By Andrea Jacoby, Ecology Center Summer 2025 Fellow

For Clear the Air's Air Quality Awareness Week, May 3-10, the Ecology Center partnered with Arboretum Detroit. They got to work in East Detroit, planting new trees that will help keep members of the local community breathing fresh, clean air. These trees are part of Arboretum Detroit‘s ongoing mission to cultivate a world-class arboretum in downtown Detroit, repurposing vacant lots that would otherwise sit empty. 

Arboretum Detroit‘s tree-planting efforts are one way to mitigate the environmental damage of the past decades. “Trees are important to air quality, and this is a community that is impacted by a lot of things that influence and cause poor air,” says Kathryn Savoie, the Director of Equity and Environmental Justice here at the Ecology Center.

Traffic and heavy industry take substantial tolls on air quality for urban residents, which means that planting trees is an essential step in improving air quality for Detroiters. Pollutants in the air can create serious health consequences. “There are different standards that are measured on a state level. Particulate matter (PM) comes in two different sizes. There is particulate matter 2.5, which is a very fine, small particulate matter. And then there's PM 10, which is a little bit bigger,” explains Salam Beydoun, the Environmental Justice Organizer at the Ecology Center. “The really dangerous kind of PM is the really, really small one, the 2.5, which actually is so small it gets into our bloodstream, it can cause bronchitis, it can cause COPD, it can cause asthma, as we see a lot of the population has. And so, a lot of this is environmental. What people breathe affects how they live, ultimately. People might think that asthma is purely hereditary or genetic. Still, it can be from your environment as well, which is what we see, especially for folks living in the shadows of industries who are polluting their air.”

“There's a hazardous waste trafficking and processing facility to our west. There's a giant scrap yard, the intersection of two major interstate freeways, and the legacy of the trash incinerator. We lived here for 30 years, with the trash incinerator cooking and blowing fumes our way. A lot of things that we couldn't see and smell and things that we could smell. And it was terrible,” recalls Birch Kemp, the founder and co-director of Arboretum Detroit.

The incinerator, which the Ecology Center helped to get shut down in 2019, burned over 5,000 pounds of garbage per day – nearly 55 million pounds over its 30-year lifespan. The hazardous waste facility and the highways continue to pollute the surrounding areas: highway traffic produces many different kinds of air pollution that can affect people's health, and the hazardous waste facility was recently fined by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) for some of its environmental violations.

Organizations like Arboretum Detroit promote tree-planting as a  way to mitigate some of the harm caused by sources of environmental damage. Trees and bushes can capture over 50% of the particulate matter from polluted air, trapping harmful particles so the community doesn't inhale it as dust. People living in areas especially affected by air pollution can see the benefits of events like May's tree planting immediately.

“There's past pollution; there's present pollution from the freeway. And, while the incinerator is gone, it's still left contaminants in the soil. So we need to keep planting things that are going to pull it out,” says Cornwall Corridor Community Project president and Arboretum Detroit Volunteer Charon Nogues. While cleaning the air, the trees also capture pollutants in soil and water, as Nogues alludes, thereby improving the condition of Detroit's other natural resources at the same time.

Planting with Arboretum Detroit gives volunteers a sense of contributing to something bigger – sometimes much bigger. Having first heard about Arboretum Detroit's work on the radio and becoming instantly interested in preserving the giant sequoias while greening Detroit and cleaning the air, Charon stated, “I would say the most enjoyable part of doing this is to be a part of it all, it's exciting.”

For Kemp, this project also serves as a source of catharsis during difficult times. “This work is so important to me because, like any conscious, rational person, I think I'm filled with ecological grief in this, in this moment, you know, climate change, global warming, all kinds of abuses to the earth,” he says. “Planting trees allows me to be in a hopeful moment and a hopeful projection into a healthier future. And, to deal with that, to be with other people who feel the same and want to connect with the earth instead of just hearing the terrible news all the time. So even though it's a small thing, 700 trees is not a lot of trees, but it's 700 more trees than were here five years ago.” 

Once these green spaces are available, they offer the surrounding community an opportunity to engage in activities such as taking yoga classes outdoors, learning, playing, and simply being in nature. Spending time in nature has proven benefits for individuals‘ “psychological well-being, cognitive, physiological, social, spiritual, and tangible material goods (such as food.)”

“The thing I like most about this kind of event is just people coming out together, meeting new people, and getting involved and making a difference in our community. You know, everybody cares and wants clean air. People want trees because they help improve our community and make it more pleasant to live in. And so it has multiple benefits, to come together and [build] community like this,” says Savoie. “I'm really happy to be out here today planting trees with other people and meeting new friends and getting people involved in caring for our community.”

You can get involved with Arboretum Detroit by visiting their website to find ways to volunteer and support their work. Or, if you aren't local to Detroit or SE Michigan, ask around in your communities for opportunities to plant more trees, be it your yard, your neighborhood, or your local parks. As the slogan used by Arboretum Detroit says, “Help us, help trees, help us.” Remember that we are all connected and mutually need each other and our trees to thrive. You can also get involved with protecting our right to breathe clean air by visiting the Clear the Air website. And, of course, the Ecology Center thanks you for your continued support as we fight for a just and healthy future for people and the planet. 

Clear the Air, co-founded by the Ecology Center, is a Michigan state wide coalition focusing on local air quality issues,  bringing awareness to the Cumulative Impact of pollution, and building a state level policy platform to ensure our right to breathe clean air. Many Michigan communities, including many in SE Michigan, such as Detroit, are subject to dirty air due to factory and freeway pollution. Clear the Air is calling for a statewide policy to make smarter decisions about pollution permits, decreasing permits allowed in areas that are already surrounding by factories that emit air pollution. A cumulative impact policy will lessen pollution and help to clear the air. 

Following last year’s success, Clear the Air and its partner organizations (including the Ecology Center) organized Air Quality Awareness Week 2025, which took place on May 1, 2025 to May 10, 2025. The week included both in-person and online events. It is an official event recognized by the city of Detroit.

Recap Overview: 

“Environmental justice is where all of the injustices meet” - Salam Beydoun, Ecology Center’s Environmental Justice Organizer 

Salam Beydoun, the Environmental Justice organizer at the Ecology Center, gave us a recap of this year’s events. As an integral members of Clear the Air, Salam works closely with community partners to organize outreach and education efforts such as community air filter workshops. She stated that environmental justice issues like air quality is important because “environmental justice is where all of the injustices meet” as there are so many factors that influence the cumulative impact (e.g. socio-economic impact, health outcomes etc.) 

