Involving All of Us in So Many Ways

LIVING SUSTAINABLY:

Involving All of Us in So Many Ways

By Michelle Gibbs
Director, Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute

Welcome to the new Living Sustainably series!

This weekly column is sponsored by the Holland-Hope College Sustainability Institute as a way to keep our community informed and engaged in all of the great work in sustainability that is happening around the greater Holland area.  

You may be asking yourself, what really is “sustainability?”  The term sustainability has been defined in many ways, but the most commonly referenced definition comes from the Brundtland Commission’s Report Our Common Future which states “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”  This weekly column is aimed at showing how issues of sustainability are actually at play in so many areas of our lives.  

Each week, guest authors will share information about events or work they are involved in as it relates to seven categories. These categories make up our “Sustainability Framework,” which demonstrates the many ways in which sustainability awareness can improve our community’s future. They are:  

  • Smart Energy 
  • Economic Development
  • Transportation
  • Community & Neighborhood
  • Quality of Life
  • Community Knowledge
  • Environmental Action & Awareness


Our City of Holland Sustainability Committee has created this seven-pillar Sustainability Framework with “lenses” to help us evaluate and make more sustainable choices. We are using this framework as a way to share information about our journey to become a more sustainable community. Each week’s column will look at an issue through one of these lenses.

The city’s vision statement says Holland is “a vibrant, world-class community in a beautiful lakefront environment where people work together, celebrate community, and realize dreams.” We believe for that to be true, we must look at all aspects of our community – including the economic, social, and environmental impacts we all have.  In doing that, we are working hard to ensure that Holland is a great place to live, work, and play for generations to come.

The Sustainability Institute is entering our third year of partnership between Hope College, the City of Holland, and Holland Board of Public Works. The purpose of the Institute is to support efforts to encourage, engage, educate, and drive sustainable culture in water and air quality, energy efficiency, land use, and environmental innovation.

Our vision is a healthy and economically vibrant community that promotes environmental stewardship and mutual respect for people and the planet.  Our mission is to foster collaborative efforts to infuse sustainability into the minds and practices of the greater Holland community.  

We invite anyone and everyone in the community to join in. Check out the new community sustainability dashboard at www.hollandsustainabilityreport.org to see dozens of metrics in all seven framework areas. You can also follow us on Facebook by liking the group “Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore.”

 

We hope you will enjoy this new series and that it encourages you to join us on this journey to become a more sustainable community.  

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. See more at hope.edu/sustainability-institute

December 2016 News

December 29, 2016 – It wasn’t all bad news for the planet: 5 positive environmental stories from 2016.

December 28, 2016 – Grant money, park improvements headed for Ottawa County

December 28, 2016 – How Can Manufacturers Save Billions? By Reducing Food Waste.

December 27, 2016 – UPS Says Its Electric Bikes Are Advanced and Reduce the Company’s Carbon Profile

December 19, 2016 – Take a quick look at Holland’s proposed master planDecember 19, 2016 – Dan Callam, Greenway Manager at the Outdoor Discovery Center, talked about a recently completed wetlands restoration project

December 19, 2016 – Consumers Energy receives sustainable business practices recognition

December 18, 2016 – Community Action Agency served thousands in Holland area in 2016

December 17, 2016 – Holland hair salon taking donations for My House Ministry

December 16, 2016 – Holland’s Trendway named best and brightest in sustainability

December 16, 2016 – Research institute named ‘stakeholder of the year’ for watershed work

December 15, 2016 – Motion lights up and running in several Holland parks

December 12, 2016 – HOPE PROFESSOR, MARIA BURNATOWSKA-HLEDIN WINS JANET ANDERSEN LECTURE AWARD

December 9, 2016 – Ford, Automakers Call on Trump, EPA to Put the Breaks on Fuel Economy Rules

December 8, 2016 – What Do EPA Chiefs Have To Say About Trump’s Environmental Plans?

