Green Gazette - August 2022 Issue #193
SPOTLIGHT
STUDENTS COMPLETE "SUSTAINABLE" PROJECTS
Nine graduate students from U of M's Graham Sustainability Institute participated in Catalyst Leadership Circle (CLC) Fellowships this summer. CLC is design to help help communities reach their sustainability goals while preparing students to enter the workforce in sustainability careers. Students prepared information and resources related to climate mitigation, composting, a construction and demolition model ordinance, a green communications toolkit, stormwater management, home energy ratings, and more. A focus was to develop "sustainable" resources which can be useful in many communities.
NEWS
DO-IT-YOURSELF RAIN BARRELS
A .25" rain will generate 150 gallons of water off a 1000 SF home (or less if you’re only gathering from one part of the roof). Meridian has extra blue barrels available which can be used to make rain barrels. If you'd like one or more barrels, please email [email protected] or call 517.853.4466.
FALL COMPOST BARREL SALE
A compost bin is an attractive way to contain your compost pile and turn yard waste and kitchen scraps in to a valuable soil amendment. Composting is earth-friendly, easy, benefits your yard, and saves money. Learn more here or here.. Order by September 23rd for pick-up on October 1st.
HOME & LANDSCAPE TOUR
Join us on October 1st for virtual and in-person tours of solar homes and sustainable sites in Meridian Township. Witness living examples of renewable energy and eco-friendly landscaping. For more information or to suggest a site for the tour, contact [email protected].
NO PLASTIC BAGS PLEASE
Plastic bags clog equipment at recycling processing facilities. Too much contamination can also mean that your recyclables end up in the landfill. Please do not put bagged recyclables or plastic bags in your recycling bin! Recycle plastic grocery bags at Kroger, Meijer, and other grocery stores.
THANK YOU EVENT SPONSORS!
Events coming soon (mark your calendars):
  • Composter/Rain Barrel Truckload Sale. Please order by Sep 23 here - pick up at the Marketplace Oct 1.
  • Oct 1 Sustainable Home & Garden Tour & Compost Bin Distribution at Market
  • Oct 8 Electronics Recycling at Chippewa
RE-USABLE BAGS WANTED
If you have extra re-usable shopping bags gathering dust, please bring and donate them to the Marketplace during the Farmers Market on Wednesday 3-7 or Saturday 8-2. Bags will be made available for vendors and customers to help REDUCE PLASTIC! Thank you! (from Tom Cary, Market Manager)
SOLARIZE MERIDIAN REPORT
Meridian's Energy Team reports that Solarize Meridian Workshops have had almost 100 attendees so far. One more virtual workshop is in the works for September or October. Fourteen systems have been purchased representing 115 KW of renewable energy.
TIMELY RECYCLING TIPS
The Michigan Recycling Coalition's latest newsletter features a plethora of helpful recycling tips and ideas including:
  • Back-to-school tips
  • Fast food packaging
  • Composting & Vermiculture
SENATE DEAL TO CUT EMISSIONS
A Senate reconciliation deal called the “Inflation Reduction Act of 2022” would help reduce US carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. The deal would include an expansion of tax credits for solar and energy storage but still needs a Senate vote and companion bill from the House of Representatives.
MUSIC IN NATURE
The Music in Nature Concert Series continues in 2022 at the Harris Nature Center (3998 Van Atta Road, Okemos). Listen to a LIVE performance at the Pavilion concert-style, while walking on the trails, enjoying a picnic, and/or e freely moving around and exploring the Nature Center.
RESOURCES
How can I learn more and share ideas about a greener community? Join our Green Neighbors Network!
Stay up-to-date on the latest Green Meridian news, projects and information. Join our Green Meridian Facebook Group.
5151 Marsh Road, Okemos, MI 48864 | 517.853.4466