Hope College Sustainability Institute

By Ken Freestone, Holland Residential Energy Advisor
Do you know if your home is healthy, safe and energy efficient? During times of isolation in our homes – like the COVID-19 pandemic – we may encounter negative environmental conditions that we didn’t realize prior to being in our homes for extended periods.

With health safety precautions well engrained in daily lives, what changes have you made in your home to make it healthier? What conditions either improved or declined? Have you evaluated energy usage? Have you received a free Home Energy Audit through the City of Holland? Besides identifying energy inefficiencies, home audits also investigate health, safety and comfort.
The Home Energy Retrofit program and other city programs help residents of Holland with resources to pursue healthier, safer and more efficient homes.
The Holland Home Energy Retrofit program is going into its fifth year. The amount of work accomplished, the great improvements made, and the investment in energy efficiency has all been incredible.
In four years, investments of approximately $4.05 million have been made by owners of about 250 homes. That has led to savings of approximately 25 percent in utility costs and about a 35 percent reduction in home leakiness. The Holland Energy Fund has provided $496,000 in grants to homeowners for energy upgrades and retrofits. It’s also an investment in local jobs for contractors, healthier homes, energy savings, and financial savings for homeowners.
Improvements have included, in order of energy-saving importance: Air-sealing leaks and cracks; insulation of attics, basements and walls; appliance replacements; HVAC upgrades; and windows and doors. Also, critical measures have improved ventilation, replacement of knob and tube wiring, and mitigation of mold, asbestos and lead.
Now, COVID-19 stay-home guidance has added a new emphasis on home energy efficiency, health and safety. Did you find spaces in your home that were too cold in the spring or too hot now? Or experience high humidity, poor ventilation, or high costs of gas and electric utilities? The Home Energy Retrofit Program can help homeowners address these issues.
Here are a couple of reactions from homeowners in the program:
 “My two-story home is practically the same temperature on each floor. In past years, we had window AC units running all summer to keep the upstairs comfortable. Now our new AC unit keeps the whole house comfortable and uses 25 percent less electricity.” – PW, Holland Heights.
 “Thanks to super air-sealing our basement and replacing leaky, inefficient basement windows with glass block windows, our dehumidifier gets emptied every three days. Before the retrofit we used to empty it 2 times per day.” – WF, Holland Heights.
Here are some of the resources available to homeowners as well as landlords with up to four-unit buildings: Free home energy audits through the city’s certified contractors; low interest loan options for qualified homeowners; grants toward energy efficiency upgrades; HUD funds for income qualified households; rebates from Holland BPW and SEMCO; and free no-obligation advice from the residential energy advisor and community development specialist.
Finally, here are some things a homeowner can do:
 Visit the city’s Home Energy Retrofit page for a home self-assessment guide and list of questions to get a baseline of efficiency.
 Consider scheduling a free Home Energy Assessment from one of three certified contractors.
 Contact the residential energy advisor at 355-1364 to discuss available resources and get answers about the health, safety, comfort, and efficiency of your home. Virtual and in-person meetings are available.
 Watch for videos coming soon on the city website about DIY projects for homeowners.
These projects will help homeowners understand the whole house as a system and help address reasonably easy projects that have significant impacts.
 Contact your utility provider to see what resources are available to every customer, such
as rebates, SEMCO Bonus Rebates, giveaways of energy conservation products (lightbulbs, water saving devices, etc.), appliance recycling, and energy tips.

The well-being of your family and your resources are critical. Starting at home is a good way to help your family be safe, comfortable, energy efficient, and healthy while increasing the value of your home investment.

2020 Efficiency Tips

City of Holland Homeowner Checklist

 Ken Freestone is the residential energy advisor for the City of Holland’s Home Energy Retrofit program.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Smart Energy: We need to use both conservation and efficiency to manage our energy resources smartly.

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.

By Dan Callam, ODC Network
It’s time to join in the community cleanup of the Macatawa River.
Register online to join in the fun and necessary cleanup this coming Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to noon at Dunton Park, 290 Howard Ave., Holland.
The annual event is a collaboration of the ODC Network and the Macatawa Area Coordinating Council. Here are five good reasons you might want to be at the 2020 River Cleanup:

1. Feel accomplishment after a beautiful morning working riverside or in a kayak helping to clean the Macatawa River.
2. It’s a great and free way for the whole family to unplug and get outdoors!
3. You never know what you’re going to find. Tractor tire? Soccer ball? Back seat of a station wagon? They’ve been found before!
4. Want to try kayaking, or just want to walk along the waterfront? You can do either!
5. Need some hours for community service for your school or club? Get them here!

Depending on the group size, there may be a crew on the shores of the lake and another in kayaks in the lake. Anyone under 16 years old must be with an adult. All boats, paddles and life vests will be provided. Meet at the lower parking lot near the boat launch.
Registration required for event at this link, or find more information at outdoordiscovery.org/calendar. Also, to ensure safety of all participants, a health screening form will be required to be filled out before participating in the program.
The Macatawa Area Coordinating Council and the ODC Network are organizing the event. The MACC is established as an Inter-Municipality Study Committee under Michigan law. It addresses significant area-wide issues like the Macatawa Watershed Project.
The Macatawa Watershed Project works to improve water quality in Lake Macatawa and its many tributaries by increasing awareness of water quality issues and implementing practices that reduce stormwater runoff and minimize soil erosion.
The ODC Network is non-profit education and conservation organization that was founded in 2000 with the purpose of connecting people with nature through outdoor education for the benefit of wildlife and the conservation of the natural world.
 Dan Callam is the Greenway Manager at the ODC Network.

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.

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.

By Ashley Van Zee, ODC Network
We all live in a watershed, and this year, we can all celebrate it safely.
If you live in the Holland/Zeeland area, you live in the Macatawa watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains into a certain stream, river, or lake. It’s like a bathtub where all the water flows towards the drain because it’s the lowest spot.
We usually celebrate our watershed in person at the Macatawa Water Festival, but this year’s event has been moved to a week-long, virtual-style celebration.
We are excited to still celebrate the Macatawa Watershed and encourage you to continue to visit, explore, and care for it. The virtual celebration is a great way to continue to lift our community and bring everyone together.
From July 11 through 17, 14 local businesses are joining in the fun by providing activities, suitable for all ages, that will be shared on social media and on the Macatawa Water Festival webpage.

Activities will range from a DIY Rain Barrel Workshop to assorted on-line video and PDF activity sheets to a scavenger hunted shared on social meeting, plus a variety of in-person but dispersed activities including kayaking, a Knee-High Naturalist program for kids and a river clean-up.

Please go to https://bit.ly/MacWaterFest2020 for more information on the virtual Macatawa Water Festival week!

Here are three reasons everyone should tune in and participate in the activities for the 2020 Macatawa Water Festival:

1. Fourteen partners used their creativity to build an activity to promote our beloved watershed.
2. You won’t be disappointed with the unique activities that help you recreate in, learn about, and increase awareness for the Macatawa Watershed
3. It’s a great and free way for the whole family to unplug and get outdoors! Thank you to our sponsors: Macatawa Area Coordinating Council, Huntington Bank, Back to Health Chiropractic, Meijer, Boar’s Head Provisions, Holland Litho, Velo City Cycles, Niswander Environmental, and GoodInk.
    Ashley Van Zee is development manager at the ODC Network, a non-profit education and conservation organization with the purpose of connecting people with nature through outdoor education for the benefit of wildlife and the conservation of the natural world.

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.

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.

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 to the pandemic, these group rides are not happening, but that has not stopped the kids from riding! These bike-loving kiddos are out riding and participating in the Velo Kids Summer Bike Adventure.
The Summer Bike Adventure is an eight-week challenge that encourages kids and their families to ride at different local trails, practice bike skills, and hunt for hidden bananas along the way.
Each week’s challenge sends participants to a different local trail or park and suggests specific skills to practice that are tailored to the location. It also includes clues to a secret spot where they can find hidden (plastic) bananas along the trail. Finding the hidden bananas has been a highlight for many of the kids and families.

“Many of the Velo Kids coaches have been creating challenges for each other this spring, so we combined that spirit with the weekly skill lessons that we normally cover in person to create something fun and low-stress for our Velo Kids families this summer,” said coach Martin Harris.
The Bike Adventure started on June 8 and will end on Aug. 2. It’s not too late to join. Parks and trails included are Riley Trails, Windmill Island, Pigeon Creek, Bass River, and any local-to-you areas where you can ride to get ice cream (or your family’s favorite treat). All rides are intended to be completed with family members, not in large groups.
Bike Adventure Scoresheets are available for kids to fill out as they complete the weekly rides.
Weekly write-ups are sent out with skills to practice and how-to videos, such as how to pump up a tire, how to do a track stand, practicing the rules of the road, hand signals, and more. Kids who complete four out of the eight weeks will earn their own Velo Kids water bottle!
“We love Velo Kids! Our family looks forward to the rides, and we’re excited that despite the different format, it’s still going to be a part of our summer routine,” said Anne Stolz, mom of two young Velo Kid riders.
“They have done an awesome job motivating kids and making it fun to get outside to explore the outdoors of Holland by bike. I love the emphasis on being safe and encouraging others while riding. We can’t wait to find the bananas each week.”
The Velo Kids Summer Bike Adventure is free and open to everyone. And it’s not too late to join. Visit www.velo-citycycles.com/about/velo-kids for more information.

Let’s get out and ride bikes!

 Jenny White and her husband, Brad, have been the owners of Velo City Cycles since 2013. Jenny is a Holland native. She, along with other kid-loving, bicycle-riding friends started Velo Kids in 2017. Jenny and Brad have three kids, who also now love riding their bikes.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Transportation: The movement of people, goods, and services within the area is an evolving system that links us to our regional, national and global networks.

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.

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 residents are also committed to recycling, with a recycling participation rate of 53 percent, a rate that is rare across the state of Michigan, generally, and puts Holland as a leading community when compared to statistics across the U.S. Despite all of this support, from time-to-time it becomes important for the city to review its practices and ensure we’re staying on the leading edge.

Over the years, the city’s method for collecting recycling has taken several forms. Prior to 1992, the city had an open system, where residents were able to contract directly with individual haulers and opt-in or out of recycling services as they saw fit.

In May, 1992, Holland adopted a single hauler model, requiring the collection of recyclables in an 18-gallon bin, the common method at that time. In 2010, the city chose to pursue an innovative approach to recycling which aimed to streamline and simplify the city’s approach. By adopting the yellow bag system, recyclables and trash could be collected with the same truck, which, in turn, simplified collection for residents.

In 2016, however, the rumblings of major changes across recycling markets began to arise, and the city started laying the groundwork for assessing its current recycling efforts and gathering the necessary data to make informed decisions.

In 2018, through a partnership of the city, Republic Services, and the Sustainable Research Group, Holland completed its first-ever Waste Characterization Audit and shortly after formed its Materials Management Taskforce. This Taskforce built upon the data from this audit and began completing further assessments both of the program and other community approaches to recycling.

As a backdrop to all of this work, China, the world’s former largest importer of recycling materials, closed off its markets. Communities internationally as well in Michigan felt the impact immediately. The fallout from this change was plain: Materials needed to be cleaner, accepted materials in programs needed to be more targeted, and communities needed to be ready to innovate.

With the effort Holland put forth preparing for this change, the city was in a position to respond quickly. Despite the high participation rate of city residents, materials were being lost due to the deficiency in the performance of the yellow bags (75 percent ruptured or empty). This, compounded by the low levels of allowable contamination accepted by material processors (from 10 percent to less than 0.5 percent) led the Taskforce to determine the city needed to explore a new approach.