December 8, 2016 – Leonardo DiCaprio meets with Trump to talk about green jobs

December 7, 2016 – EPA’s McCarthy Cautiously Hopeful on Transition

December 6, 2016 – SANDY POINT BEACH HOUSE: INGREDIENT-FOCUSED MENU WITH A PINCH OF CREATIVE FLAVORS

December 3, 2016 – Cashing in On Climate Change

December 2, 2016 – Shopping at Small Michigan Businesses ‘Would Mean a Lot’ During $20B Holiday

December 1, 2016 – Downtown ‘Edible Food Forest’ Proposed Near West End of Kalamazoo Trail

December 1, 2016 – HOPE COLLEGE DINING RECOGNIZED FOR SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS   and Holland Sentinel  Hope College Awarded Gold Certification

November 2016 News

November 30, 2016 – New Bills Would Make Sustainability Bigger Part of Michigan Schools

November 30, 2016 – First Sustainable Urban ‘Agrihood’ in U.S. to Launch in Detroit

November 30, 2016 – Cities and States Lead on Climate Change

November 29, 2016 – Muskegon County Commissioners Swear Off Bottled Water for Sustainability

November 25, 2016 – This Island Is Now Powered Almost Entirely by Solar Energy 

November 25, 2016 – Michigan’s Biggest Electric Provider Phasing Out Coal, Despite Trump’s Stance

November 24, 2016 – Holland Every Park Readies for Power Production in February 2017

November 23, 2016 – Global Warming Alters Arctic Food Chain, Scientists Say, With Unforeseeable Results

November 21, 2016 – Obama Administration Blocks Arctic Oil Drilling

November 18, 2016 – They May Save Us Yet Scientists Found Way to Turn Our Carbon Emissions into Rock

November 18, 2016 – The Face of EPA May Change. But its Mission Will Continue

November 17, 2016 – Hundreds of Companies Tell Trump ‘Don’t Dump Paris Climate Agreement’

November 17, 2016: Networx: Heat Your Open Plan Home Up and Keep Fuel Bills Down

November 16, 2016: Pipeline Company Seeks Federal Court OK to Proceed With Plan

November 16, 2016: U.S. Companies to Trump Don’t Abandon Global Climate Deal

November 16, 2016: Go Green and Save Green with High Efficiency Water Heater

November 15, 2016 – Trump’s Election Overshadows Energy Pipeline Protests Around The U.S.

November 15, 2016 – What Happens If the Clean Power Plan Is Ultimately Tossed?

November 15, 2016 – New Call2Recycle Study Highlights the Importance of Accessibility in Driving Recycling Behavior

November 15, 2016 – How Microsoft’s Latest Wind Energy Purchase Will Enable Faster Adoption of Renewables

November 15, 2016 – How Smart Waste Collection Can Reduce Costs, Improve EHS Performance

November 14, 2016 – What Happens to Renewables in a Trump Administration?

November 14 – 2016 – The War On Carbon Is Over

November 14, 2016 – Closed Loop Fund’s First $20M Recycling Investments Show ‘Recycling Makes Economic Sense’

November 13, 2016 – Holland’s first female mayor Nancy DeBoer ‘coming into her own’

November 11, 2016 – Join a spring nature tour through DeGraaf

November 11, 2016 –  Trump, state utilities on different paths

November 11, 2016 – Are Glory Days Here Again for Coal?

November 11, 2016 – EPA Proposes Denying Oil Refiners’ Renewable Fuel Standard Petition

November 11, 2016 – Crane comes down at Holland Energy Park

November 10, 2016 – Trump Presidential Victory: What Industry Leaders Are Saying

November 10, 2016 – Disney Trash Tracking: Waste Management of Tomorrow(land)?

November 10, 2016: Senate Passes Energy Overhaul with 15% Renewable Mandate

November 9, 2016 – HOPE RECYCLES WEEK: THE DUTCH GO GREEN

November 9, 2016 – What Does a Trump Presidency Mean for Environmental Managers?

November 9, 2016 – The Evolution of Whole Building Interval Data

November 8, 2016 – Walmart, Target, US Chamber Foundation to Launch Circular Economy Pilot

November 8, 2016 – Working with China to Advance Energy Efficiency Around the Globe

November 8, 2016 – Energy Efficiency’s Healthcare Facility Challenge

November 8, 2016 – EPA Finalizes ‘Illegal’ Clean Power Plan Tools, Draws Ire of States, Energy Companies

November 8, 2016 – Walmart Wants to Set a Global Example and Vows to Represent all Stakeholders

November 8, 2016 – 5 easy ways to ‘charge up’ your recycling habits

November 7, 2016 – Even the Biggest Coal Utilities Are Investing in Renewables. AEP is the Latest Example

November 3, 2016 – DiCaprio’s documentary calls for a green future, but his vision isn’t radical enough

November 2, 2016 – Video:  Before the Flood

November 2, 2016 – What Does a Carbon Tax Mean for Manufacturing?

