waste

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.

By Rachel Lewis  

The Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians' Natural Resources Department has been working to conserve the threatened wood turtle. Their top team member is Mooz, a 9-year-old labradoodle who has been helping his owner, Bill Parsons, find wood turtles for the past five years.

The post Mooz the dog helps scientists study threatened turtles   first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

In a glass, in a cone or infused in your hotdog. How do you like your beer?

Nearly a century after dogs were used to discover insulin, stories about secret research at St. Joseph's Hospital have triggered outrage

But Michigan's lack of statewide septic regulations makes dealing with it a little more complicated. Efforts in Lansing to establish a septic code have fallen short, but there are bills currently in legislative committees that would deal with the issue. The state currently relies on county and local governments to create and enforce their own regulations.

By Rachel Lewis  
With the goal of cutting food waste by 50% from 2005 levels by 2030, The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has been helping to fund NextCycle Michigan. This program gives grants and advice to small companies in the state looking to reduce food waste. One of these start-ups is Penny Pickup. With robot food delivery vehicles becoming more popular, the company Orange Sparkle Ball decided to launch Penny Pickup as a pickup service, instead of delivery. Its focus is to remove trash and unwanted items, primarily food waste.

The post Nonprofits and robots help reduce food waste first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

he Grand Traverse Band is turning the waste into a compost and fertilizer, cutting down on landfill waste and helping with food sovereignty efforts.

By Donté Smith 
The Great Lakes, a vital freshwater expanse for millions, face an ongoing environmental crisis. Beneath the vast waters lies a significant threat: pollution stemming largely from agricultural runoff. This flow of excess nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen contributes to harmful algal blooms and expanding “dead zones,” jeopardizing ecosystems, water quality and public health across the region. Amidst these challenges, Barn Sanctuary in Chelsea, Michigan, works to make a positive impact on the region. Tom McKernan, sanctuary co-founder and operations director, wants the farm to stand as a living model where animal welfare and ecological stewardship aren’t just compatible, but linked.

The post Empowering environmental stewardship: Barn sanctuary champions compassion and Conservation first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

A conservation group continues a decade-long program to clean the river — while also teaching troubled kids to value the pristine waters.

ine volunteer Coastal Conservation Youth Corps spent time identifying and removing invasive plants and removing plastic waste and tires along the Lake Huron shoreline in Goderich, Ontario. Read the full […]