Sustainability

Joe Lange by solar panels at Northside Community Center in Ann Arbor.

“A Tupperware party for solar panels”: Ann Arbor bulk-buy program makes solar more affordable

The city of Ann Arbor's Solarize program has successfully enabled groups to buy solar power equipment in bulk, saving money for everyone involved. 

Latest in Sustainability
Linda Mealing at the NWWNA Community Garden.
New oral history project spotlights stories of Ypsi’s farmers and gardeners

From promoting the importance of land ownership to making sure neighborhoods don't go hungry, Ypsilanti-area food growers' stories are captured in a new oral history project. 

New U-M study finds LED lighting dramatically more efficient than fluorescent tubes

The study compared the costs of six replacement options (one fluorescent and five LED) for linear recessed lighting systems.

Williamstown Township earned a bronze level of certification in the Michigan Green Communities Challenge.
Encouraging greener communities

Michigan Green Communities, a consortium of partnerships that includes the Michigan Municipal League, has been helping cities and towns across the state become greener. The annual Michigan Green Communities Challenge encourages communities to participate and also measures their sustainability efforts.   

Mari Romero
Community foundations, nonprofit lenders blending strengths

A growing partnership model between community foundations and nonprofit lenders is expanding investment power in Michigan's small businesses.

Adapt Landscapes planting a garden in Ann Arbor.
Ann Arbor nonprofit works to restore native plants one home at a time

Adapt: Community Supported Ecology offers free consultations, micro-meadow installations, and custom-made native plant garden kits for residents who request their services. 

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority Grayling location.
Michigan’s rural CMHs work hard on improving access to mental health resources

MI Mental Health spoke with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Chief Operations Officer Joanie Blamer and Sanilac County Community Mental Health CEO Wil Morris on addressing the mental health and wellness needs of rural communities.   

Heather Wysor at Water Street.
Free walking tours highlight the “re-wilding” of Ypsi’s Water Street property

The 38-acre property has gained a complicated reputation due to development challenges, but some see it as a natural, educational space where native species can flourish.

The entire Michigan Solar Car race crew with its 2023 vehicle, Astrum, on the University of Michigan’s North Campus.
U-M returns to international solar car race for first time since 2019

After a four-year hiatus, the University of Michigan Solar Car Team will bring a new solar car to Australia for the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge on Oct. 22-29. 

Narrowing the gender gap in municipal leadership

The Michigan Municipal League is working to narrow the gender gap in the leadership posts in municipal government. Its Women's Municipal Leadership Program has helped women across the state rise to higher leadership positions in local government. The program has become a national model. 

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