November 2, 2016 –  Innovative Recycling Helps Ford Rouge Center Go Landfill-Free

November 1, 2016 – Concentrated Solar Power Could Get a Big Boost

November 1, 2016: Lowell Biodigester in Compliance Before Stink Deadline

October 2016 News

October 31, 2016: We Don’t Need a War on Climate Change, We Need  a Revolution

October 30, 2016: 300 Million Children Breathe Highly Toxic Air , UNICEF Reports

October 30, 2016 – Guessing Wrong on Climate Change

October 28, 2016 – Energy Efficiency and Leased Spaces

October 28, 2016 – Corporate Community Leading the Charge Into the New Energy Economy

October 28, 2016 – How Circular-Economy Approaches to Wastewater Can Cut Costs, Emissions, Water Use

October 27, 2016: Elegant yet Efficient Hydroponics for Home

October 26, 2016 – Aquinas College Named West Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year

October 26, 2016 – Energy Department Celebrates 40th Anniversary of National Weatherization Program

October 24, 2016 – 5 Ways for Every Business to Address the 3 P’s

October 21, 2016 – Bill to Ban Plastic Bags in Michigan Introduced

October 20, 2016 – Bottled Water or Tap: How much does your choice matter?

October 18, 2016 – Carbon Emissions are the Lowest They Have Been Since 1991. Can That Last?

October 18, 2016 – Holland-Hope Upcycle Event Helps Urge Sustainability

October 18, 2016 – How Ford, PepsiCo Plan to Slash Manufacturing Water Use

October 18, 2016 – And the Green Power Leadership Award Goes To…

October 18, 2016 – New Jersey Waste-to-Energy Bill Would Require Corporations to Separate Food Waste

October 17, 2016 – Celebrate 100 Years of Majesty with Visit to National Park

October 17, 2016 – On the Role of Chinese Religion in Environmental Protection

October 17, 2016 – PepsiCo Sets Global Target for Sugar Reduction

October 15, 2016 – Board Votes to Fix ‘Ecological Disaster’ at Windstrom Park 

October 13, 2016 – Genius Teacher Installed Pedals Underneath Her Students Desks 

October 12, 2016 – Last Home at Holland Energy Park Moved Wednesday

October 12, 2016 – U.S. Fossil Fuels Emissions Lowest Since 1991

October 12, 2016 – Why It Matters: Energy

October 10, 2016 – Holland Awarded for Coolest Downtown in America in Bloom Contest 

October 8, 2016 – New Hampshire College Heats Campus with used Cooking Oil

October 6, 2016 –  Ottawa County Parks System Looks at Rules on Drones, Hammocks

October 4, 2016 – Why Partnering with Cities on Climate Goals Makes Good Business Sense

October 3, 2016 – Home Help: Weatherizing your home with these easy tips

October 3, 2016 – What Does It Take to Meet a Science-Based GHG Target?

September 2016 News

September 30, 2016 – Driving Energy Efficiency by Improving the Owner/Tenant Relationship

September 30, 2016 – Three Trends Align to Save Buildings Millions in Energy Costs

September 29, 2016 – Local, State and the Federal Government Excel at Energy Efficiency

September 27, 2016 – Last house at energy park to move to Holland Heights

September 26, 2016 – Home Help: Tips to stop drafts, save money and improve your home

September 26, 2016 – Global Business Community Is Key to Solving Climate Change, Report Says

September 26, 2016 – Clean Power Plan: Manufacturing Boon or Bust?

September 26, 2016 – Will Electronics ‘Right to Repair’ Laws Fix the Growing E-Waste Problem?

