EcoLink Archive
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Events
Meet Bill McKibben
Tickets on Sale Now!
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Rackham Auditorium,
915 E. Washington St.,
Ann Arbor, MI
Bill McKibben is one of America's most important writers on business, culture and the environment. He is the author of ten books, including most recently, Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future.
$25 per ticket ($20 for Ecology Center members; $10 for students). Reception with light refreshments to follow.
For more information, contact Stephanie Feldstein at 734-761-3186 ext. 110.
And, just in case you missed it, check out the interview with Bill McKibben on the Colbert Report, which aired on Monday, August 17, 2009.
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University of Michigan Day of Climate Action
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(N. State and N. University)
Students and residents of Ann Arbor will gather on the Diag for food, fun, games, media attention, and, of course, a giant mass of people forming the numbers "350"!!! There might even be a plane-borne photographer to take the photo!!!
- The band Groove — UM percussion club — will entertain us on the Diag, then lead us in a fun, noisy, banner-toting march down toward the stadium after we take our picture.
- Don't forget to wear Maize and Blue!!! Also, as this will be a game day, we will be offering face-painting — UofM and 350 themes!
- Role model the change you'd like to see in the world: ride your bike to the diag! We'll try to get them in the photo.
WANT TO JOIN IN THE FUN? We are looking for people with skills: people, pie, and performance skills. Plus, we would love your presence in the photo!!
For more information, please contact Monica Patel at 734-761-3186 ext. 118.
Learn more about 350.org and the International Day of Climate Action.
RSVP for the event here.
Toxic Toy Testing Events in Your Area!
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Lansing Halloween Toy and Costume Testing
Thursday, October 29th 10:00am-2:00pm
Michigan Capitol Building
Meeting Room 426
208 N. Capitol Ave
Lansing, MI 48933
Sponsored by: Representative Warren & Senator Brater
The flyer for this event is attached. Its also already available for download (PDF).
Canton Toy Testing Event
Monday, November 9th 6:00pm-8:00pm
Canton Public Library
1200 S. Canton Center Rd.
Canton, MI 48188
Sponsored by: Representative Marc Corriveau and Representative Dian Slavens
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Take Action
Tomorrow: Ecology Center testifies in hearing on CAFE standards - Weigh in!
The EPA and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration hearing on CAFE Standards is this Wednesday, October 21 in Detroit. Charles Griffith, Ecology Center's Clean Car Campaign Director will be testifying in person.
Please consider testifying -- or submitting online comments -- for strong standards that are fair for the domestic auto industry. Show your support for a historic move forward and make sure that these standards are strong and fair.
The hearings are structured so that those who signed up in advance were scheduled by EPA with a specific time during which they can present their testimony, but anyone who comes will be allowed to testify, and the chances of being called quickly will be the best at the end of the day.
What: Public hearings on proposed vehicle fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards
When: Wednesday, October 21 – 9 AM to approximately 5 PM
Where:
Detroit Metro Airport Marriott
30559 Flynn Drive
Romulus, MI 48174
Take Action NOW!
News
Ecology Center, Six Others Honored
with Michigan's First Green Chemistry
Governor's Awards
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The Ecology Center, two businesses, two scientists, one university, and a student were presented with Michigan's first Green Chemistry Gubernatorial Awards at a ceremony in Detroit on September 29, 2009.
"It is a great honor to be singled out for this acknowledgement," said Tracey Easthope, the Ecology Center's Environmental Health Director, who accepted the award on behalf of the organization. "We have been making the case for several years now that Green Chemistry should be a major component of building a sustainable economy, and we're delighted that Michigan is now positioning itself to be a leader in this new industry."
The awards were established as part of Governor Granholm's 2006 Executive Directive promoting "Green Chemistry for Sustainable Economic Development and Protection of Public Health," which established state policy encouraging the use of safer, less toxic, or non-toxic chemical alternatives to hazardous substances and the research, development, and implementation of green chemistry in Michigan.
The Ecology Center was acknowledged in the Public category for its work advocating for Green Chemistry policy in Michigan. Since 2006, the Ecology Center has sought to advance the practice and teaching of Green Chemistry in Michigan by advocating for policy change, educating and mobilizing citizens, participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives, and building a base of support for Green Chemistry activities among environmental, health professional and health-effected organizations, elected representatives, government agencies, business leaders, educators, private foundations, public institutions and others.
In presenting the awards, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Director Steven Chester noted Green Chemistry may not receive the news attention lavished on the current conflict over the state budget, but that the impact of the award recipients' work will be much greater and longer-lasting.
Other winners of the 2009 awards were:
PPG Industries — for the development of a cleaner paint detackifier used in auto paint shops made using old shrimp shells;
Dow AgroSciences — for the development of a less toxic version of Spinetoram, the active ingredient in a series of insecticides used in fruit and vegetable production;
Dr. Yinlun Huang, Wayne State University — for developing a near-zero discharge technology for electroplating process facilities;
Dr. Phillip Savage, University of Michigan — for developing a cleaner way to produce terephthalic plastic resins;
Grand Valley State University — for integrating Green Chemistry into the university curriculum; and,
Nathan Craft — for student research at Grand Valley State University.
