Food waste is an environmental and economic failure. Here are some ideas for how Michigan can do better.
Posted inNews
West Michigan coal power plant gets lifeline from Trump administration
Environmental advocates and clean energy proponents are voicing strong opposition as the Trump administration orders the J.H. Campbell coal plant in Michigan to remain operational through August, overriding a planned shutdown and raising concerns about grid reliability and public health impacts.
Posted inDeep Dives
Voices: Food waste costs Michiganders billions. It’s time to rethink what we throw away.
Keeping food out of landfills could save money, reduce emissions, and build healthier communities.
Posted inNeighborhood Reporting Lab
Andrew Bashi’s legal journey: ‘Working on the issues I care about’
At the Great Lakes Environmental Law Center, Andrew Bashi tackles civil rights cases while empowering residents to organize and advocate for their needs. He advises aspiring attorneys to brace for challenges and engage in activism even before law school.
Posted inNews
FDA tightens COVID-19 vaccine access, creates hurdles for healthy adults, kids
In a move that reshapes access to COVID-19 vaccines, the FDA now requires clinical trials to prove benefits for low-risk groups, while limiting vaccine availability to adults over 65 and those with risk factors like asthma and diabetes.
Posted inCommunity
Michigan nonprofit reclaims Native birth traditions
In Michigan, Miigwech Inc. is empowering Native families by reclaiming traditional birth practices and promoting health sovereignty, thanks to culturally centered programs and strategic partnerships with philanthropic organizations.
Posted inDeep Dives
Guide: 5 ways to fight food waste in Michigan
Michigan residents are taking action against food waste, leveraging tech tools like Flashfood and Too Good To Go to save surplus food from landfills. Composting initiatives, both at home and through local services, are gaining traction. Community efforts to donate excess food to nonprofits are empowering neighbors, while smart shopping and meal planning are reducing waste. Advocacy and policy change are crucial to building a sustainable food system across the state.
Posted inNews
What we’re reading: Great Lakes water levels rise with spring, lag behind 2024
In Washtenaw County, food bank faces a crisis after USDA cuts. In Flint, the lifting of the EPA’s water emergency order marks a significant milestone in the city’s recovery.
Posted inNews
Michigan fails to follow its own ozone pollution rules: Sierra Club
The Sierra Club threatens legal action against Michigan’s environmental regulators, accusing the state of neglecting its duty to curb ozone pollution in southeast Michigan, where communities, particularly on Detroit’s east side, face heightened asthma risks due to persistent air quality issues.
Posted inDeep Dives
New landfill rules were supposed to cut methane. Michigan’s still falling short.
At Michigan Central’s Newlab, EcoSphere Organics is pioneering biodegradable materials from food waste, while apps like Flashfood and Food Rescue US are tackling food surplus by connecting it to those in need.