The Ecology Center

PFAS contamination has already been a significant concern. Now, there may be reason to add to the worry. A study funded by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center finds there is an array of PFAS chemical profiles in rainwater falling over Ann Arbor and Southeast Michigan. WEMU's David Fair spoke with the center’s Erica Bloom about the findings and what it means to the environment and public health.

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.

Did you know that state and local governments collectively spend about $1.3 trillion each year in procurement? That’s products like furnishings, computers, vehicles and pens and staplers. Many of these products are harmful to the environment, and so now, there is a movement towards sustainable procurement policies. It turns out Ann Arbor is leading the way and being used as a model around the country. WEMU's David Fair talks sustainable procurement with Matt Naud. He was the first ever environmental coordinator for the City of Ann Arbor and is now Senior Consultant for the Ann Arbor-based Resource Recycling Systems.

Governor Whitmer has signed measures into law to require all children be tested for lead exposure. Additionally, a new law requires installation of lead water filters in all schools and childcare centers. It is progress, but there is still a lot of work to be done. WEMU's David Fair discusses its impacts with lead policy expert Mary Sue Schottenfels.

‘Tis the season! Family, friends, gift-giving and good food. It also means an inordinate amount of waste is generated. There are ways to enjoy all of our favorite holiday traditions while minimizing our environmental impact. WEMU's David Fair gained some insight on best practices from zerowaste.org co-founder, Lydia McMullen-Laird.

The United Auto Workers strike against the Detroit Three ended with the union claiming significant gains over past contracts. Among those that supported the union through the strike was the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center. In addition to gains for workers, it says the contracts are important for our future environmental health. WEMU's David Fair took a look ahead and practical impacts of the deals with the Ecology Center’s Climate and Energy Program Director, Charles Griffith.

On May 21st, you can join in a celebration of the Huron River. Huron River Day festivities include recreational opportunities, educational programs, food, and live music. So, how is the health of the river? Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman joined WEMU's David Fair to provide updates on PFAS contamination, the threat of hexavalent chromium, and to explain why the river is fully available for fun and recreation.

High levels of PFAS, or forever chemicals, have been found in fish in the Huron River. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

The Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center is diving deep into research in an effort to better understand how toxic chemicals interact and spread through the environment, our wildlife and, ultimately, humans. The center’s senior scientist, Dr. Gillian Zaharias Miller, joined WEMU’s David Fair to share the details of current and future research in the ongoing quest for solutions.

A renewed call for action has emerged following the release of carcinogenic hexavalent chromium into the Huron River this past summer. WEMU's Cathy Shafran reports.