Beydoun emphasized that one of the key highlights of the week for her was seeing people in person and experiencing the joys of community. She said it was “beautiful to be in person and form natural relationships in the community.” So much of our lives are virtual, including work meetings, but these types of events are not simply about education or political organizing; Salam emphasized that “we need joy” along with environmental justice actions. She explained that all of the events are designed to be about collective learning for everyone including organizers like herself. For Beydoun, the public comment event helped her understand why public comments are important and feel more confident about making them. 

She encouraged people to check out the Clear the Air website and join their mailing list to stay informed about upcoming events, actions, and resources. 

The coalition is in the process of making resources available on their website including a cool Air Quality Zine made by Beydoun herself. Physical copies of the Zine is available at various Clear the Air events. 

She also stressed that organizations should apply to become partners. Organizations do not need to focus on air quality specifically. Many environmental justice issues are interconnected and Clear the Air is always looking to expand its reach to work collectively with partners across different sectors. For example, one of the newer Clear the Air partners, Arboretum Detroit, plants trees in Detroit to help clear the air of pollution.  

Beydoun thanked all of the organizers and attendees of Air Quality Awareness Week 2025 for a wonderful experience. She is looking forward to next year's annual awareness week and hopes to build on the success of the previous two years. 

Upcoming events: 

• This summer, there will be several FREE Box Fan Filter building workshops where people will learn how to make a DIY box fan filter and take it home (with all materials provided).
• Lansing Education Day later in the year. 

More information about upcoming events coming soon on the Clear the Air website. 

Air Quality Awareness Week 2025 Schedule & Photos

Thursday, May 1, 2025

Clear the Air Press Conference + Policy Platform Roll Out 

(10 AM; O’Shea Park) 

Hosted by Clear the Air 

Air Quality Awareness Week kicked off with a press conference at O’Shea Park with passionate and energizing speeches by the following people: Theresa Landrum (Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit 48217), Raquel Garcia (Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision), Roshaun Harris (Eastside Community Network), Nick Leonard (Great Lakes Environmental Law Center), Rev. Sharon Buttry (Detroit-Hamtramck Coalition), George Perdue (School Craft Improvement Association), Maricela Gutierrez (Industrious Labs), and Salam Beydoun (Ecology Center) 

Saturday, May 3, 2025 

Tree Planting + T-shirt Printing 

(3 PM to 6PM; 3300 Farnsworth, Detroit MI)

Arboretum Detroit and Clear The Air hosted an event to learn about how trees contribute to our air quality, while taking action by planting Giant Sequoias and native understory trees and shrubs. This is part of a Filter Forest that will be a vegetative buffer along one of the busiest streets in their neighborhood, on the south end of the Arboretum’s network of parks. At the event, Ocelot Print Shop also provided a live screen printing experience, so attendees went home with a t-shirt to show their participation in the event and to represent our fight for clean air.

Sunday, May 4, 2025 

Cinco De Mayo Parade 

(12 PM; Patton Park)

Clear the Air and Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) was part of the Cinco De Mayo Parade in Patton Park so we invited people to join us in the parade to help support our right to breathe clean air. Being part of this event was also important because Spanish speaking communities in southwest Detroit continue to be heavily impacted by air pollution. 

Monday, May 5, 2025 

Panel Discussion: How do communities organize around air quality?

(6 PM - 8PM; Eastside Community Network)

Kristy Allen of JustAir facilitated a panel discussion and workshop on community organizing. JustAir brought in the following local organizers, legal advocates, and environmental activists to talk about the power of community led air quality data: Nick Leonard (Great Lakes Environmental Law Center), George Perdue (Schoolcraft concrete crushing zoning), Mark Covington (Georgia St Collective / DHCBHE), and Theresa Landrum (Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit/ OUSWD 48217). The workshop was centered on helping residents prepare to submit a public comment at the City Council meeting on Tuesday morning.

Tuesday, May 6, 2025

City Council Public Comment at Formal Session 

(9:30 AM; Coleman A. Young Municipal Center)

One of the main pillars of Air Quality Awareness Week is to take collective action for our right to breathe clean air. This is why we organized an event dedicated to making our voices heard. Public comments are an important way that the local and federal government get direct input from the community. But for many people, it may be intimidating to make a public comment in person or they might not know how to participate. By going together, city government is able to see the community of people who are passionate about this issue. We are dedicated to making these opportunities accessible so we also organized a carpool from Eastside Community Network and published instructions on how to participate online. Local students whose school works closely with Eastside Community Network (ECN) had a field trip to the city council meeting to make their comments in person. 

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Film Screening of Descendant

(5:30 PM; New Lab in Michigan Central)

Green Door Initiative (GDI) hosted a screening of a documentary titled Descendant (Margaret Brown, 2022) at New Lab in Michigan Central. The film took attendees on a powerful journey through the story of Africatown, a town created by the kidnapped Africans smuggled to America after slavery was abolished, and the impact of that crime on its descendents living there. Africatown is an area that is heavily impacted by industrial pollution and highlights the importance of seeing this issue as part of a long history of violence towards the black community.  The film was followed by a vibrant post screening discussion. Beydoun mentioned that the discussion was emotionally powerful with many attendees speaking up about their connections to the history covered in the film as well as sharing personal family stories that helped to bring the community together. (The film is available on Netflix)

Virtual Film Screening of Unbreathable 

(6 PM; Zoom)

The Students of the "Environmental and Social Justice: A Place-Based Perspectives (HNRS 4302)” course at Western Michigan University hosted a virtual screening of the documentary film Unbreathable: The Fight for Healthy Air (2020) followed by a discussion with Maggie Stoger, filmmaker, professor, and Executive Director of the Center of Environmental Filmmaking at American University. The film delves into the history of the Clean Air Act and the ongoing fight for air quality in communities like  “Cancer Alley” in Louisiana affected by environmental injustice. 

During the discussion, Stogner mentioned that one of the reasons Cancer Alley is featured in the film is that the area had the highest COVID-19 deaths because the coronavirus latched onto the pollution, which intensified the spread. This highlighted how air pollution can have broader consequences. Stogner stressed that “we need to fight all that harder” because social and environmental justice always go hand in hand, especially since the most impacted areas tend to be low-income and/or communities of color. (This 30-minute film along with Stoger’s new film on Clean Water are both available for free on Kanopy. Public library card or a university affiliation is necessary to access the film.) 

Thursday, May 8, 2025

Film Screening of Unbreathable (Spanish Subtitles)

(6 PM - 8 PM; Vámanos)

Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision (SDEV) hosted a screening of Unbreathable with Spanish subtitles at Vámonos to help local communities learn about the history of this fight for healthy air. 

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Public Health + Air Quality Resource Fair

(10 AM - 3 PM; Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus) 

Just Air hosted an event where Wayne County Health, Human, and Veterans Services (HHVS) distributed mobile air quality monitors and digital inhalers for eligible Wayne County residents. At this event community health partners also tabled to share more about their public health and air quality programs.

Saturday May 17, 2025 

Pollution to Solutions Bike Tour

(10:30 AM - 1 PM; The Stoudamire / Eastside Community Network)

Clear the Air in partnership with the Eastside Community Network hosted a bike tour of some of the pollution our community struggles with as well as community groups that are addressing air quality and promoting environmental justice. The tour was equipped with 10 portable air monitors to ride with and engaged riders along the way around what their monitors picked up. 

By Trilby MacDonald, Ecology Center Writer

Voters expect the government to serve the people and lawmakers to champion their interests. When this doesn’t happen, lawmakers are sometimes voted out. The idea behind energy democracy is that, like the government, utility companies should be accountable to the communities they serve. Access to clean, affordable energy should be a right, not a privilege. The current reality is that privately owned utility companies have all of the power of government but none of the responsibilities. Like any corporation, their primary responsibility is to make money for shareholders. With DTE and Consumers Energy pouring hefty campaign contributions into both parties, lawmakers have little incentive to hold them accountable. 

Energy democracy envisions a future where renewable, decentralized, and community-owned energy systems provide affordable and reliable power for everyone.

Tony Reames, Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice at U-M, underscores the importance of this shift:

 "Energy democracy means ensuring that every community, especially those historically marginalized, can access affordable, reliable, and clean energy." 

The Principles of Energy Democracy

The goal of the energy democracy movement is to shift control of the energy sector from utilities to people, creating resilient, affordable energy systems. With greater control over their energy supply, consumers can adopt clean, reliable, and affordable energy systems — even generating and managing their own local power. However, utilities’ commitment to maximizing profits means they will do everything they can to maintain the status quo. Communities must work much harder to take charge. 

Michigan has a long way to go before true energy democracy can become a reality.  Utility companies spend millions of dollars in ratepayer money lobbying lawmakers to discourage locally owned renewable energy systems. Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, points out the role that utility companies play in shaping energy policy to their advantage. "One of the most important things people need to understand is that our two monopoly utilities play a huge role in politics in Lansing. We passed good clean energy legislation in 2023, but it could have been stronger. Those utilities made sure it wasn’t."

Mia Breznau, a student activist at Western Michigan University, explains how grassroots education plays a role in energy democracy: "The main thing that our group focuses on is peer education — talking to other students about this issue because our education system isn't letting them know what's up and what they can do. Then we do a lot of community work, bringing people together, creating a sense of community, and turning that into action." Her words embody the essence of successful social movements: shared values, collective awareness, and a deep sense of belonging that sustain community-driven change over time.

Rafael Mojica coordinates community projects for Soulardarity, a nonprofit working to expand solar energy in Highland Park. He emphasizes the importance of local energy ownership. "We don’t like to just say community solar. We like to say community-owned solar," he explains. "We want a system that is delivering a service to the public that is owned by the public, managed by the public, maintained by the public." His vision of a publicly-owned energy system may seem far-fetched, but communities across the country are finding creative ways to take their power back. 

Ann Arbor is leading by example, and has created a variety of programs that reduce financial barriers to renewable energy. Missy Stults, Director of sustainability for Ann Arbor, emphasizes the need to offer residents a variety of ways to take advantage of clean energy. "We have to find solutions that acknowledge the system has been extractive. We need to try to correct that to the full extent we can, and we need to recognize that one solution is not going to work for the entire marketplace. We're going to need lots of different things for different situations." 

The Failures of the Current Energy System

While energy democracy is a bold vision, an energy system that perpetuates inequality and injustice is clearly broken. Alexis Blizman, Legislative and Policy Director for the Ecology Center, describes the extent of utility companies’ power: "The utilities spend an absolute fortune lobbying the legislature ... They pay for influence and that leaves the consumers out in the cold and heat."

This outsized influence leads to policies that allow for multiple rate increases a year. DTE requested another rate hike in April of 2025 after securing a $217 million increase for metro Detroit customers in January. "Rates are going up every year … Each utility is filing a new rate case almost as soon as the Commission makes a decision on their previous one, and each request is larger than the last” Blizman notes, explaining how residents are forced to shoulder the greatest burden of rate hikes while industrial customers have negotiated favorable deals. 

Tecreshia Rana, a volunteer with the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition, describes the struggle: "I think the fact that energy is natural and we have to pay an arm and a leg for it is ridiculous. People have to take second jobs just to keep the lights on." For people like her, energy democracy is not just a policy goal — it is a matter of survival. 

For all the money they have to spend on energy, residents are not getting good service. Decades of neglect have left energy infrastructure in disrepair, leading to blackouts, gas leaks, and unsafe conditions. Power outages in Michigan increased 79% between 2011 and 2021 compared with the previous decade. 

Community-Led Solutions 

Grassroots organizations and forward-thinking cities are proving that energy democracy is possible. In Highland Park, the nonprofit Soulardarity has installed solar-powered street lights equipped with free wifi, helping the community improve connectivity and reclaim control over its energy infrastructure after DTE removed streetlights due to the city’s unpaid bills. "We should be demanding no more blackouts. We should be demanding far more affordable rates," says Mojica, who is working with Soulardarity to install solar street lights across the city. 

In 2023, Ann Arbor residents voted to create a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), a city-run initiative that provides affordable ways for residents to use solar power. Through the program, residents can have solar panels installed on their homes at no upfront cost, paying only for the energy produced. In the next phase, the SEU will create microgrids that allow neighbors to share power, making the city’s energy system more resilient.

