WEATHER ALERT
Ann Arbor restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers in effect this summer
Read full article: Ann Arbor restrictions on gas-powered leaf blowers in effect this summerOfficials said the goals of the ordinance are to reduce greenhouse gases, protect residents from pollutants and promote the city’s sustainability goals.
Pilot EV carshare program launches at Ann Arbor affordable housing communities
Read full article: Pilot EV carshare program launches at Ann Arbor affordable housing communitiesCarshare services will also launch at Baker Commons on Thursday, with more services starting in the Hickory Creek and Miller Lane Apartments this summer.
Ann Arbor SPARK partners with city in new green business challenge
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK partners with city in new green business challengeDesigned to celebrate and champion businesses committed to eco-friendly practices, the A2 GBC aims to be more than just a certification program—it’s a movement to create a greener, more sustainable future.
Celebrate nature and sustainability during Ann Arbor’s annual Earth Day Festival
Read full article: Celebrate nature and sustainability during Ann Arbor’s annual Earth Day FestivalFrom 1-4 p.m., on Sunday, April 21, more than 20 environmental organizations and nonprofits will be at the Leslie Science & Nature Center with family-free displays and hands-on activities.
Help determine the future of downtown Ann Arbor at these community workshops
Read full article: Help determine the future of downtown Ann Arbor at these community workshopsCity officials and members of the Downtown Development Authority will meet with residents and hear their take on land use, sustainability, equity, transportation and street usage.
Ann Arbor SPARK showcases green innovation in Washtenaw County during Austin’s SXSW festival
Read full article: Ann Arbor SPARK showcases green innovation in Washtenaw County during Austin’s SXSW festivalSPARK's panel discussion aims to tackle the pressing need for innovation that not only propels businesses into the future but does so with a keen eye on environmental sustainability.
Ann Arbor creeps closer to environmental goals with electric vehicle milestone
Read full article: Ann Arbor creeps closer to environmental goals with electric vehicle milestoneOfficials said the milestone helps the city advance its Green Fleets Policy, which aims to reduce fossil fuel usage to help public health, the environment and City operations costs.
City of Ann Arbor aims to reduce compost contamination with upcoming change
Read full article: City of Ann Arbor aims to reduce compost contamination with upcoming changeStarting Jan. 1, the City of Ann Arbor and WeCare Denali will only accept manufactured compostable products made of fiber at the city’s compost facility.
Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new program
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s TheRide aims to reduce carbon footprint with new programA new zero-emissions initiative will help the Ann Arbor Area Transportation Authority (TheRide) reach its goals of reducing its carbon footprint in the years ahead.
A2ZERO Green Fair returning Friday to celebrate sustainability in Ann Arbor
Read full article: A2ZERO Green Fair returning Friday to celebrate sustainability in Ann ArborLearn about sustainable living and innovation in Ann Arbor during the free A2ZERO Green Fair on Main Street and in the Library Lane Lot on Fifth Avenue.
Ann Arbor public power coalition hosting expert panel on climate change Sunday
Read full article: Ann Arbor public power coalition hosting expert panel on climate change SundayListen to a panel of experts and local community leaders share how public power can combat the consequences of climate change at the University of Michigan from 3-5 p.m. on Sunday.
Leslie Science & Nature Center to host Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Sunday
Read full article: Leslie Science & Nature Center to host Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival SundayMore than 20 local organizations will be at the free family-friendly event, along with performances, educational presentations, crafts and other environmental activities.
City of Ann Arbor to launch first shared e-bike program with community event on Monday
Read full article: City of Ann Arbor to launch first shared e-bike program with community event on MondayThe City of Ann Arbor will be marking the launch of its first-ever shared e-bike program with a “roll out” event on Monday at 1 p.m.
Ann Arbor City Council approves search for new utility, aims to heat city with clean energy
Read full article: Ann Arbor City Council approves search for new utility, aims to heat city with clean energyAnn Arbor City Council has approved a resolution to kickstart negotiations with DTE and other utilities as it works to transition the city's heating to clean energy in the coming years.
New solar program to bring renewable energy to more of Washtenaw County
Read full article: New solar program to bring renewable energy to more of Washtenaw CountyBusiness and property owners can learn more details and have questions about A2 Area Commercial Solar Program answered during a Zoom webinar from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 28.
SCRAP Creative Reuse organizing Ypsilanti scavenger hunt in October
Read full article: SCRAP Creative Reuse organizing Ypsilanti scavenger hunt in OctoberParticipating teams will solve clues around Depot Town and downtown Ypsi to compete for gift cards to SCRAP Creative Reuse, prizes from local businesses and $100 in SCRAP dollars.
