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.

Scott Hutchins, school mental health and Medicaid consultant for the Michigan Department of Education Office of Health and Nutrition Services.

Michigan schools adopt new software to expand mental health services

All 56 of the state's ISDs now have access to a software product for managing behavioral health referrals, screenings, treatment plans, and more.

Latest in Environment & Sustainability
PODCAST: Can COVID help us close gaps in Michigan’s food supply chain?

On this week's episode of Michigan's State of Health, we're digging into how COVID strained Michigan's food system – and how we all can help to strengthen it.

Introducing Sharon Dever, Community Correspondent from the Vine Neighborhood

Meet Sharon Dever from the 2020 class of On the Ground Community Correspondents.

Community composting trial in Vine leads the way for Kalamazoo’s neighborhoods

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that food waste in the U.S. is the largest stream of municipal waste-to-landfill, accounting for about 22 percent of what is dumped. A trial program in the Vine Neighborhood could be doing something to address that.

For the developer at the Mill at Vicksburg, sustainability is key

“Bringing the mill property back to life is not just about creating a special place, it’s about creating a safe environment, both inside and outside the building,” says Developer Chris Moore.

Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy seeks funds for matching grant, gets funds to monitor birds

The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy is just $10,000 away from what it needs to obtain matching funds that will help it preserve Porter Legacy Dunes. And Cornell Lab of Ornithology has given SWMLC a $20,000 grant to monitor birds in a second effort.

This green roof is an example of a green stormwater infrastructure at corporate headquarters of Johnson Controls, Inc. in Glendale, Wisconsin.
New approaches to large-scale green stormwater infrastructure investment build climate resilience

Here's how large-scale investment in green infrastructure, made possible with community public-private partnerships, are helping cities cope with the effects of climate change.

Michigan to join Confluence of States bolstering outdoor recreation industry

Leaders from across sectors and around the state joined Governor Whitmer recently to advance Michigan's outdoor industry. 

New plan sets goals for City of Battle Creek to provide service to the public in sustainable ways

Energy, water, transportation, waste, government management practices, land use, and public outreach are all part of a new Environment Sustainability plan adopted by the City of Battle Creek.

Across Michigan, neighbors build nutrition literacy and food security

A battery of initiatives across Michigan are working to reverse food insecurity. We share stories of how neighbors in Grand Rapids, Detroit, and across the state are learning about the sustainable value of healthy, locally grown foods.

Our Sponsors

Gilmore Foundation

Our Media Partners

Battle Creek Community Foundation
BINDA Foundation
Southwest Journalism Media Collaborative
Southwest Michigan First
Consumers Energy
WK Kellogg Foundation logo

Don't miss out!

Everything Southwest Michigan, in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.