The Political Battle for Energy Democracy

While community-led solutions provide hope, utilities have lobbied aggressively to block policies that would allow for more community-owned energy generation. "Utilities are lobbying to stop any type of energy generation to be community-owned," Blizman explains.

Groups like Taking Back Our Power are working to let voters decide if utilities should be allowed to use taxpayer money to lobby lawmakers. "If anti-lobbying can get on the ballot, it could pass."  Blizman stresses that a powerful, well-coordinated campaign would make this possible. 

The Path Forward

A strong public engagement and education campaign will be necessary for energy democracy to succeed. Tecreshia Rana reflects on her own journey: "Before I joined MEJC (Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition,) I didn’t even know I had rights ... Awareness is everything." Education is particularly crucial for young people, who will shape the future of climate and energy policy. Mia Breznau emphasizes the need for better climate education: "The youth voice is one of the most powerful things we can leverage for issues like climate change. But I think the one thing that's dampening that is the lack of education ... Bringing full-scope climate education into our school system can teach students why this issue matters so much."

Advocates are working to change the rules so that energy prices are fair and grid improvements are planned wisely. They want to make sure that when utility companies decide on prices, they also think about what people can afford, and that rates are designed to ensure true affordability for all.

A Movement, Not Just an Idea

Energy democracy is not just about transitioning to clean energy — it is about ensuring that the transition is just, equitable, and community-driven. "Energy justice work is more than just an idea. It is a movement." says Tony Reames.

The fight against utility monopolies and rising energy costs is a fight for justice. Through grassroots activism, policy reform, and creative community energy initiatives, a cleaner and fairer energy future is within reach.

By Yuki Nakayama, Ecology Center Environmental Storyteller Fellow

The More Life, Less Stuff campaign advocates for spending less, buying local, finding local community, centering experience over shopping, and much more. Along with buying less, repair is a big component of the More Life, Less Stuff lifestyle. Repair encompasses a wide range of activities. Previously, I shared a story about mending clothes and discovering new life in our old clothes. In this story, I want to talk about repairing electronics and other household items.  

In Shinto folklore, there is a belief that objects that have been loved for a long time become a type of spirit or yokai called “tsukumogami.” Though this belief originates in Shinto, it is not viewed as a highly religious concept — rather, it’s frequently used as a way to teach children the importance of caring for objects. This idea has become a principal part of Japanese culture, even making appearances in anime like Tsukumogami For Rent (2017). Like many families in Japan, I was taught tsukumogami as a type of honor or reward one is blessed with only after caring for an object long-term, which is probably why I still prefer using treasured items over purchasing new things. 

There are specific objects that I will prioritize repairing so I can continue to use them for one reason or another. Even if they get to the point where they are no longer repairable, I will still keep them as precious treasures in my memory box. My 2005 iPod (4th gen with the click wheel) is a good example of the type of precious object I care for. I requested this iPod as a gift from my father right before I left for college decades ago, when I realized I would not be able to bring all of my CDs and MDs (yup, I had those too) with me to my dorm. Since then, this iPod has traveled around with me and I still continue to use it regularly. 

Like many other objects I own, I always thought I would stop using my iPod when it became unrepairable, but it has outlasted many of my other devices. One of the reasons this iPod has outlasted others is because of the way it was built. The casing is not difficult to take apart to replace the battery, and batteries with the necessary voltage that will fit the casing continue to exist. During my most recent excursion to Apples and Oranges, a local repair shop, to get the battery replaced for both my iPod (4th gen) and iPod Nano (2nd gen), the repair costs for the iPod were dramatically cheaper than the Nano. The iPod Nano is technically “newer” than the iPod, but the older iPod had less obstacles to take apart than the iPod Nano to make repair possible. 

This issue of device accessibility is an important aspect of the right to repair movement happening all over the world. When things are not repairable, they end up in the trash. A conscientious consumer will most likely take the broken device to be recycled for parts, but in many cases, it simply ends up in a landfill. The need for rare minerals for advanced technology like our smartphones have led to large scale human harm. Repair is not just about extending the life of an object out of financial necessity or sentimentality, it is about understanding the global impact of the technology industry on the environment and human health. 

Free Local Repair Clinics

Getting started with repairing an object can be daunting, especially when you do not have the necessary tools or expertise. There are local resources that can help. In addition to repair shops like Apples and Oranges, there are free repair clinics in Ann Arbor such as Fix It Fridays at Maker Works (once a month on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.) and Thursday Repairsdays at All Hands Active (Every Thursday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.). These repair clinics are run through a network of volunteer experts that offer their knowledge, skills, and time to those in need. Though they cannot guarantee that your item will be fixed, they do their best to assess what kind of repair the object might need. On April 19th,  I attended a Fix It Friday Event at Maker Works. 

Maker Works is a community space that offers tools, space to work, and classes on a wide range of subjects. Founded in 2011, it started with a very simple idea: have a space where anyone can come in to make anything they want. Josh, the executive director of Maker Works, noted that the goal is not just to provide access to tools and technology or to fix broken objects, but to help eliminate the various hurdles to getting started with your maker journey, especially for underrepresented communities. Repair is just one of many functions of this space.  

At the Fix It Friday event, he emphasized that there is joy in helping people care for their treasured items, like the only remaining chair from the very first Chinese restaurant to ever open on Main Street in Downtown Ann Arbor. Each object that is brought in has its own history and stories. 

“If you get stuck, we’re always here to help” - Josh, Executive Director of Maker Works

He said that Maker Works exists to offer classes, tools, space, and support to everyone. They hope to inspire and encourage people, teaching that we are all capable of learning how to make and repair things. For example, seeing someone repair a broken object can empower someone to tackle the repair themselves in the future. According to Josh, roughly 20% of repair requests that come in are lamps, so they have started classes specifically on lamp repair basics. The class is not just about the how-tos; it provides hands-on experience to help people to gain the confidence to try other repairs on their own. 

I took my old VCR, which had started to eat the tapes whenever I tried to rewind, in the hopes that they might be able to fix it. I was helped by a lovely gentleman who used to work at a television station in the 1960s and had experience dating back to the very first videotape players networks used. I made the mistake of not bringing a VHS tape to reproduce the issue to get proper diagnosis for the problem, so there was not much that could be done during this visit. But I enjoyed opening up the VCR, learning about how it works, and talking to the volunteer about his experience with the old school videotape players. The event was not just about getting items fixed; it was about connecting with new neighbors I would not have otherwise encountered. 

