News

Illuminating Opportunities in Our K-12 Schools
News  |  February 27, 2017
The Ecology Center and its Michigan Renewable Schools program is evaluating evidence-based connections between improved student performance and health with strategic clean energy investments in our K-12 school facilities: better lighting, ventilation, exterior building shell, etc
Ann Arbor’s Environmental Commission Votes to Put City’s Recycling Program Back on Track
News  |  February 27, 2017
On Thursday, February 23, the Ann Arbor Environmental Commission unanimously endorsed the Recycle Ann Arbor / Rumpke proposal to process City recyclables until the City’s materials recovery facility (MRF) is back up and running.
Why We March
News  |  January 30, 2017
On Saturday, January 21st the Ecology Center family marched for the environment and for justice. We were marching across the nation in Washington DC, Lansing, Detroit, Ann Arbor, Dallas Texas, Oakland California, Portland Oregon, Montpelier Vermont, just to name a few.
Public Health and the Environment Will Suffer Under the New Administration, Fight Back.
News  |  January 30, 2017
One week down, and the environmental report is in regarding the new Administration: Scientific data scrubbed from federal websites. 2 oil pipelines resuscitated. 3 Cabinet nominations of climate dissemblers pushed forward. And over 2 million people protesting in the streets.
Scott Pruitt Will Serve Industry Not the People If Confirmed to Lead the EPA
News  |  January 30, 2017
Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is yet another extreme choice in a long list of extreme cabinet nominations by President Trump. Ecology Center has signed on to a letter, along with 172 other environmental organizations, opposing the nomination of Scott Pruitt to lead EPA.
Midwest Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investment, the Silver Lining of the VW Emissions Scandal
News  |  January 30, 2017
Volkswagen’s emission cheating scandal has resulted in a $14.7 billion settlement with the German automaker. While most of the settlement will reimburse owners of VW diesel vehicles, $2 billion has been set-aside for vehicle infrastructure and education projects.
Safer Soap
News  |  January 30, 2017
The FDA says the risks outweigh the benefits when it comes to antibacterial soaps. A new rule goes into effect this September. Find out what their concerns are and what to do in the meantime.
Local Trend Setters: Thurston Elementary Green Team Programs
News  |  January 12, 2017
We rarely visit a school these days that does not have a green team.  These student groups can take many forms but share a common purpose – to take a leadership role on school projects to investigate or address environmental issues. 
Environmental Topics to Teach: Recycling
News  |  January 12, 2017
The need to protect the environment has become more imperative with the advancement of technology. Materials that have become common over the past century, such as plastics, are not easily returned to the Earth through natural processes.
What Does Research Say? So Many Benefits of Environmental Education
News  |  January 12, 2017
Research indicates that environmental education provides beneficial effects for students, especially those students who are at risk or have some form of disability. We provide synopses of the research methods and findings for three studies.
Michigan's Environmental Literacy Plan
News  |  January 12, 2017
The Michigan Environmental Literacy Plan (MIELP) is a set of guidelines and resources intended to get K-12 students connected with the natural world. MIELP was passed in 2011 with the vision of creating “environmentally literate citizens”.
Michigan Energy Legislation Finally Passes: Important Step Forward for Clean Energy
News  |  December 28, 2016
After almost two years of continued perseverance and hard work, and possibly a bit of luck, the Michigan Legislature was finally able to pass new energy legislation. A deal was reached in the last hours of the legislative session with the passing of Senate Bills 473 and 438.
Ann Arbor Says “High Priority” to Act on Climate
News  |  December 27, 2016
The City Administrator and City staff will be working over the coming months to develop the City’s 2017-19 budget, which gets submitted to the Ann Arbor City Council for adoption in May. We’ll be watching the process to make sure climate action moves forward.
Why It Matters Who Runs Your MRF
News  |  December 27, 2016
A material recovery facility is the hub of a community’s recycling program. It can spark regional economic development; provide good local jobs; be a key component in recycling education; and guarantee the environmental benefits of recycling are realized.
New Year’s Resolutions for Healthy People and a Healthy Planet
News  |  December 12, 2016
Check out our top ten to do list for the new year. Pat yourself on the back for those things you are already doing. Find a few new ideas for living healthier and protecting the planet.

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