Since then, the city has decided to transition to dedicated carts for recycled materials, although an implementation date has not yet been set.
As the city is reviewing its current recycling efforts, we are also seeing major investments from the state of Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy as well as from nonprofit groups focused on expanding access to recycling and decreasing contamination.

As Holland continues to evolve its long-standing commitment to community-wide recycling, we face a market with unique challenges but also an environment in Michigan where we have access to an unprecedented level of resources and support.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Community & Neighborhood: The places we live and the individuals we interact with support the development of our personalities and perspectives on life. Encouraging vital and effective communities is essential.

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.

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 holding a Bronze rating beginning in 2012.

Read the full press release announcement by following this link.

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 look underground.
In Ottawa County, and in much of Michigan, municipal water drawn from the Great Lakes is only available to those near a city. In rural areas, drinking water is sourced from aquifers — pockets of saturated soil 50 to 350 feet below ground that are not connected to Lake Michigan.
Locally, there are two types of aquifers: glacial and bedrock. Glacial aquifers are the preferred well source; but when glacial sources aren’t available, bedrock aquifers are tapped. Normally, aquifers are replenished with rainwater. However, in many areas of Ottawa County, clay deposits block rainwater from reaching the bedrock aquifer.
“Based on seven years of scientific study, we’ve learned drinking water in the bedrock aquifer isn’t being replenished as quickly as it’s being removed,” said Paul Sachs, director of the Ottawa County Planning and Performance Improvement Department. In some instances, wells have run dry; in others,briny sediment has been pulled from the bottom, damaging plumbing and affecting water quality. To protect our groundwater from further decline, we need the community’s help to reduce outdoor water use.
As the weather warms, our attention turns to our yards. EPA data shows, on average, 30 percent of Americans’ daily water consumption is outdoors. By changing our landscaping habits, we can save H20.

Consider these tips to protect local water resources:
Smart irrigation – You may have a sprinkler system on a timer that runs rain or shine. By installing smart devices like rain sensors or a weather-based irrigation controller, thousands of gallons can be saved per year.
Rain barrels – Catch rain runoff to water your landscaping. The barrel can be connected directly to an irrigation system, or soaker hoses can be attached.
Consider replacing your grass lawn – Slow-growing groundcovers such as buffalo grass or clover can provide a green space that needs less water and mowing.
Shrink your lawn – Traditionally, turf grass covers the majority of a yard. Consider planting turf only where it’s needed. Low-traffic areas can be converted to gardens or buffers.
Plant native gardens – Consider replacing exotic plants ill-suited to our climate with natives that need little water, enrich the soil, and provide habitat.

By taking a few steps to reduce water use in our yards today, we can join in on the effort to ensure Ottawa County residents and stakeholders have permanent, sustainable access to clean water. For more information on Ottawa County’s groundwater challenges and what’s being done to address them, visit miottawa.org/groundwater.

 Rich C. Lakeberg is a communications specialist for the Ottawa County Planning and Performance Improvement Department, which uses tax dollars to deliver county programs and services for residents, visitors, and businesses through thorough planning and thoughtful evaluation.

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.

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.

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 number of safety regulations for vendors and customers. If planning to shop at the market, customers should be aware that:
The market will be open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. However, the hour from 8 to 9 a.m. will be strictly reserved for those who are immunocompromised, aged 60-plus, and pregnant women.

