Introducing the Nonprofit Journal Project
Nonprofits are on the frontlines of our communities, delivering critical social services and employing more than 470,000 Michiganders. We're documenting their stories.
Nina Ignaczak's Latest Articles
Cleaning up the past for a brighter, ‘bluer’ economic future in Michigan
Michigan's 'blue economy' presents plenty of opportunities for Michigan's economic future. But first, the state must clean up the sins of its economic past.
Can we power the Mitten with “energy freedom”?
It's a brave new energy world in Michigan. Coal is on the way out, natural gas, wind and solar are on the way in. But the bigger question is who will generate electricity in the future- traditional utilities, or individuals and communities? Metromode's Nina Ignaczak plugs in to find out.
Powering the Mitten: How does electricity get to your smartphone?
You plug in your smartphone and voila -- it's charged up and ready to whisk you off to cyberspace. But how exactly do those electrons get into your phone? Read on to find out.
How ‘smart’ is Michigan’s electrical grid?
You may have a smart meter on your house, but what's so "smart" about it? We explore Michigan's foray into the "smart grid" and how it affects you.
Powering the Mitten: Report warns of looming electricity capacity shortfall
Michigan may be facing electric generation capacity shortfalls as soon as 2016, according to a new report. What does that mean for the state and how can it be avoided?
Fractured Water: Can metro Detroit reconnect its watersheds?
In metro Detroit, our waterways do not function as a whole. A new series delves into why that is and what we can do about it.
Energy efficiency: It’s all about saving cash, cleaning up carbon, and creating local jobs
When it comes to energy, there is no cheaper source than the stuff we waste. Our "Powering the Mitten" series takes an in-depth look at how Michigan is faring on energy efficiency and where we might head in the future.
Powering the Mitten: What’s next for our renewable energy future?
Michigan's Renewable Portfolio Standard sunsets in 2015, and legislators, utilities and advocates are getting ready to decide what's next for renewable energy in Michigan. Here's a look at some facts behind that debate.
Partner Partner Content Why Michigan is a leader in place-based education
Dr. Doris Terry Williams, executive director of the Rural School and Community Trust, discusses the need for place-based education in both rural and urban environments and how Michigan's Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative is leading the charge.