September 25, 2016 – Schools of choice contributes to enrollment drops, economic disparity in local districts

September 23, 2016 – Johnson Controls earns Star of Energy Efficiency Chairman’s Award

September 22, 2016 – Conserve energy and save money this fall by weatherizing your home with these easy tips

September 21, 2016 – GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT CAN WE DO?

September 21, 2016 – The invisible American: Millions not reflected in official unemployment rate

September 21, 2016 – 10 Smart Ideas to Heat Your Home for Less

September 21, 2016 – Whole Foods Reaches $3.5 Million Hazardous Waste Settlement

September 21, 2016 – Native Americans Oppose Dakota Pipeline on Environmental and Safety Grounds

September 21, 2016 – Mars Drinks’ Single Serve Packaging Redesign Cuts Carbon Footprint by 31%

September 21, 2016 – Art collective: Artists represent Zeeland group at ArtPrize

September 21, 2016 – Get a garden program growing at your school with these tips

September 20, 2016 – Holland, Townships Plan Fall Leaf Recycling and Collection

September 20, 2016 – Why Sustainable Supply Chains Matter

September 19, 2016 – CRITICAL ISSUES SYMPOSIUM TO FOCUS ON “ECONOMIC INEQUALITY IN A DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY” ON SEPT. 27 AND 28

September 19, 2016 – Congress Comes Together to Set Modified Terms for Coal Ash Disposal

September 19, 2016 – France Bans Plastic Plates and Cutlery

September 19, 2016 – H&M’s $6.5M Effort to Advance Textile Recycling

September 18, 2016 – Michigan Budget Director Brings Energy to Governor’s Office

September 17, 2016 – How B Corps Are Redefining Small Business Success

September 15, 2016 – Senate Approves Funding for Flint Water Crisis

September 15, 2016 – Senate Approves Bill for Water Projects; Millions for Flint

September 12, 2016 – Michigan Estimated to Have the Biggest Apple Crop Ever

September 11, 2016 – Taking a deeper look at sustainability

September 10, 2016 – Yellow, Fuzzy and Flat: Where Do Recycled Tennis Balls Go?

September 19, 2016 – Bank of America Pledges Carbon Neutrality by 2020

September 16, 2016 – GM Pledges 100% Renewable Energy by 2050, Expects to Save More Than $5M Annually

September 16, 2016 –Think Bio-Based Materials Are Costly, Perform Poorly? Think Again.

September 8, 2016 – Holland, MI: Smart Lights for Parks

September 8, 2016 – Climate Change Builds the Case for Increased Resiliency

September 8, 2016 – California Extends Most Ambitious Climate Change Law in U.S.

September 7, 2016 – HOPE PUSHES FOR A GREENER WORLD

September 7, 2016 – BULTMAN STUDENT CENTER ON SCHEDULE

September 7, 2016 – 2 Bridges Planned for Bike Trail Gap in Kent County

September 2, 2016 – HUNDREDS OF HOPE COLLEGE STUDENTS TO SPEND DAY VOLUNTEERING

September 1, 2016 – Holland is featured as one of the Most Beautiful Small Towns to Visit in the U.S. by Trips to Discover.

August 2016 News

August 30, 2016 – MAJOR NSF GRANT SUPPORTS COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF E. COLI IN MACATAWA WATERSHED

August 29, 2016 – DNR Set to Map Out Michigan Water Trails, Amenities and Access

August 25, 2016 – New Green Advancements in Hospital Environments

August 24, 2016 – Why Your Firm Should Be Engaging the Board on Sustainability Challenges

August 23, 2016 – BPW begins installation of red spine on new Holland power plant

August 23, 2016 – Carbon Footprinting: Helping Investors Ask the Right Questions

August 23, 2016 – Plastic Bag Ban Pitts Manufacturers Against Grocers

August 22, 2016 – CROSS-CULTURAL, BILINGUAL EXHIBIT “AFTER THE RUPTURE” TO OPEN IN THE KRUIZENGA ART MUSEUM ON AUGUST 30

August 22, 2016 – The Road from Paris Leads to Science-based Targets

August 22, 2016 – Sustainable Procurement Standard Coming Soon

August 18, 2016 – HOPE RENEWS MEMBERSHIP IN HIGHER-ED SUSTAINABILITY ASSOCIATION Hope College has recently renewed its membership in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to further campus efforts toward building a healthy and just world. Through membership in AASHE, Hope will receive continued support in advancing its sustainability initiatives throughout the institution and in the community.

