Our network

Environment

My Town: TV recycling no longer free in Kent County beginning Feb. 16

Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger
Sunday, February 15th, 2015, 7:00am
My Town: TV recycling no longer free in Kent County beginning Feb. 16

----NEWS RELEASE---

GRAND RAPIDS – It seems most households now have flat-screen televisions these days, but many people may still have an older Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) television in their home. Kent County Department of Public Works (DPW) has collected 5.6 million pounds of electronics, including televisions, since 2001, without charging residents a fee. These items are processed by a third-party recycler. CRT televisions contains approximately 5-10 pounds of lead, a toxic component for our environment that can cause a variety of health issues. Due to the increasing cost of recycling televisions, Kent County DPW will begin charging a recycling fee starting February 16.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

My Town: Battle of the Buildings energy reduction competition expands for second year

Submitted by Megan Susterich on Tuesday, January 20th, 7:00 am
My Town: Battle of the Buildings energy reduction competition expands for second year

Registration is officially open for Michigan commercial and industrial buildings of all sizes interested in joining the U.S. Green Building Council of West Michigan's (USGBCWM) second annual Battle of the Buildings competition. The statewide competition is an expansion of the Battle of the Buildings that started in West Michigan last year.

Battle of the Buildings is an awards and recognition program for energy use reduction. The competition is a way to encourage energy-efficient practices in buildings across the state of Michigan and to instill a spirit of friendly competition among the area’s building owners and operators. Steelcase, Western Michigan University and Nichols have already committed for the 2015 competition totaling over 3,000,000 sq. feet.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

My Town: 12 tips to stay safe in this extreme cold

Submitted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 10th, 7:00 am
My Town: 12 tips to stay safe in this extreme cold

The Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are sharing their top tips to stay safe in this extreme cold.

"As we saw last winter, these arctic blasts can create hazardous situations," said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. "Citizens are encouraged to monitor local weather reports and follow the appropriate steps to stay safe during these extremely cold and potentially life-threatening temperatures."

Exposure to these subzero temperatures could potentially cause frostbite and hypothermia, as well as create hazardous driving conditions.

To stay safe during cold weather:

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

My Town: Time to trash the tree! Free Christmas tree recycling locations

Submitted by Anonymous on Friday, January 9th, 2:32 pm
My Town: Time to trash the tree! Free Christmas tree recycling locations

Christmas is over, which means it’s time to trash the tree.

Many municipalities are offering free tree recycling services to residents with a natural tree.  Some communities are planning to put the trees through a chipper and use the remnants to cover park trails and other green spaces.  Here is the schedule for live tree drop-offs:

Ada Township (Through Jan. 12)

  • Ada Township Park, from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Alpine Township (Through Jan. 31)

  • Behind Township Hall, 5255 Alpine Ave. NW

 

Cannon Township (Through Jan. 10)

  • West side of the township building; RHS Honor Society will help unload trees Jan. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (donations encouraged)

 

Courtland Township (Through Jan. 31)

  • Fire Station #1 on 14 Mile Road

 

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

The Aquinas College Foundation Announces $2.5 Million Gift From Wege Foundation

Submitted by Tyler Lecceadone on Thursday, November 13th, 10:18 am

THE AQUINAS COLLEGE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES $2.5 MILLION GIFT FROM WEGE FOUNDATION

Gift to establish the nation’s first collegiate economicology program as envisioned by Peter Wege

Aquinas College and the Aquinas College Foundation today announced a $2.5 million gift from the Wege Foundation to establish the nation’s first-ever economicology program at the collegiate level; which the late Peter Wege envisioned for Aquinas. Peter Wege coined the term economicology to define the balance necessary between economy and ecology. He believed in the importance of educating the public about how a prosperous economy depends on maintaining a healthy environment.

“The Wege Foundation has long been a generous friend and supporter of Aquinas College,” said Juan Olivarez, Aquinas president.

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

My Town: Volunteers needed for Grand River cleanup on Sept. 21

Submitted by Cheri Mikowski, WZZM Receptionist & Community Blogger
Wednesday, September 17th, 2014, 6:00am
My Town: Volunteers needed for Grand River cleanup on Sept. 21

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.-- The annual Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup takes place Sept. 21.

Volunteers are encouraged to make a difference in their community by taking part in this clean-up effort focusing on sites in Grand Rapids, Grandville, Plainfield Township, Walker and Wyoming.

Registration takes place on Sept. 21 at Sixth Street Park located at 647 Monroe Ave. on the corner of Monroe Avenue and Newberry in downtown Grand Rapids. Arrivals after 9:15 a.m. may not be guaranteed a place on the bus. Buses leave at 9:35 a.m. sharp from the Sixth Street Park.

Call Becky Brown at (616) 451-3051, e-mail her at bbrown@wmeac.org or visit www.grandrivercleanup.com for more information.

View Comments | Post a Comment
Share:

Can efficiency measures change our energy future in Grand Rapids?

Submitted by Rapid Growth Media on Saturday, September 6th, 6:00 am
Can efficiency measures change our energy future in Grand Rapids?

By Nina Ignaczak
This story originally appeared in Rapid Growth

Caulk, insulation, efficient appliances, and programmable thermostats may not be the sexiest aspects of Michigan's energy landscape.  

Read More
View Comments | Post a Comment
Share: