Sustainable

Ann Arbor, Michigan/Chicago, Illinois — A report released today on Great Lakes water use demonstrates the region’s ongoing commitment to coordinated, science-based management of the

The Annual Reports of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Regional Water Use Database are published annually, and available via this link to the Great Lakes Regional Water Use website.

By Victoria Witke

New research shows Anishinaabe fire practices shaped today’s Great Lakes ecosystems. The region’s forests never existed and can’t continue to exist without people – or fire.

The post Anishinaabe fire practices shaped Great Lakes ecosystems, new research shows first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

By Eric Freedman

Empty lots in deindustrialized cities like Detroit may contribute to bird species diversity, says a new study by researchers at MSU and Carleton University in Canada. The study is based on sound recordings collected at 110 sites in 11 Detroit neighborhoods. The study recommends that vacant land management in the city takes a balanced approach that considers the needs of both residents and birds. There are other concerns about vacant land, too, including as sites for solar arrays.

The post Vacant lots boost diversity among Detroit’s birds, study finds first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Duluth, Minnesota – At its Annual Meeting, held this week on the shores of Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota, the Great Lakes Commission (GLC) passed

By Joe Lorenz

Electrification and tariffs mean rural Midwest communities can cash in on their mineral resources. But how can these ventures balance local benefit to the ecological cost?

The post New interest in domestic mining comes with call for sustainability in the market first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Jack-o-lanterns will once again illuminate the trail for visitors of Bruce Botanical Food Gardens (BBFG) in Ripley the day after Halloween. “We had over 100 pumpkins last year and we hope to have that many again this year,” said Heather Newman, BBFG president, in an Oct. 15 email. Following the success of the inaugural Jack-o-lantern […]

The first meeting of the fall season of the Ripley and District Horticultural Society (RDHS) took place at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre, Sept. 17. The group welcomed Amanda Saxton and Kim Armitage of Kincardine Environmental Action Network (KEAN), a group dedicated to promoting sustainable living practices and finding solutions that benefit both their community and […]

By Maya Moore 

Blight Hernandez is a master of turning everyday trash into something of value. A Southwest Detroit native, Hernandez has called himself an artist since he was 6. Now a full-time working artist for five years, his sustainable business is called Be The Light. It’s born out of intention and focused on higher consciousness, keeping things out of the landfill, and making things that people love, Hernandez said.

The post The sustainable art of Blight Hernandez: ‘No waste’   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

By Donté Smith 

Despite being surrounded by the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth, Michigan imports the vast majority of its seafood, between 65% and 90%, according to Michigan Sea Grant. As global aquaculture has grown to meet increasing demand for protein, a small but determined group of inland fish farmers in the Great Lakes region are building a more sustainable, local supply. Researchers say doing so could ease pressure on wild populations, create jobs in rural areas and help restore public trust in the food on their plates. But with high regulatory costs, limited consumer awareness and strong competition from imports, these farms face an uphill swim.

The post How inland fish farmers cultivate a sustainable future for the Great Lakes  first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

It is investigated as a growing medium in greenhouses and a soil enhancer for crops

The Michigan House Democratic leader says he’s not confident that a bipartisan budget deal can be reached in time to avert a partial government shutdown on October 1.