Community-Based Repair Economy

“[Repairs are] challenging and entertaining” - Greg Miller, local business owner, engineer, and repair person. 

Alongside repair shops and clinics, there are other local communities that develop an ad-hoc repair economy. These types of community repairs also fulfill a crucial need. Unlike repair shops and clinics, which often require you to bring in the item, community repair requests accommodate larger items that cannot be moved or that the owner is unable to carry, especially benefitting older and/or disabled residents. 

Greg Miller, local real estate business owner and engineer, is one of many that participate in such community-based repair activities. He is part of his neighborhood tool cooperative and offers repair services through introductions and community apps like Next Door. He provides welding, small engine repairs, and other services for a small fee to cover parts and his labor. However, this is not his main source of income. He takes on these requests because he finds them to be “challenging and entertaining” activities that allow him to prevent objects from ending up in the landfill while helping people.

He is a trained engineer, but his interest in repairs started at a young age out of necessity due to financial constraints. This included repairing his own car and things from the side of the road. He mentioned that his chainsaws were roadside finds, which he repaired. He emphasized that he “enjoys learning new skills and values having skills.” He is not afraid to dive into something new. For example, he bought his first welder with no prior experience because he wanted to learn to use it. Like any beginner, he was not very good at first. He attributed his willingness to self-learn and experiment to the fact that as an engineer he is “used to things not working the first time around,” which makes failure the default until it starts to work.    

Greg mentioned that he finds this work necessary because the low cost of international labor has resulted in fewer local repair shops and production of repairable products, which means more things end up as trash. He emphasized the role of community support, such as lending and borrowing tools, instead of buying a device you use just a few times. He gave an example of how he needed a leaf blower to use on his farm, which he borrowed from a neighbor off of Next Door instead of buying one. He said it wasn’t about the money of purchasing or renting, but about not buying unnecessary things that collect dust in your home or end up in a landfill after just a few uses. He stressed the importance of asking your local community before buying, because there may be someone who is willing to lend you a tool or a hand. 

One of the most eye-opening tips Greg gave me during our conversation was that repair does not always have to be about returning an item to its ‘like-new’ or original state. For example, one of the concerns about repairing my iPod Nano was whether there was a battery on the market that would fit its specific casing. However, Greg pointed out that if the goal was simply to get it to work, I could drill a hole in the casing and attach a battery externally, which would actually allow for a bigger battery. Repair can be flexible, depending on what you need and want. 

Don’t Be Afraid To Repair! 

Many of us may feel inadequate or simply too limited for time to do any repairs. Repairing frequently requires specific tools and skills one might not immediately have, but through this process I learned that it is not as scary as it seems and that there is a lot of freedom in this activity. The worst case scenario is that the object is unrepairable, but you would not know if it is or isn’t repairable until you try to repair it either yourself or through supportive local “fix it” communities. Take the time to look into your neighborhood for the rich knowledge and expertise that is just a few steps away from you to preserve your precious treasures. 

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to make our air dirtier by rescinding critical state laws to regulate car and truck pollution. We need your help in asking our US Senators to vote NO on three Congressional Review Act resolutions (H.J. Res. 87, H.R. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89). Using the Congressional Review Act to appeal the tailpipe emission limits set in California could set a dangerous precedent for using the CRA to override state laws and implement broad-reaching federal statutes and bans. 

For the sake of public health, we can’t let this happen. One hundred thirty-one million Americans live in counties with unhealthy ozone levels and particulate pollution. Cars, SUVs, and trucks are the largest source of that pollution, which causes asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, premature births, lung cancer, and premature deaths. States with dirtier air should have the right to set stricter standards than the federal government, and that is especially true now that the current administration is threatening to roll-back those standards.  

Not only will passing the CRA resolutions be detrimental to public health, but it would also hurt the American economy by throwing clean transportation investments and the emerging electric vehicle industry into disarray. This threatens the loss of jobs here in Michigan, as well as other states where significant new investments have been made.   

The adverse effect on the economy doesn’t stop with job losses– the CRA resolutions that eliminate clean car emission rules will also cause increased costs for  consumers, eliminating savings on fuel and maintenance costs.  This is especially true for rural and lower-income drivers who have to drive long distances for work.  

Improperly applying the Congressional Review Act (CRA) would set a dangerous precedent that could lead to its misuse for other executive actions, including Medicaid waivers and changes to K-12 education plans. Rescinding these waivers without requiring EPA to justify its reversal based on its public health mission would be a big mistake.

For the health of people and the planet, the support of thriving communities and their economies, and our democracy, we urge you to join us in calling on lawmakers to stop this overreach of power and vote NO on the Congressional Review Act resolutions (H.J. Res. 87, H.R. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89).

TAKE ACTION NOW!

Or, Call Your U.S. Senator: 

Michigan U.S. Senator Slotkin: 202-224-4822

Michigan U.S. Senator Peters: 202-224-6221

Look up their phone number here, and use this script: 

“Hi, my name is _______, and I’m a constituent (or title) living in _______, ZIP code _______.

I’m calling to urge Sen.________ to vote ‘no’ on these unlawful attempts to use the Congressional Review Act to overturn EPA waivers for vehicle pollution programs (H.J. Res. 87, H.R. Res. 88, H.J. Res. 89). I’m very concerned that if Congress uses the CRA improperly, it could create a precedent that allows it to be used on anything at all — from Medicaid waivers to changes to K-through-12 education plans.

Will Sen. ________ vote against these unlawful CRA resolutions when they come to the floor in the next few weeks?”

The Ecology Center, with our partners in the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network (GLPAN), condemn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to roll back the country's first-ever drinking water standards for 'forever chemicals', endangering the health of Americans everywhere.

"Yesterday's decision by the EPA rolls back monumental science-based standards meant to protect our health. These actions will undoubtedly make the drinking water of millions across the country less safe," said Tony Spaniola, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. "Communities in Michigan, like Oscoda, have grappled with toxic PFAS contamination for years. Rolling back the drinking water standards undoes years of progress to protect the health of these communities."

The drinking water standards were finalized in April 2024 and established legally enforceable individual Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at four parts per trillion (ppt), MCLs for PFHxS, PFNA, and GenX at 10 ppt. They set a Hazard Index MCL for chemical mixtures containing two or more of either PFHxS, PFNA, HGPO-DA, or PFBS. 