Recycling Raccoon Squad helping fans recycle at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor this season
Read full article: Recycling Raccoon Squad helping fans recycle at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor this seasonSome familiar faces have been posted around Michigan Stadium to teach fans the do's and don'ts of recycling.
Recycling inspectors will search through, tag residential carts in Ann Arbor this summer
Read full article: Recycling inspectors will search through, tag residential carts in Ann Arbor this summerThe City of Ann Arbor is launching a new initiative to educate residents on what you can -- and can't -- recycle.
Ann Arbor energy group to rally against city Energy Commission nominee
Read full article: Ann Arbor energy group to rally against city Energy Commission nomineeOn Tuesday, Ann Arbor for Public Power (A2P2) will rally at Larcom City Hall at 5:30 p.m. to protest the nomination of Knox Cameron to the Ann Arbor Energy Commission.
Ann Arbor receives gold status by state of Michigan sustainability challenge
Read full article: Ann Arbor receives gold status by state of Michigan sustainability challengeTree Town was recognized for its energy efficiency, clean mobility, materials management and climate resilience and adaptation, a City of Ann Arbor release said.
Second annual A2ZERO Week to start June 5
Read full article: Second annual A2ZERO Week to start June 5Running between June 5-11, the week-long event will have education activities, movies, farm tours, dance parties and demonstrations courtesy of the CIty of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations.
Here’s how you can celebrate Earth Day for free in Ann Arbor
Read full article: Here’s how you can celebrate Earth Day for free in Ann ArborCoordinated by the Ann Arbor Earth Day Festival Planning Committee, the annual event includes displays, hands-on activities and performances by Lori Fithian, Drummunity and Joe Reilly.
Ann Arbor gardening organization celebrates 50 years of community
Read full article: Ann Arbor gardening organization celebrates 50 years of communityStarted in 1972, the Ann Arbor-based nonprofit is planning several events during 2022 as a “thank you” to its supporters and community, the organization said in a release.
Ann Arbor’s Briarwood Mall receives sustainability certification
Read full article: Ann Arbor’s Briarwood Mall receives sustainability certificationThe Tree Town mall is among eight properties owned by commercial real estate company Simon Property Group to receive the distinction for its green efforts.
Washtenaw Community College becomes first community college to join DTE renewable energy program
Read full article: Washtenaw Community College becomes first community college to join DTE renewable energy programWCC’s enrollment in the program will begin in 2023 and increase annually until 2029 when all of its electric power needs will be sourced through clean energy.
Residents urged to share environmental concerns through conservation survey
Read full article: Residents urged to share environmental concerns through conservation surveyWashtenaw County residents could win $100 Visa gift cards after telling WCCD about their natural resource or environmental concerns.
City of Ann Arbor “Saving Energy” sticker design contest open to students
Read full article: City of Ann Arbor “Saving Energy” sticker design contest open to studentsUntil 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 13, young artists can enter the “Save Energy” sticker design contest promoting carbon footprint reduction and saving energy.
A2ZERO Week to celebrate one year anniversary of Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality plan
Read full article: A2ZERO Week to celebrate one year anniversary of Ann Arbor’s carbon neutrality planMore than 20 family-friendly in-person and virtual events are scheduled from June 1-6 to commemorate the event, highlight sustainability and educate the community.
Sustainability, locally sourced food to be focus of inaugural Ann Arbor Green Fare
Read full article: Sustainability, locally sourced food to be focus of inaugural Ann Arbor Green FareDuring the first week of June, community members can try locally sourced and plant-based dishes while learning about sustainable business practices during the inaugural Ann Arbor Green Fare.
5 ways to make your home more environmentally efficient, sustainable
Read full article: 5 ways to make your home more environmentally efficient, sustainableThere’s often no place like home, although that sentiment can sometimes fade when a house starts to rack up energy bills and breaks down in places over the course of time.
Here are the Ann Arbor area farms offering subscriptions at upcoming virtual CSA fair
Read full article: Here are the Ann Arbor area farms offering subscriptions at upcoming virtual CSA fairANN ARBOR – The Michigan Statewide CSA Network will be hosting an upcoming virtual CSA fair featuring Michigan farms on Feb. 26. A Community Supported Agriculture share is a subscription program to a local farm in which you pay a farmer upfront for a regular delivery or pickup of their harvest. The CSA fair will consist of two drop-in Zoom sessions: one at “lunch hour” from noon to 1 p.m. and a “happy hour” session from 5-6 p.m. Regional breakout rooms will be available so you can learn more about which farms offer shares in your area. Here are the Ann Arbor area farms offering CSAs this year:Interested in participating in the fair?
