Environment & Sustainability

Coverage of green innovations, and climate and environment issues and developments, especially those told by local voices and that offer solutions for community concerns.

The new Commongrounds building on Eighth Street in Traverse City.

Commongrounds uses co-op model to serve missing needs of the community

Traverse City's Commongrounds is a mixed-use building, offering affordable housing, co-working space, a coffee shop, child education center, and performance venue. It's the first real estate cooperative in northern Michigan.

Latest in Environment & Sustainability
Mark Witte
CCBHCs extend mental health care to more Michiganders despite challenges

Michigan was added to the country's list of certified community behavioral health clinic (CCBHC) demonstration states back in the summer of 2020, with 29 counties throughout the lower peninsula operating CCBHCs through their community mental health agencies.

Voices of Youth: Meet the man helping to make Kalamazoo a more sustainable city

The City of Kalamazoo aims to be 'net zero' by 2050. Kalamazoo's Sustainability Planner Justin Gish plans to help the city get there. VOY's Dmitri Agdanowski sits down with Gish to find out more.

Artist/Designer: Mahdi Hassnawi. Please see Artist's Statement below.
Voices of Youth: The price of fast fashion — Is it worth it?

“I think the metaphor that sticks with me is like if you buried it in the woods, would it be there when you came back 20 years later? I want my clothing to add to the planet and not take away from the planet, and so I try as much as possible to only sew with things that will biodegrade so that they are not going to follow future generations.”

Special funds are a step toward leveling the playing field for Black farmers

For the first time, BIPOC farmers in West Michigan will be able to apply for a grant through the West Michigan Farmers of Color Land Fund to help them buy, maintain, and improve agricultural land.

Brewery’s new summer offerings reflect growth of region’s agribusiness

Allegan County-based Saugatuck Brewing Company, which has grown into one of Michigan's largest independently owned craft breweries, is aiming to grow its market share even more with a new Shandy Variety Pack.

Care about the climate? Meet Kalamazoo County’s new Climate Sustainability Coordinator

Taylor Van Winkle has been hired as the new Kalamazoo County Climate Sustainability Coordinator to complete a job — the creation of a countywide climate action plan. And she needs the help of residents. Care about the climate? Take the survey to help inform the plan.

FireKeepers thinking seven generations ahead in major renewable energy move

“The Tribe is always seeking to look ahead to seven generations into the future as they plan for things,” says Jim Wise, FireKeepers' VP of Marketing. "Equally important, is (the Tribe's) love of Mother Earth which is exhibited by our ability to take vast amounts of energy needed from 100 percent renewable sources.”

Students participate in the LIFT-UP program.
Students help ensure farm sustainability and bring local food to cafeterias in UP program

The LIFT-UP program gives students a pivotal role in identifying and addressing barriers to expanding local produce in school cafeterias.

Solar panels are part of the village's SMART Park.
Cassopolis: A village reimagined

A rural community in southwestern Michigan looks for a brighter future, tapping grants and other monies to revamp its downtown and add new amenities, including a beach, a pier and a skate park.

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