August 18, 2016 – EPA Assistant Administrator Mathy Stanislaus authored “A Virtuous Circle” in the September/October 2016 issue of The Environmental Forum. The article discusses the path forward to achieve sustainable materials management in the future through collaboration, innovation and change.  To read the article click here.

August 17, 2016 – Join the Holland Market Chef Series on Saturdays!

August 16, 2016 – People would buy green products – if only e-commerce showed them how

August 16, 2016 – Holland Farmers Market to host final summer kids’ activity

August 15, 2016 – Leading Banks Commit to Valuing Natural Capital

August 15, 2016 – ODC: Green vegetation on Lake Macatawa not algae

August 15, 2016 – Who Are the Leading Clean Energy Companies?

August 15, 2016 – Why Setting Science Based Targets Matters

August 15, 2016 – The Military Understands Energy Efficiency

August 12, 2016 – Environmental Pariah No More? Study Says Plastics Reduce Environmental Costs

August 12, 2016 – (Audio July 27, 2016) – The Midwest: A Climate Leader? The Midwest, a large source of greenhouse gas emissions, may be ripe for climate solutions.

August 11, 2016 – HOPE/HOLLAND COMMUNITY DAY WILL BE SEPT. 3

August 11, 2016 – IBM Researchers Create Cheaper, Biodegradable Plastics from Plants

August 11, 2016 – Why did Walmart take the unusual step to tackle chemicals?

August 11, 2016 – Picking up production: Zeeland water plant expansion plowing ahead

August 10, 2016 – Up from the depths: Aquatic research vessle stops in Holland on tour of Lake Michigan

August 10, 2016 – EPA Waste Tracking Feature Helps Building Managers Save Money

August 10, 2016 – Holland Farmers Market Master to retire after 22-year run

August 9, 2016 – Millions of people might be ingesting a potentially harmful toxin in drinking water

August 9, 2016 – Plant-based eating: Easy ways to make the change [Infographic]

August 8, 2016 – We’ve Already Used Up Earth’s Resources For 2016 — And It’s Only August (World Overshoot Day, formerly Ecological Debt Day).

August 8, 2016 – Sunflowers dance in the sun: Now scientists know how it’s done

August 8, 2016 – Workplace Safety Laws Take Centerstage in Presidential Race

August 8, 2016 – How Including Natural Assets in Financial Decision Making Gives Companies a Competitive Edge

August 8, 2016 – Macatawa Area Coordinating Council’s Summer Explorer Newsletter

August 9, 2016 – Driving Energy Efficiency in Small- and Medium-Size Buildings

August 5, 2016 –  Holland city, businesses finalists for Governor’s Energy Excellence Awards

August 5, 2016 – Rio welcomes world with sultry music, plea for conservation

August 5, 2016 – Will Dow’s Efforts to Shrink Rio’s Carbon Footprint Win Olympic Gold?

August 5, 2016 – 6 ways America’s national parks have dramatically impacted the history of science over the last century

August 5, 2016 – Tesla’s Success Would Mean Success for Many in the Battery Storage Business

August 5, 2016 – District Energy Projects Highlight the Concept’s Strengths

August 4, 2016 – Rethinking Waste Through Technology in a Circular Economy

August 4, 2016 – Ukraine’s Chernobyl Nuclear Site May Become a Hotbed for Solar Energy Development

August 3, 2016 – UPS Drives 1 Billion Miles on Alt Fuel, Beats Goal 1 Year Early

August 3, 2016 – Challenge: Computers Use Far Too Much Energy

August 2, 2016 – White House to Federal Agencies: Consider Climate Change Impacts of Your Actions

August 2, 2016 – Energy Efficiency Blossoms at Michigan Greenhouse

August 2, 2016 – Why the Tesla/SolarCity Marriage is an Industry Milestone

August 2, 2016 – Thrift Store Saves With Solar Power

August 1, 2016 – Customized for women, Better Life Bags helps employees cross job barriers

August 1, 2016 – SpartanNash launches Direct Your Dollars program

August 1, 2016 – Navigating Rough Waters: Businesses and Investors Must Adapt for a Water-Stressed Future

August 1, 2016 – SAVING SANDS FOR TIME AND LIFE

July 2016 News

July 30, 2016 – Allegan County group aims to help grouse at state game area

July 30, 2016 – Holland real estate market booming for home sellers

July 29, 2016 – Huge, once-hated fish now seen as weapon against Asian carp

July 29, 2016 – Did California Stop Mandatory Water Conservation Efforts Too Soon?

