World.

February 17, 2018 – ‘E-waste’ recycling innovator faces prison for trying to extend life span of PCs

February 15, 2018 – What to Give Up for Lent? Smoking? Cursing? How About Plastic?

February 15, 2018 – Extreme poverty in America: read the UN special monitor’s report

February 15, 2018 – Michigan tax tribunal sees case on solar energy systems

February 15, 2018 – Greening Mardi Gras: Recycling effort targets parade trash

February 13, 3018 – As electric vehicles gain favor, utilities can accelerate EV adoption

February 13, 2018 – Local environmental groups react to Governor Snyder’s refusal to shut down Line 5

February 12, 2018 – Trump Administration Wants To Decide What Food SNAP Recipients Will Get

February 12, 2018 – Living Sustainably: Awards event honors Lakeshore sustainability stars

February 12, 2018 – Q&A: How is the growth of bitcoin affecting the environment?

February 11, 2018 – Local First awards Holland businesses, nonprofits

February 8, 2018 – Places Where Americans Live the Most Balanced Lifestyles (Grand Rapids Area is listed at #1)

February 8, 2018 – EPA’s Scott Pruitt asks whether global warming ‘necessarily is a bad thing’

February 8, 2018 – Our Kids Can Save The Planet — If We Teach Them How

February 8, 2018 – Holland residents discuss sustainable policing efforts

February 8, 2018 – Holland Energy Park allows for snow melt expansion and a lesson on sustainable energy

February 7, 2018 – Meijer Simply Give Program Set Record Year: At Least 84.8M Meals

February 7, 2018 – Why feedback loops are one of the most troubling parts of global warming

February 6, 2018 – Ottawa County Accepting Applications for Farmland Preservation

February 6, 2018 – How climate change is endangering the Winter Olympics

February 6, 2018 – $2.1M Economic Development Administration grant to aid local businesses

February 6, 2018 – App lets Californians collect cash for saving energy

February 5, 2018 – Living Sustainably: Sowmelt sustains a healthier Holland

February 5, 2018 – Holland Receives Distinguished Budget Presentation Award

February 5, 2018 – Florida Keys to raise roads before climate change puts them underwater. It won’t be cheap

February 5, 2018 – Climate change could be bad for your coffee

February 5, 2018 – Biodegradable Plastics: Yes or No?

February 4, 2018 – Sticky piles of toxic PFAS foam plaguing Michigan lake

February 4, 2018 – Top trends to inspire your outdoor living

February 4, 2018 – Take a trip with DeGraaf Nature Center

February 4, 2018 – New research tackles Great Lakes regional problems

February 4, 2018 – Esther J. Cepeda: Your children need your unplugged attention

February 4, 2018 – Area businesses, governments adding solar panels

February 2, 2018 – Paper, bamboo, Twizzlers: Restaurants consider alternatives to the plastic straw

February 1, 2018 – Michigan Survey Finds Strong Bipartisan Support For Solar

February 1, 2018 – Here’s How Trump’s Tariffs Will Hurt Solar Growth

February 1, 2018 – On the Road with Rick Holmes: Holding off extinction

February 1, 2018 – Local First to hold LocalMotion Awards

February 1, 2018 – Solar Helps Boost Renewables to Another Record Year

February 1, 2018 – Local Partners Developing Real-Time Watershed Monitoring System for Project Clarity

February 1, 2018 – Ottawa County Parks paves way for 35-mile pathway from lakeshore to Grand Rapids