Annual Sustainability Forums series returns to Ann Arbor Thursday
Read full article: Annual Sustainability Forums series returns to Ann Arbor ThursdayANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor’s annual Sustainability Forums returns on Thursday with the first of five community discussions on sustainability-related topics. Organized by the Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the monthly forums will be open to the public and held virtually through Zoom. The five discussions will focus on food, green infrastructure, circular economy, waste reduction, energy production and a special topic that has yet to be announced. Each forum directly relates to the city’s A2ZERO sustainability framework to get to carbon neutrality by 2030. Here is the Sustainability Forums schedule and topics:Jan. 25: food and food accessFeb. 24: forestry and green InfrastructureMarch 24: waste reduction and circular economy (tentative)TBD: energy production and useThe last topic and date have not yet been announced.
U-M Campus Farm hiring for two positions in Ann Arbor
Read full article: U-M Campus Farm hiring for two positions in Ann ArborANN ARBOR – Are you a University of Michigan student and passionate about farming? The University of Michigan Campus Farm is currently hiring two part time student manager positions to start in January 2021. The Campus Farm was founded in 2013 as a spinoff of a a sustainable food student group at U-M. The Campus Farm is at 1800 N. Dixboro Rd. To learn more about the Campus Farm, visit its website.
Ann Arbor business owner named 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion
Read full article: Ann Arbor business owner named 2020 Energy Waste Reduction ChampionANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has named Ann Arbor small business owner Breanne Stuart as an 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion. She was honored with the award at SBAM’s recent Leadership Council event after demonstrating a commitment to reducing energy waste. Stuart, who opened her business in 2008, worked with SBAM’s Energy Solutions program to have an energy assessment completed on her business. Given her swift action and clear commitment to reducing energy waste, Breanne is an exemplary recipient for our 2020 Energy Waste Reduction Champion award.”The Small Business Association of Michigan is an organization with over 28,000 small business owner members. The SBAM Energy Solutions program is offered in partnership with DTE Energy to help Michigan’s small businesses with enhanced energy management services.
City of Ann Arbor awards sustainability grants to 11 community organizations
Read full article: City of Ann Arbor awards sustainability grants to 11 community organizationsANN ARBOR, Mich. – The City of Ann Arbor has announced that Sustaining Ann Arbor Together (SA2T) grants have been awarded to 11 community-based organizations over the course of the past summer and fall. The organizations have been given grants based on their efforts to advance community sustainability, including food distribution and community lunch programs, sheltering services, literacy programs, therapeutic art programs, community play spaces and the creation of community gardens. Organizations awarded the SA2T grants are:Shelter Association of Washtenaw CountyPeace Neighborhood CenterChildren’s Literacy NetworkMichigan Ability PartnersNorthside Community CenterArrowwood Hills Community CenterBryant Community CenterCreekside Court Community CenterMiller ManorBaker CommonsAvalon Housing✉ Like what you’re reading? “The Sustaining Ann Arbor Together Grant program is an important vehicle for supporting our community’s innovation and creativity as it relates to advancing local sustainability and climate action,” said City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations manager Missy Stults in a release. The grant program has $100,000 that is divided into grants of $10,000 or less and awarded to local projects.
City of Ann Arbor expands e-bike discounts with local shops
Read full article: City of Ann Arbor expands e-bike discounts with local shopsANN ARBOR – The City of Ann Arbor is expanding its electric bike discount program, which it originally launched in July. Part of the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations, the partnership program with Human Electric Hybrids in Kerrytown has expanded to include Arbor Vacuum. As part of the city’s sustainability goals, Arbor Vacuum is offering $100 off all e-bikes. Customers can also enjoy discounts on two e-bike models at Human Electric Hybrids. To secure the discount, customers only need to mention the discount program at check out.
SCRAP Creative Reuse hopes to keep doors open with Save Our SCRAP project
Read full article: SCRAP Creative Reuse hopes to keep doors open with Save Our SCRAP projectANN ARBOR, Mich. – One Ann Arbor nonprofit is reaching out to the community to help to keep it afloat during the global health crisis. SCRAP Creative Reuse is a nonprofit organization located in Ann Arbor dedicated to education on sustainability and recycling used materials. The drop in business inspired SCRAP Creative Reuse to open up the Save our SCRAP project, a Gofundme with a goal of $20,000. Saturday Aug. 29, SCRAP Creative Reuse will also be having a back-to-school sale with buy one get one free fill-a-bags, special deals for teachers, and discounts on school and office supplies. To donate visit the Save our SCRAP Gofundme, or visit the SCRAP Creative Reuse website for more information.