July 28, 2016 – Brain foods: Eating for academic success

July 27, 2016 – Hope College faculty member receives national grant – research aimed at developing new technologies for use in batteries.  Hope College’s Press Release.

July 26, 2016 – CHEMIST MICHAEL SEYMOUR NAMED DIRECTOR OF MIDSTATES CONSORTIUM

July 26, 2016 – Getting the lead out: City of Zeeland systematically replaces old pipes

July 26, 2016 – Solar flight marks first round-the-world journey

July 25, 2016 – Human Consumption of Earth’s Natural Resources Has Tripled in 40 Years

July 25, 2016 – Why Sustainable Manufacturing Facilities Are Green Building’s Next Big Thing

July 25, 2016 – Party Conventions Underscore the Divide Between Old and New Economies

July 22, 2016 – Hope College students create budgeting app for Ready for Life students

July 22, 2016 – America wastes $160 billion in food every year but is too busy to stop

July 22, 2016 – Creative ways to take your raised bed and planter gardening to new heights

July 19, 2016 – Holland’s new Energy Park first power plant to win Envision award

July 19, 2016 – Holland Energy Park recognized with national award

July 19, 2016 – Ninth Street progress: New pedestrian islands, sidewalks taking shape

July 19, 2016 – Consumers Energy offers energy-saving tips as temperatures rise

July 18, 2016 – The case for re-engineering the way we adapt to climate change

July 14, 2016 – BP’s Total Costs for Deadly Oil Spill Hit $62 Billion

July 14, 2016 – Brew for Hunger Relief with New Holland Brewing Company

July 14, 2016 – Beyond the Mitten: West Michigan companies making waves around the globe

July 13, 2016 – US Power Sector CO2 Emissions ‘Almost Down to 1990 Levels,’ Report Says

July 13, 2016 – Crowdfunding campaign launched for Holland State Park playground

July 13, 2016 – Movies in the Park

July 9, 2016 – New Holland energy advisor to guide homeowners in retrofit efforts

July 9, 2016 – STATE OF MICHIGAN AWARDS QUALIFIED ENERGY CONSERVATION BOND ALLOCATIONS TO FIVE PROJECTS – The City of Holland is included!

July 7, 2016 – One Artist, One Faculty, One Question     –Hope College faculty ask visiting artists one question: How do the arts contribute to the public good?

July 6, 2016 – Mayor DeBoer Announces Donor to Civic Center Place Improvement Project 

July 6, 2016 – Civic Center Place Improvements Project Moves Forward

June 2016 News

June 30, 2016 – Mobile Pantries to Deliver Fresh Food Across Central UP in July

June 28, 2016 – The World May Be Starved For Healthy Foods but the US is Wasting a lot of its Food

June 27, 2016 – Teen activism moves Minneapolis suburb to pass climate initiative

June 27, 2016 – Companies Are Responding to Shareholder Calls to be More Sustainable

June 27, 2016 – Green Bonds Can Help Make the Transition to a Low-Carbon Economy, NSF International Says

June 26, 2016 – Local teacher workshops will focus on energy, environment

June 24, 2016 – Michigan governor urges flexibility in energy reforms

June 24, 2016 – New report offers suggestions to accelerate Michigan clean energy industry

June 23, 2016 – Connector trail tunnel in the works for Windmill Island, Holland Energy Park

June 22, 2016 – TSCA Reform: A Bipartisan Milestone to Protect Our Health from Dangerous Chemicals

June 22, 2016 – Recycling and Reusing is Good for the Environment and the Company Brand

June 22, 2016 – Upcycle your summer treasures with these 5 DIY tips

June 21, 2016 – A Little Holland (MI) Business History: Daddio’s

June 21, 2016 – Transportation Is No. 1 Source of Carbon Emissions. What Can Corporate Fleets Do?

