Great Lakes Echo (https://greatlakesecho.org/tag/recycling/page/5/)
(MI) Holland Sentinel – The facilities manager at Haworth Inc. was behind the move to get the company’s 10 U.S. manufacturing facilities and one distribution center to zero-landfill status. That status is the tip of a sustainability iceberg that ends at the holy grail of environmentalism: zero waste. More
By EMILY LAWLER
Dec. 21, 2009
LANSING, Mich. — One way to “go green” may be to chop down a real Christmas tree this year. There is debate nationally over whether artificial or natural trees are better for the environment, but some experts say that real trees are always the answer in Michigan. “In terms of carbon balance, using real trees would be more environmentally friendly,” said Alan Rebertus, a biology professor at Northern Michigan University.
(MI) Metro Times – When it comes to curbside recycling in Detroit, city officials and activists looking to boost participation in a pilot program are hoping children can help lead the way to a greener future. It’s help that is definitely needed. In place since July 1, Detroit’s pilot program offers curbside recycling to about 30,000 households in select neighborhoods on the city’s east and west sides. The $3.8 million yearlong effort will be used to help determine curbside recycling’s future. More
By Vince Bond Jr.
Nov. 21, 2009
LANSING, Mich. – Even as the state strives to transition to a green economy, recycling doesn’t appear high on residents’ to-do lists. Michigan recycling rates have fallen by 28 percent in the last 10 years – dropping from .36 tons per resident in 1998 to .26 last year, according to a report by Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants. In contrast, Michigan’s 72 percent landfill rate is second only to Ohio among Great Lakes states.
(MI) MLive – Michigan could add as many as 13,000 new jobs if the state boosted its recycling rate average to equal rates in neighboring Great Lakes states, a new report concludes.
The report from Lansing-based Public Sector Consultants finds that Michigan’s recycling rate of 20 percent lags behind its Great Lakes state neighbors, which average 30 percent. The state has 2,242 recycling and reuse industry establishments that collectively employ nearly 62,000 workers, the research firm said. More
By Hyonhee Shin
Nov. 7, 2009
LANSING — Some Michigan lawmakers are seeking an increase in solid waste disposal fees to help reduce landfills and incineration. The current fee is 21 cents per ton. Most other Great Lakes states charge more — 50 cents in Indiana, $2.22 in Illinois, $4.75 in Ohio, $7.25 in Pennsylvania and $13 in Wisconsin, the highest in the nation. A proposal by state Rep. Daniel Scripps, D-Leland, would establish a $7.50 per ton state tipping fee on solid waste dumped at Michigan landfills and municipal incinerators.
(IL) Chicago Tribune – Mayor Richard Daley’s top budget aide tried Wednesday to convince the City Council that the wheels aren’t falling off the city’s blue-cart recycling program, even as he acknowledged there would be no major expansion of the program to most of the city for at least another year. There’s no new funding for blue carts in Daley’s proposed 2010 spending plan that freezes the Streets and Sanitation budget. As a result, some households will likely see their recycling picked up less frequently, city Budget Director Eugene Munin said on the first day of budget hearings. More
(NY) The New York Times – Across the nation, an antigarbage strategy known as “zero waste” is moving from the fringes to the mainstream, taking hold in school cafeterias, national parks, restaurants, stadiums and corporations. The movement is simple in concept if not always in execution: Produce less waste. Shun polystyrene foam containers or any other packaging that is not biodegradable. Recycle or compost whatever you can. More
By Hyonhee Shin
Oct. 17, 2009
LANSING, Mich. — After a fine dinner with a glass of wine or beer, where do the green bottles go? The answer is troubling for many environmentally conscious consumers. Michigan has a long record of recycling, and glass is one of the most recycled materials, but not green glass.
(MI) AnnArbor.com – Ann Arbor residents might not have to sort their recyclables in the future – and they might even get rewarded for recycling – if the City Council ultimately passes a proposal reviewed Monday evening. In a special work session, council members were presented with a $3.5 million plan that would convert Ann Arbor’s Materials Recovery Facility into what’s referred to as a single-stream operation. More