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Recycling plastics is difficult and expensive. Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are well ahead of the curve, but there are significant hurdles to overcome in the next few decades. WEMU's David Fair joined by the CEO of Recycle Ann Arbor, Bryan Ukena, to explore what is being done locally to address plastics recycling now and in the future.

It is Black History Month, and not everyone is on board. There are some in the Black community that are upset that Black History is relegated to one month a year, noting that Black history is American History. How do you feel about it? We're going to look at that and the historical bias in education. WEMU's David Fair discussed it with activist, poet, and co-founder of "Black Men Read," Yodit Mesfin-Johnson

Housing and transportation account for 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions, so changing to electric vehicles won't help slow the climate crisis on its own. The manner in which we build and retrofit our residential and business communities is vital to environmental sustainability. The nation's lead expert on this is Reid Ewing, Distinguished Professor of City and Metropolitan Planning at the University of Utah and this week's guest on "Issues of the Environment" with WEMU's David Fair. Later this month, Dr. Ewing will be a featured panelist in Ann Arbor on the interplay between housing and transportation when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint.

While society appears to be slowly coming out of COVID pandemic mode, the reality for many retailers is that the impact of the pandemic may be with them for a while. WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media reporter Rylee Barnsdale hear how Ypsilanti area businesses are working to overcome pandemic challenges. One of those business owners is Jen Eastridge, who runs Unicorn Feed & Supply, as well as Stone & Spoon, and she joins Cathy and Rylee to talk about how the pandemic affected how she ran her establishments.

The city of Ann Arbor is considering a ban on natural gas stoves in new construction. In fact, the planning commission has already put that proposal forward but there are measures at the state level that would prohibit such a ban. What will be the future of gas stoves locally? Find out in this conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Ann Arbor Planning Commission member, Lisa Sauve.

David Fair is away this week, but the show, as they say, must go on! WEMU's Mat Hopson fills in this week and is joined by Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins. They will bring you all of the news about new movies opening up for you. There are also some special screenings and live events you'll want to know about.

The Sundance Film Festival is over! The Michigan Theater staff took in as many of those movies as they could and are now working out which ones to bring to Ann Arbor for you! Meantime, there are plenty of new films opening and some special events and screenings, too! Join WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Theater Foundation executive director Russ Collins for all the movie news you need to know.

In this edition of "On the Ground Ypsi," WEMU's Cathy Shafran and Concentrate Media reporter Rylee Barnsdale take a look at a new concept for youth in Ypsilanti Township. It is called a "makerspace". It is intended to give area youth a purpose and some income at the same time. They discuss the makerspace further with community activist Elisa Guyton, who has been a driving force in this project.

Helping beautify Washtenaw County and contribute to preservation and sustainability: those are among the functions of Ann Arbor Farm and Garden. WEMU's David Fair is joined by board member Martha Lowry. Together, they discuss Ann Arbor Farm and Garden’s mission and growing investments in creating educational and environmental opportunities throughout Washtenaw County.

We've been feeling the effects of a major ice storm. Now, it's time to unwind with a good movie! WEMU's David Fair took a call from Michigan Theater Foundation executive director, Russ Collins, and they discussed new movie openings, your chance to see Oscar nominated short films and some special screenings opportunities available to you.