June 20, 2016 – Secrets to having a no till garden

June 20, 2016 – Michigan pump prices drop, national average rises

June 19, 2016 – Holland’s lower-income families struggle with high rent prices

June 19, 2016 – Home Help: Simple tips to save money, conserve energy as the heat rises

June 17, 2016 – How Dell Saved $39.5 Million, Cut Carbon Pollution via Telecommuting

June 15, 2016 – LIGHTING REPLACEMENT IN DEVOS FIELDHOUSE A BRIGHT IDEA

June 15, 2016 – 21st Century Economy: If it is Good for the Environment, It Can Be Good for Business

June 14, 2016 – Mobile Pantries: Crossing Food Deserts to Meet the Need

June 14, 2016 – Net metering changes could drive people off grid, Michigan researchers say

June 14, 2016 – Mercury Rule Looks Like It Will Take Effect Now that the High Court Won’t Step In, Again

June 13, 2016 – Which Companies Lead at Integrating Sustainability into Business Strategies?

June 9, 2016 – Holland’s new kid-friendly museum celebrates West Michigan’s design roots, encourages hands-on play

June 9, 216 – Hope College professors Debra Swanson and Llena Chavis were featured in a Wallet Hub study about 2016’s best and worst states for working moms.  Read more of the article here.

June 9, 2016 – Designing Plastic Packaging to Increase Recycling

June 9, 2016 – Chemical Safety Rules Pass Congress. What’s Next for Manufacturers?

June 8, 2016 – Eleven Hope College students recently returned to the United States after completing two weeks of their May term Biology Department course held in Tanzania.  Students in the course “Tanzania and the African Plains” learned to identify many animals, (mammals, birds, and reptiles) and plants and associate them with particular habitats and communities.  Students observed a variety of animal behaviors, including courtship, species interactions, adaptations of predators and prey, and gained an appreciation for the biodiversity of East Africa.  In addition to the biological aspect, the cultural component of this course included visiting an Tengeru village, which featured a program that strives to empower women; visiting with a tribal member of the Iraqw to learn about their customs and traditions; visiting a Masai village where students were welcomed by (and invited to join) the Masai men and women dancing, visiting their homes and learning about their culture; and visiting a primary school, meeting the students and teachers, and interacting with the students through songs and playing games.  While most of the Hope College students were either Biology majors or planning on declaring a Biology major, the group also included a Psychology major and a Management Major.  There were students who just finished their freshman year to those planning on graduating this December.  The course was led by Drs. Eldon Greij, Greg Murray and Virginia McDonough, all of the Biology Department.

June 8, 2016 – BREEAM Green Building Rating System Arrives in US

June 8, 2016 – How Companies Can Create ‘Net Positive’ Products, Services and Environmental Impacts

June 8, 2016 – Texas May Now Be Better Known for its Big Wind and Solar

June 7, 2016 – 3 Key Energy Policies that can Help Us Turn the Corner on Climate

June 6, 2016 – THE FIRST GREAT INOCULATION DEBATE

June 6, 2016 – The rapid growth of electric cars worldwide, in 4 charts

June 5, 2016 – Get on the Water: Kayak the Kalamazoo River with DeGraaf Nature Center

June 4, 2016 – There’s a way to invest in a cleaner environment, and the market is booming

June 3, 2016 – Ottawa County parks department employs natural weedeaters for third year

June 2, 2016 – LED street light improvements coming to U.S. 31 in Holland Township

May 2016 News

May 27, 2016 – Food, family, and goats: Becoming self-sufficient in the city

May 18, 2016 – Green movement in fashion has gone mainstream

May 9, 2016 – Water Is the Climate Challenge, Says World Bank

May 8, 2016 – What Is ‘Natural’ Food? A Riddle Wrapped In Notions Of Good And Evil

May 6, 2016 – RMI Working with Industries to Drive Paris Climate Deal Implementation

April 2016 News

April 29, 2016 – On the ballot: MAX Transit operations tax renewal

April 27, 2016 – Efforts to help Flint amid water crisis get $520,000 boost

April 27, 2016 – Holland Police and Holland BPW Participating in DEA Prescription Pill Drug Take Back this Saturday

April 27, 2016 – Earth Day Planted Seeds for Action on Climate. Is a Carbon Tax a Good Idea?