PFAS or 'forever chemicals' are a widespread environmental hazard, and exposure to them is linked to numerous adverse health outcomes such as decreased fertility, delays in children's development, increased risk of cancer, and increased cholesterol levels. Unfortunately, due to widespread use and contamination, PFAS are found in our bodies, wildlife, waterways, rain, and even our blood. One of the largest sources of exposure is through contaminated drinking water. Unfortunately, the EPA’s decision to roll back public protections will continue to threaten our drinking water supply. 

“The EPA has the fundamental role of creating and enforcing safeguards for our water. Today's action by the Trump EPA does just the opposite," said Sandy Wynn-Stelt, co-chair of the Great Lakes PFAS Action Network. "Drinking water contaminated with toxic PFAS chemicals is linked to numerous health impacts and threatens the health of communities in Michigan and beyond. We are calling on members of Congress to do everything they can to oppose these rollbacks and protect our drinking water from toxic PFAS contamination."

Not only does yesterday's decision eliminate the drinking water standards for all but PFOA and PFOS, it also extends the compliance timeline for those two chemicals from 2029 to 2031.

This decision will result in more PFAS in our drinking water and is a major setback in our pursuit to ‘Turn the tap off on PFAS.” Perhaps most egregious is that it comes from the agency whose sole purpose is to protect public health and the environment. 

Read the press release and tell your members of Congress to show their opposition to the EPA’s announcement. It’s important they continue to hear from all of us about protecting our drinking water from PFAS! 

By Yuki Nakayama, Ecology Center Environmental Storyteller Rackham Fellow

Earth Day, which takes place annually on April 22nd, was established 55 years ago in 1970 after American rose up to fight against the destruction of our beautiful planet. The same protests led to the founding of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the adoption of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and most of the country’s other major environmental laws. The April 22, 1970 protests were the biggest social uprising in human history.   

Over the years, though, what was originally a day of protests and teach-ins has largely become an excuse for polluters to “greenwash” their products and operations. But not this year. Given the Trump Administration’s assault on federal environmental protections, Earth Day took back some of its original character.

This year there was a rally organized by the AFGE Union Local 3907 members from the EPA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to celebrate Earth Day and to fight against the attacks on these federal agencies and workers. The rally took place just outside EPA’s National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) and NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) offices here in Ann Arbor. 

At the event, there were impassioned speeches by representatives from AFGE union members representing, EPA, NOAA, and USGS; Huron River Watershed Council; A2Zero: Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations; Thurston Nature Center, and the Ecology Center with special appearances from Representatives Rashida Talib and Debbie Dingell. All speakers talked about the big role the federal agencies and workers play to make sure our planet is healthy and the negative impact the current attacks would have.

“We only won our rights by fighting for our rights.” — Mike Garfield, Director of Ecology Center 

Ecology Center director, Mike Garfield, spoke about how the EC was conceived during the first Earth Day event to keep the energy of the uprising alive. He asserted that “we only won our rights by fighting for our rights,” and it is on us to continue that fight, especially now that EPA workers in the environmental justice department were recently told that they will all be fired by July. He urged everyone to continue to take a stand and raise our voices. 

“We shouldn’t have to fight for clean water or air in the richest nation in the world.” - Rashida Tlaib

Rep. Rashida Tlaib stated that “we shouldn’t have to fight for clean water or air in the richest nation in the world.” While we face serious and urgent issues, she said that it gives her hope to see more and more Americans rising up. In her speech, she also gave recognition to those who may not be able to attend such events in person for various reasons, but taking action in ways they can to remind us that the collective efforts expand beyond those we saw at the rally. 

There were many local residents and community groups in attendance at the event including Ann Arbor Indivisible, a non-partisan grassroots movement to protect democracy. Gus Teschke, one of the organizers of the group, stated that though they do not work specifically on environmental issues, their work understands the importance of protecting regulatory agencies like the EPA and NOAA.

“Taking care of the environment is taking care of people” — David, former EPA worker.

David was one of many retired EPA workers and former AFGE Union members that came out to the rally. He stated that while we cannot prevent the administration from making legal changes, he is concerned about the illegal and reckless actions. He also commented that we need the EPA because “taking care of the environment is taking care of people.”   

What can we do? 

1. Go to the Regulations.gov to leave public comments about the actions taken by the federal government and various agencies. This is one way that our voices can directly impact the course of action.
2. Write to your representatives to tell them why these regulatory agencies are important to your safety and health. The ACLU website has tips on writing to your elected officials. Find your elected representatives here.
3. The EPA has a helpful “How You Can Help” webpage on the various things we can all do in our households and communities to keep our environment clean.
4. Donate to organizations like the Ecology Center. 

5. Attend our next EcoLive on May 20th on zoom: A in-depth discussion on Trump’s attacks on environment

   Join us virtually on Tuesday, May 20th at 5:30pm for an in-depth look at the Trump administration’s moves, the impacts they've had so far, and how we can fight back. CLICK HERE to sign up.

   The Administration’s attacks on environmental agencies and organizations and environmental regulations undermine the country’s environmental and public health protections. They also hurt major labs and institutes that conduct research and develop programs to protect our environment. 

   Speakers for this virtual event include:Jeff Alson, Retired Senior Engineer and Policy Advisor for EPA’s Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Ken Clark, President of AFGE Local 3907, representing federal employees, and Michelle Deatrick, Chair of Washtenaw County’s Environmental Council, Co-founder and National Chair of the DNC’s Environment and Climate Crisis Council

By Yuki Nakayama, Ecology Center Environmental Storyteller Rackham Fellow

“The expression ‘it’s just the tip of the iceberg’ is very apt here.” – Jeff Gearhart

We are learning more and more that microplastics are everywhere, even inside our bodies. New studies have found that not only do our brains have roughly a spoonful of microplastic, but they were also found in every human semen sample that was tested. The environmental and health impacts of microplastics have been warned by experts for over a decade. Already, we know that they can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, organ dysfunction, gut microbiome disruption, cancer, cardiovascular problems, and reproductive health issues. 

Jeff Gearhart, Ecology Center Research Director, notes “the expression ‘it’s just the tip of the iceberg’ is very apt here.” These extremely small particles of plastic polymers in our environment pose unique challenges that make data collection and impact assessment difficult and time intensive. There is still more we need to know to find effective solutions to combat this pressing issue.

