plastics

Two Ann Arbor lawmakers are behind a state Senate bill that would repeal the law that bans municipalities from regulating single-use plastic bags. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Earth Day 2024 is right around the corner, and this year’s theme is “Planet vs. Plastics.” Advocates are calling for a global reduction of 60% in plastics manufacturing to protect the environment and human health. The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center has been advocating for the introduction and passage of five bills in Michigan that will add teeth to plastic regulation in several important areas. Ecology Center director Mike Garfield joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss our future with plastics.

In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic found in city compost, the City of Ann Arbor has changed what compostable materials they’ll accept. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more details.

New research out of the University of Michigan could one day completely change plastics recycling, particularly when it comes to PVC plastics. Right now, there is no way to recycle PVC in Washtenaw County and most of the country. WEMU's David Fair talks with the lead author of the study, Dr. Danielle Fagnani, to find out what we've learned and when, or if, we may see it put to practical application.

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.

A plastic bag store will opening in Ann Arbor today. It's actually not selling plastic bags. It's part of an art installation focused on the environment and a culture of overconsumption. The University Musical Society is sponsoring the plastic bag exhibit and other art programs focused on the environment, climate change, and forced immigration. WEMU's Cathy Shafran talks to UMS President Matthew VanBesien about art with a message.

The new school year has begun. 13-year-old Izzy Sutton is starting her freshman year at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School with a push for greater awareness of sustainable practices. She's been an environmental advocate throughout her middle school years and is now making the push to improve sustainability through increasing options for fashion-forward, environmentally responsible clothing. And she's winning support in a variety of ways. Izzy joined WEMU's David Fair for a conversation that offers great hope for a new generation of environmental stewards.

The Detroit Zoo says it will running 100% on renewable energy in 2020. The effort adds to other sustainability efforts that have made the zoo a leader in…