April 26, 2016 – Holland High School honored for energy savings in statewide Battle of the Buildings

April 26, 2016 – Holland ranked #1 in 2016 as the Best Small City to Start a Business

April 26, 2016 – We need the bees [Infographic]

April 26, 2016 – Garden Fest: Family gardening and sustainability event Saturday in Grand Haven

April 26, 2016 – National Green Building Standard Approved for Use

April 26, 2016 – Green Purchasing Next Step in Green Cleaning

April 26, 2016 – Trash Talk: Is Waste-to-Energy the Next Step in Sustainable Waste Management?

April 25, 2016 – HOPE LECTURE ON MAY 2 TO EXAMINE “TOUGH TIMES FOR ORANGUTANS” 

April 22, 2016 – Solar plane slowly soaring from Hawaii to California

April 22, 2016 – What we eat has bigger consequences for the planet than we ever thought

April 22, 2016 – MAJOR GRANT EMPHASIZES EXTERNAL RESEARCH TIES:  A major grant to Hope College from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) will enable the college to strengthen existing relationships and build new ones as the college continues to emphasize its acclaimed model of teaching through faculty-student collaborative research in the sciences.

April 21, 2016 – Countdown to summer: Holland State Park prepares for summer beach, campground season

April 20, 2016 – HOPE HIGHLIGHTED IN WEBSITE CREATED TO IMPROVE STEM EDUCATION

April 20, 2016 – PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES SPANISH IMMERSION FOR AREA STUDENTS

April 19, 2016 – MAYOR DE BOER’S EARTH DAY PROCLAMATION AND A NEW ERA FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN HOLLAND

April 15, 2016 – HOLLAND AND WEST MICHIGAN EARN VARIETY OF HONORS

April 14, 2016 – Why Water Management Will Take Smart Buildings to the Next Level

April 14, 2016 – One-Two Punches Have Knocked Coal Cold

April 14, 2016 – California Mulls Deep Cuts to Tech Energy Use Limits

April 14, 2016 – B.C. Cobb shutdown of last coal-fired turbine set for Friday

April 14, 2016 – Lawmakers keep Flint money out of energy bill – also includes links to video segments about other topics related to Flint’s water.

April 13, 2016 – Earth Day Proclamation from Holland Mayor, Nancy De Boer

April 13, 2016 – World’s Largest Coal Company Declares Bankruptcy

April 13, 2016 – Prescribed Burn of the Macatawa Marsh is Planned for Friday, April 15, 2016

April 13, 2016 – Groups: Enbridge violating original Straits pipeline deal

April 13, 2016 – Is Ford’s New $1.2bn Headquarters the Future of Sustainable Facilities?

April 13, 2016 – Greening business shifts from saving energy to assessing climate risks

April 12, 2016 – Wednesday is last day of coal-burning for Holland’s De Young power plant

April 12, 2016 – GM Drives Closed-Loop Manufacturing, Recycles Water Bottles for Car Parts

April 11, 2016 – Why a Sustainable Supply Chain Is Key to Staying Competitive (Hint: Look at Apple)

April 8, 2016 – USDA Article:  Child Nutrition and the Future of Flint

April 5, 2016 – Speaker Series: Saint Benedict Forum begins presentations Tuesday – “Praise Be to You, My Lord: How Christians Should Think about the Environment,” a reflection on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter Laudato Si’ -Wedensday at Hope College

April 5, 2016 – Obama’s Climate Papers Warn of Deaths and Deprivation and It Calls for Action

April 5, 2016 – Trashing is a waste of money [Infographic] 

April 4, 2016 – Campus, community sustainability champions celebrated at GVSU – Living Sustainably Along the Lakeshore was one of the groups honored.

April 4, 2016 – Clean Power Plan ‘Good for Business,’ Say Major US Brands

April 3, 2016 – FIVE STUDENTS AND RECENT GRADUATES RECEIVE NSF PROGRAM RECOGNITION

April 1, 2016 – Earth Month Activities in the Holland Area.