 The perimeter of the Eighth Street Market Place will be fenced and there will be three entrances and exits for customers. Vendors will be located outside only and access to the Holland Civic Center will be limited to the restrooms only. Market staff will count the number of shoppers coming in and out so they can ensure that everyone can maintain adequate social distancing. Please expect to wait in line and maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and others while doing so.
 Please avoid shopping at the market if you, someone you live with, or someone you’re caring for has been ill within the last 14 days. (Excluding health care workers.)
 Customers are highly advised to wear masks while they shop.
 Please be mindful to maintain at least 6 feet of distance between you and other customers at all times to keep yourself and your fellow customers safe and healthy.
 Please shop as quickly and efficiently as possible. It’s recommended that you to shop alone, without children and with as few family members as possible.
 Shoppers are encouraged to wash or sanitize their hands before entering the Eighth Street Market Place and again when leaving.
 Customers are advised to wash all produce and wipe down all food packages prior to eating and storing products at home.
 Food is not allowed to be consumed onsite at the market.
 Dogs are still prohibited at the Holland Farmers Market.
 Bridge Cards (SNAP or EBT), Pandemic EBT, Double Up Food Bucks, WIC Project Fresh, Senior Project Fresh and Market Bucks are all accepted as payment, in addition to cash. There is currently no limit on how much you may “double up” if using your Bridge Card or Pandemic EBT card. Some vendors also accept credit cards.
 A number of vendors allow customers to pre-order products in advance via phone, website or email with product pick-up at the market. Customers are highly encouraged to explore this option with individual vendors. For more information, visit www.hollandfarmersmarket.com or call (616)355-1138.

 Lisa Uganski is a registered dietitian and has been working at the Ottawa County epartment of Public Health for 19 years. Lisa has a passion for making healthy food available and accessible to everyone. She is the coordinator of Ottawa Food, a collaboration of local agencies and individuals that exists to ensure that all Ottawa County residents have access to healthy, local, and affordable food choices.

This Week’s Sustainability Framework Theme
Community & Neighborhood: The places we live and the individuals we interact with support the development of our personalities and perspectives on life. Encouraging vital and effective communities is essential.

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.

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 COVID-19, access to quality child care was limited because the demand exceeded capacity.
Locally, there are only nine child care centers that offer infant care. On average, families encounter an 18-month waitlist for quality infant and toddler care.
When COVID-19 hit, the business of child care took a hit, more severe than in the 2008 recession.
Unlike a decade ago, our community has the early childhood network in place to support the people who are in the business of child care. But there is more to be done.
Helping early learning organizations sustain their businesses is an essential part of beginning to safely reopen the economy. With over 65 percent of Ottawa County families having both parents in the workforce, quality child care is an investment in community infrastructure to support family-centered progress.
To help address this, our community’s public-private early childhood network is paying attention to the business needs in child care – for business owners, working parents, and children.
“High-quality child care settings do more than care for children; they educate, teach social-emotional skills, and foster brain development during the most critical time of child development,” said Tami Mannes, director of early childhood services at the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District.
Both State of Michigan and federal financial relief have been made available. On March 18, the State of Michigan expanded capacity for disaster relief child care services.  The intention of this order was to expand child care capacity for the essential workforce. The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District, in cooperation with state and local partners, is working to support the Executive Order (2020-16)
through Help Me Grow-Ottawa, to support essential workers’ efforts to find child care during this time.
Last week, The Child Care Relief Fund was announced. The program goal is to help child care business owners stay in business and make quality child care more affordable for Michigan families. The application is simple and only takes 10 minutes. Child care providers can apply at www.michigan.gov/childcare.
Leading – especially in times of crisis – means seeing beyond the immediate future to anticipate the next three, four, or five obstacles. To this end, the community is collaborating to understand emerging needs, strengthen the child-care sector, and improve families’ access to high-quality early learning programs.
Communities grow and strengthen with shared care and resilience. Now more than ever it is important for small children to dream BIG. This is essential for the health and economic vibrancy of our community.
 Donna Lowry, MD, is president/CEO of Ready for School. She joined the organization after being a volunteer physician member of the medical task force. Her leadership role involves collaborative team building to ensure that there is a trusted community conduit for system access for all families with young children.

Questions about the Child Care Relief Fund in Michigan?
Contact: The Great Start to Quality Western Regional Resource Center at (877)614-7328 or Child Development and Care Department at (866)990-3227. If you have something to share, contact Ready for School, info@readyforschool.org

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.