On February 12, 2025, the International Joint Commission (IJC) and the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board (SAB) organized a webinar on microplastics in the Great Lakes based on data collected by the IJC since 2010 (video of the webinar, presentation slides, and microplastics report.) The IJC was created by a treaty between the U.S. and Canada to influence regulatory decisions made by the two governments.  The webinar on the Great Lakes gives us insight into what microplastics pollution is and how it is impacting our local water supply. 

The IJC & SAB recommend regulations for monitoring microplastics. Specifically, they recommend that microplastics be included in the Chemicals of Mutual Concern (CMC) similarly to other chemicals like mercury to monitor and regulate them. The CMC is a list of chemicals under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA), that are monitored  and regulated by federal agencies in both nations (like the EPA in the US). The GLWQA is a joint  commitment to protect the Great Lakes by the two nations first signed in 1972. This addition to the CMC is a major development in addressing microplastic pollution in the Great Lakes region. 

What are Microplastics?

Plastic is a relatively new material despite the fact that it has become so ubiquitous in our daily lives. Its commercial use increased in the 1950s, which means plastics have been around less than 100 years. People frequently view plastic as inert and harmless because it has become so common.

In the most simplistic terms, Microplastics are small particles of plastic from man-made materials. They are pieces less than five millimeters that are created intentionally (microbeads) and unintentionally (shed through degradation). Particles smaller than one micrometer that are unintentionally produced are frequently referred to as nanoplastics. Microplastics come from various sources that span from manufacturing plastics to daily products we use in our everyday lives such as single-use plastic products (e.g. plastic water bottles, food packaging, take out containers), tire rubber, and synthetic fibers in our clothes. 

Due to their small size, they can be transported by wind, water, in and on bodies of animals. These plastic particles can be found all over the world in our environments (air, waters, food) and even in our own bodies. Some of the adverse effects of micro and nanoplastics have been reported, but we still do not know their whole scale. (Check out this website by scientists at Wayne State University that provide accessible infographics on microplastics.)

The two words, microplastics and nanoplastics, cannot be used interchangeably. Micro and nanoplastic need to be understood separately. The data we have so far on microplastics is uneven in terms of materials and size of particles. In many cases, nanoplastics are intentionally excluded from studies. This means findings about microplastics are not easily comparable and do not automatically give insights into nanoplastics. Therefore, we need more research into both micro and nanoplastics. 

Alarming Levels of Microplastics

The data collected so far indicate an alarming presence of microplastics. One study found that yearly loads of 44,000-300,000 tons of plastics are already in North American agricultural fields where our food is grown (Nizzetto et al 2016). It is also known that toxic chemicals (like PFAS) and bacteria frequently stick to microplastic particles allowing them to spread widely and even become antibiotic resistant, which creates additional concerns.

In the Great Lakes, microplastics impact aquatic wildlife in two ways: 

1. Plastics replace food in the gut of the fish or other organisms, leading to malnutrition and even death.
2. The particles move into the organism’s tissues (translocation) causing inflammation and oxidative stress. 

Dr. Chelsea Rockman noticed that every fish in the Great Lakes had microplastics as opposed to one in four fish in the pacific ocean through her work in both bodies of water. This means the Great Lakes aquatic life is heavily impacted by microplastic pollution. Translocation refers to microplastics eaten by an organism moving beyond the gut. How this happens is still unclear, but data shows that it is happening. This raises serious concern about the impact of translocation on human health, especially in light of finding microplastics in our brains and semen.  

Recycling Will Not Solve Our Microplastics Problem. 

Plastic recycling programs are unfortunately not the solution to the microplastics problem. They do little to stem the tide of new plastic production. Plastics are not only used in packaging but in consumer and industrial goods, which all end up as waste at the end of their life cycle. Yet only very limited amounts–typically #1 and #2 plastic packaging only–are suitable for recycling. Most plastic waste is incinerated to create more energy. Between 1950 and 2017, over 9,200 million tons of plastics have accumulated across the globe including those that are still in use. Only 700 million tons have been recycled, while 1000 million tons were incinerated and 5,300 million tons were discarded into landfills. These numbers show the fate of plastic products. This is not to say that we should stop recycling, but it highlights the importance of product design and innovations that prevent plastic use in the first place. 

Industry is the Biggest Obstacle For Tackling Microplastic Pollution 

It is no surprise that one of the biggest obstacles in regulating plastic use and microplastic pollution is push back from plastics manufacturers, waste management companies, the oil industry, and the chemical industry. In particular, the oil industry is growing their profits by expanding their plastic production  in anticipation of oil use declining as transportation fuel. Regulations on plastics and microplastics would place stricter producer responsibility on them to invest   financially to design safer products with an awareness of their entire life cycle. 

“[The solution] should not fall on individual consumers.” – Gillian Miller, Ecology Center Senior Scientist

The industry and consumers also need to be aware of the differences between critical uses and convenient uses of plastic. Gillian Miller, Ecology Center Senior Scientist, warns that the goal should not be to villainize all plastics and the solution is not as simple as completely eliminating plastic because it has many critical uses, especially in medicine and health care. She also emphasized that the solution “should not fall on individual consumers” and industry needs to be held accountable in reducing plastic across various commercial products, especially single-use plastics such as in bottled water. 

The Big Takeaway from the IJC & SAB Recommendations

1. Develop a regional monitoring program:  Already existing monitoring programs should be expanded to include microplastics to protect our crucial bodies of water.
2. Support continued research: Developments in tools and methods are still necessary to capture the whole scope of the environmental impact.
3. Add microplastics to the Chemical of Mutual Concern list: Adding microplastics to the CMC would require consistent and large-scale monitoring within the Great Lakes Region.
4. Enact policies that reduce plastic pollution: Regulating authorities should create stricter policies and standards that help reduce plastic production and use.   

(More information by ICJ and SAB in their Webinar video, slides, and supplementary materials )

Policy Action to Fight Microplastic Pollution

Mike Garfield, the director of the Ecology Center, noted that “the scale of what we are facing is vast. We need to come to grips with the fact that plastic use must be reduced” in order to make dramatic interventions. The Ecology Center is working with local partners to advocate for regulations and systemic solutions to this issue (More details in this interview by the WEMU). 

