Michigan Green Communities award also speaks to the city’s commitment to decrease its municipal carbon footprint, increase recycling efforts and responsibly manage its water system.
Through their sustainability practices, educational opportunities, support of far-reaching conservation efforts and their participation in Species Survival Plans, John Ball Zoo seeks to not only protect the wildlife under its care but also to conserve the environment. Slated to open later this year, the new pygmy hippo habitat and multispecies exhibit at the Zoo seeks to attain Living Building Challenge Petal certification.
The station's success with solar energy has inspired similar projects across North Ottawa County. Muskegon solar provider Chart House Energy has made the decision easy for area municipalities by giving them the option of paying no upfront costs.
St. James Apartments and Townhomes’ now has 308 solar panels at its 750 First St. NW affordable housing project, which opened December 2018. With the solar panel installation completed last month, they began capturing energy from the sun and transforming it into electricity for the renovated school’s 52 units. The solar array is expected to generate 125,000 kilowatt hours per year and reduce electricity costs by 50 percent.
Small raingardens in front of homes in West Michigan are helping clean and cool polluted runoff water before it reaches one of the most critical watersheds in the area. The Plaster Creek Stewards are behind it all, and their impact is growing.
In October, the Grand Rapids’ City Commission took action to advance plans for three proposed affordable housing developments, which will create 151 units: Garfield Park Lofts, developed by LINC Up Nonprofit Housing Corporation; Plaza Roosevelt, a Habitat for Humanity of Kent County project; and Inner City Christian Federation’s Eastern Elementary School renovation.
Plastic waste is a growing problem, in Grand Rapids, in West Michigan, in the United States, and the rest of the world. Here are the individuals and businesses that are working to use and reuse plastic more sustainably.
Millions of dollars are being thrown away every year, in the form of waste left at the local landfill. It's a revenue stream that some are managing to take advantage of, and Kent County is hoping others take notice.
Compost and recyclable materials are being diverted from local landfills by individuals both looking for a chance to win free concert merch, and those who have a true understanding of environmental responsibility. Either way it’s inspiring.
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