Living Sustainably: Hope College’s RecycleMania limits landfill waste

By Karen Frink, Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute Intern

In a new twist on a basketball game, Hope College recently participated in RecycleMania, a competition between college and university recycling programs to see which can produce the least amount of waste. The GameDay Challenge looks to keep out of the landfill as much waste as possible produced during a single sporting event.
The winner was environmental sustainability.
Abigail Jeavons, co-president of the Hope Advocates for Sustainability student group, began planning to introduce RecycleMania to Hope after noticing it was a common practice at many colleges that are highly ranked for environmental activism. She believed that the GameDay Challenge would be the best step to help educate the campus about where waste goes.
RecycleMania encourages colleges to measure and benchmark recycling activity to improve their programs over time. It aims to generate attention and support for campus recycling programs and to motivate students and staff to increase recycling efforts and reduce waste generation through a fair and friendly competition.
Hope College participated in RecycleMania during the last men’s home basketball game, on Feb. 17 against Albion College. Scattered throughout the concourse of DeVos Fieldhouse were waste-sorting stations manned by volunteers to help direct recyclables, compostable material, and landfill waste into the proper receptacles.
Thanks to the participation of the 3,324 fans and the sorting efforts of the volunteers, the total waste collected for the basketball game was a 2-cubic- yard dumpster of compostable material, five bags of recycling – and just one bag of waste to be sent to the landfill!
Over the past few years, the Hope College Dining Services has made a conscious effort to switch to biodegradable food containers for take-out foods. This includes but is not limited to items such as plates, napkins, cups and lids, eating utensils, and even straws.
“I noticed genuine interest from some (fans), as opposed to simply going through the motions because they had no other option. I specifically remember someone thanked us sincerely and told us that he usually brought his waste home to compost himself,” said Tyler Gargala, a senior Hope Advocate for Sustainability team member.
The success of the event stems from the collaborative efforts of Hope Advocates for Sustainability, Hope College Green Team, Hope College’s Physical Plant Department, Hope College Dining Services, as well as the college athletic department.
“I would love to see Hope as a campus become more involved in RecycleMania, not just the sustainability groups, but see the students across campus get excited about it,” Jeavons said. “We have the infrastructure there. It’s just a matter of connecting people and getting people to volunteer their time. I would love to see us move forward.”

To learn more about sustainability at Hope College visit www.hope.edu/sustainability.
 Karen Frink is a junior at Hope College and intern at the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute.

Living Sustainably: Careerline Tech EcoLeaders Tackle Plastic Pollution

By Megan Wallinga, Kyle McDonald, Allison Elkins, Brianna Mollitor, and Caden Klanderman – Careerline Tech Students
This year, the Natural Resources class at Careerline Tech Center decided to try out something new: The National Wildlife Federation EcoLeaders program. EcoLeaders’ mission is to encourage young people to embody values of economic, social, and environmental equality and sustainability. Through the program, students work on projects that promote a greener and more wildlife-friendly campus.

The Careerline Tech Natural Resources and Conservation class works in its learning lab, 22 acres of woods across the street from the center. Photo by Allison Elkins.

In order to encourage members of their community to enjoy nature and wildlife, the EcoLeaders team at the Careerline Tech Center decided to sponsor a Book Nook at Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Nature Education Center at Hemlock Crossing.
To raise funds, they decided to figure out a way to raise money and help better their community.

Every year, according to EcoWatch, 22 million pounds of plastic are dumped into the Great Lakes. Most of the plastic floats up onto shore, and it accounts for 80 percent of all of the litter that’s washed up on shore each year.

To help resolve the issue of plastic pollution, the EcoLeaders came up with the slogan “Plastic Pollutes.” They hosted a contest throughout Careerline Tech Center for students to create a design to be printed on a reusable bag, which students will sell to help fund the Book Nook. The winners were Kristin Donnelly with her “Whale You Please Recycle” design and Brielle Lacourse with her “Not Everything is Edible” design. “Whales are a very big part of our ecosystem, and I wanted my design to have a big impact,” Donnelly said in her statement about the art. Lacourse explained the inspiration of her design: “I remember from ‘Happy Feet’ the penguin with the plastic around its neck, and we watched a video in class about sea turtles and jellyfish.”
There’s a saying that when you throw away a plastic bag, there is no “away.” We realize that as EcoLeaders and strive to help other people see that, too.

The winning bags will be for sale in our community in early April!

 The authors of this article are students in the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Careerline Tech’s Natural Resources class, taught by Avril Freeman. The Natural Resources and Conservation program prepares student for careers in environmental science, sustainability, and recreation. Through hands-on, project-based field work, students gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed regardless of whether they attend college or enter the workforce.

RecycleMania 2018 – February 17 – Men’s Basketball Game

For the first year, Hope College is participating in the GameDay Basketball category of RecycleMania! RecycleMania is a friendly competition and benchmarking tool for college and university recycling programs to promote waste reduction activities to their campus communities.

DeVos Fieldhouse is set to host the competition at the Men’s Basketball game on February 17, 2018.

We need your help to keep as much waste out of the landfill. Waste receptacles will be available throughout the fieldhouse collecting compostable, recyclable, and landfill materials. Their respective weights will be reported and Hope College will fight for the best spot for the least amount of landfill waste produced during this game.

Want to know more about composting/recycling on campus? Click here or watch this short YouTube video.

For more information about the national competition please visit: https://recyclemania.org/about-recyclemania/

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