The 2024-2025 State of Michigan budgeted two million dollars toward microplastics research. This is a crucial step in fighting microplastic pollution, but establishing stronger regulations is necessary to protect local food and water supplies. 

Across the United States, there are statewide bans and restrictions of single-use plastic bags. However, California is the only state to have created a comprehensive statewide strategy to address microplastic pollution. In fact, California is considering adding microplastics as a contaminant in water, which would be a major regulatory move that could lead to more states implementing similarly strict regulations. In Michigan, there are efforts to repeal the ban on local single-use plastic shopping bags and to adopt a statewide microplastics plan similar to the one in California. 

In addition to stronger policies, the industry needs to be held responsible for microplastic pollution created by their products.  The Ecology is calling for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws and regulations that make product manufacturers liable for what happens to their products after use. Michigan needs strong EPR laws that include plastics reduction and reuse requirements, along with phase-outs of toxic chemicals. 

State laws and local ordinances can make a difference to help build support for large scale systemic changes. While the problem we are facing is daunting, Melissa Sargent, Environmental Health Advocate at the Ecology Center, stated that “trying to take action on multiple levels is important. Working on all levels we can will build into a larger impact.” Like a domino effect, if enough municipalities take localized actions, it can lead to a state level action, that would then lead to a national, regional, and global level movement. 

Becoming a Conscientious Consumer

Miller, Gearhart, Garfield, and Sargent, all stressed, the responsibility should be on industry and regulators more than on individual consumers. But there are some consumer level actions that can help reduce microplastic pollution and consumption. Conscientious consumer actions will influence the industry to take this issue more seriously as we show them what is important to us and our future. 

1. Drinking less bottled water and not heating foods in plastic to reduce individual ingestion of microplastics (more info here).
2. Buy less plastic products and products with excessive packaging. Instead, purchase items made using non-plastic materials such as paper, glass,  metal, and natural fibers (cotton, wool, and bamboo).
3. Support reuse programs and make efforts to reuse what we have by using reusable bags and bringing your own take-out containers to restaurants.
4. Do less laundry, put synthetic fabrics in a filtering bag, use products like the Cora Ball, and air dry your clothes.
5. Incorporate microplastics filtering tools and systems into your sewage systems.
6. Stay informed and participate in actions in your local community. The Huron River Watershed Council has a Take Action page that presents different ways we can individually and collectively take steps to keep our water clean.
7. Donate to the Ecology Center. Detailed long term studies as well as advocacy efforts require many people and ample funds to ensure the quality of the data that is collected. 

Join us for EcoStoryLab, a creative and interactive workshop designed for activists, creatives, nonprofit pros, and students who believe in the power of stories to shape the future. Through guided prompts and reflection, we’ll explore how storytelling fuels movements and builds resilience.

Register Now

Where: Online — Zoom (link will be provided after registration) 

When: Friday afternoons from 2-3 p.m. ET, beginning May 16th and ending June 20th

Storytelling has always been a tool for change, and in times like these, it’s more important than ever. The Ecology Center is offering EcoStoryLab as an interactive workshop designed for activists, creatives, nonprofit professionals, and students who believe in the power of storytelling to inspire action and imagine new futures. Through writing prompts, collective reflection, and shared creativity, we’ll explore how stories shape movements — and how we can harness them to power a just climate future.

Register Now

Join us on Friday afternoons as we build community, cultivate joy, and strengthen our creative resilience together.

By Trilby MacDonald, Ecology Center Writer

Drivers who are thinking about going electric have a lot to consider.  The Ecology Center’s own Mackenzie Monroe offers helpful tips for anyone thinking of making the switch. 

Mackenzie Munro is the Ecology Center’s Environmental Education Director. 

She lives in Williamston in Ingham County, a 100 mile commute round trip to her job in Ann Arbor. Mackenzie wanted to reduce her carbon footprint, but she wasn’t sure if an EV would be practical. A lot went into her decision, from purchase costs and ease of maintenance to the availability of charging stations. 

“Ann Arbor has a plethora of charging stations,” Mackenzie says, so driving her EV to work is a cinch. But when she and her husband travel elsewhere, they have to plan carefully. “There are still a lot of dead zones. So places we look where we're going to vacation, we're like, we definitely cannot take our EV because there's no chargers around that specific area,” she explains. Another factor is the weather. “You might get your whole range that they advertise the vehicle as getting if it's 70 degrees and sunny, but when it's rainy or cold, that mileage can drop.” 

After researching the wide variety of EVs on the market, Mackenzie decided on a used Hyundai Kona. But Michigan is keen on promoting its own vehicles so she would have to purchase her EV out of state. This added about $750 in shipping costs, but with the $4,500 rebate for a used EV it was still cost effective. She also had to budget $1,500 for the parts and installation of a Level 2 charger in her home that would allow her to fully recharge her EV overnight. As luck would have it, her brother-in-law is an electrician and saved her $1,000 on labor. 

“Having that charger is absolutely amazing,” she gushes. “I actually really love my purchase. I love not stopping for gas.” While the environmental benefits are important, the bottom line for most consumers is cost. EVs typically save between $18,000 and $25,000 during the life of their vehicles compared to gas powered vehicles. Mackenzie reports that her car has not needed any repairs, and as long as gas prices are over $3 a gallon she’s saving a significant amount of money. 

The thing she believes would spur EV adoption the most is to build more charging stations and repair the existing ones, “because it's the worst when you plan your trip and then you show up and it's out of commission.” She advises the wise traveler to plan ahead: “There's a lot of really great apps out there that tell you chargers that are working.”

Mackenzie Munro is delighted with her EV. But does she recommend them to others? The answer comes down to one thing: Location, location, location. This is a rallying cry for public/private partnerships to build out the EV charging grid.  There are currently over 9,000 public EV charging stations in Michigan, but tens of thousands more are needed to make EV adoption practical across the state. The Trump Administration is attempting to claw back much of the $110 million that the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program allocated to Michigan. In response, the 2025 budget includes $30 million to help fill the gaps.

In the late 18th century, viable electric vehicle prototypes went off course and for better or for worse, Henry Ford introduced the world to the gas powered automobile instead. Today, we have the chance to lead again by producing the world’s best EVs. But without the infrastructure to keep them zooming down the road, they won’t gain much traction with Michigan drivers.