For more information, contact Tracey Easthope at 734-761-3186 ext. 109.
Learn more about the Ecology Center's role in Green Chemistry by visiting the Michigan Network for Children's Environmental Health website.
Learn more about the Green Chemistry Executive Directive
Read Green Chemistry: It's What's for Dinner in the July 2009 EcoLink.
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Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest
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A new series of reports by Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and leading climate scientists provides an in-depth look at the potential consequences of climate change in the U.S. Midwest. The Confronting Climate Change in the U.S. Midwest series shows that without strong action to reduce heat-trapping emissions, midwestern states could face dramatic changes including increases in the number of extreme heat days, heavier rains in the spring causing delays in agricultural planting, and an expansion of the range for crop-damaging pests.
However, the report also shows that with strong action in the Midwest, and the nation, many of the worst consequences of climate changes could be avoided. Many opportunities to reduce heat-trapping emissions are ready and available today and would help put the region on the path to a clean energy future and be an example to the nation.
Download the report here.
View the press release by visiting the UCS website.
Help protect Michigan from global warming by writing a letter to the editor.
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Energy Works Michigan
A Bright Spot in the Future for Michigan Schools
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Since receiving a grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission, Energy Works Michigan, a project of Recycle Ann Arbor and the Ecology Center, has been in full swing. Its newest project, the Michigan Renewable Schools Program, is a two-year program dedicated to educating Michigan's future generations on the importance of energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Its goal is to prepare Michigan for a clean energy future by applying new energy technologies, increasing public knowledge, and educating students and teachers in K-12 schools across Michigan so they can contribute to meeting and exceeding the 2030 and 2050 carbon reduction targets.
To meet these goals, Energy Works has developed a set of programs that, together, will reach 80 Michigan schools. These programs include the Energy Efficiency Program, the Renewable Energy Program, the Post-Secondary Program, and K-12 Curriculum Development.
The Energy Efficiency Program administers Technical Energy Assessments (energy audits) in schools across the state. After the energy audits, Energy Works Michigan will help schools develop a strategic Energy Action Plan, considering costs and savings, to implement the recommended improvements. These will both save money and reduce carbon emissions.
The Renewable Energy Program will result in the installation of 20 small-scale solar PV systems and wind turbines, complete with high-profile interactive displays and web-based energy production monitoring. In addition to energy production, this software will record temperature, insulation, and wind speed/direction data for use by teachers within the schools. This information will also be accessible to the general public.
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Perhaps one of the most important programs associated with Energy Works Michigan is the Post-Secondary Program, which invites community and junior colleges and universities to apply for grants to conduct outreach activities. Michigan college students will speak with students in K-12 schools about their green career paths. These college students and their faculty will participate in classroom learning activities and presentations for the general public, increasing public awareness about green jobs and green careers.
Finally, the Curriculum Development program will develop a K-12 curriculum support guide tied to the programs, allowing participating teachers to learn to use the solar and wind monitoring equipment as well as promoting an understanding of energy efficiency and renewable energy throughout the school community. Professional Development sessions will be held to help teachers learn to use the new lessons.
All Michigan schools are welcome to apply, but are required to show commitment to sustainable energy efforts. Energy Works Michigan provides funding for these candidates, but applicants must also provide their own additional funding, between 10-30% of the program costs. Schools interested in participating in the program are invited to apply at www.energyworksmichigan.org.
The administration of this statewide program will promote a bright, clean energy future and will contribute to Michigan's growing green economy by seeking the participation of schools from all corners of the diverse state of Michigan.Download the application for the Michigan Renewable Schools Program.
Learn more about the Ecology Center's role in environmental education.
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Hello, Detroit!
Ecology Center Opens Office in Midtown
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We are happy to announce that the Ecology Center has opened a new office in Detroit. The site is serving as a base for our Healthy Food in Health Care Program and our Detroit-area organizing campaigns.
The new office is located at Hannan House, 4750 Woodward Avenue, managed by the Luella Hannan Memorial Foundation, and home to a large number of nonprofit organizations.
"Since moving into the new office, I've already met with three Detroit hospitals," stated Healthy Food in Health Care Coordinator Hillary Bisnett. "It's difficult to provide guidance to a hospital without fully understanding how it functions — the onsite tour is essential as every hospital is different." Ms. Bisnett was able to meet with hospital representatives, who attended the FoodMed09 Conference in Detroit, to talk about their efforts and provide resources for how best to move forward.
"I have been assisting community groups in and near Detroit for the last 8 years and now we can be an even greater resource," said Brad van Guilder, Southeast Michigan Organizer. "Detroit initiated its first pilot curbside recycling program on July 1, 2009, and the Ecology Center will be there to educate and promote its success just as we did in Ann Arbor about 30 years ago."
While Detroit is home to some of the country's worst environmental problems, it is also a growing hotbed of green activism. The Ecology Center plans to be there to help make Detroit's rebirth a green one.Learn more about our work in Detroit by visiting the Trash & Recycling and Healthy Food in Health Care sections of our website.
EcoLink — October 2009
An online publication of the Ecology Center
Comments and questions are welcome.
Please send to EcoLink Editor
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