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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.
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The public is invited to learn more about Ann Arbor’s Home Energy Rating Disclosure, or “HERD” ordinance, at an informational meeting tonight. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.
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Ann Arbor voters could decide in November if they want to a create a city-owned electric grid that uses only renewable energy. More from WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert.
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Further investing in environmental sustainability will be a part of Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s budget for the 2025 fiscal year. The governor is to formally introduce her budget proposal today at 11 AM. WEMU's David Fair invited State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) to discuss some of what lay ahead in 2024 when it comes to environmental legislation and policy.
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Among the many resolutions people make to start a new year is to find ways to better protect the planet. Shelie Miller studies these things as a professor in sustainable systems at the U of M’s School for Environment and Sustainability. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how to improve our efforts at home and community sustainability.
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The Capital Improvement Plan for Ann Arbor details the project the city plans to work on for the next six years. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more on what projects have been included in the recently released plan.
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The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will vote on adopting the county’s quadrennial budget at tonight's meeting. WEMU’s Taylor Bowie has more.
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Environmental stewardship is certainly important now. With a changing climate, growing population and greater need for adaptation, it will only become more important. That’s why educating today’s K-12 students is vitally important. The Ann Arbor Public School District has its Environmental Education program, and it’s not only teaching in-class, it provides hands-on experience in nature. The program has been growing and will touch even more students this year. Find out more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Environmental Education teacher Coert Ambrosino.
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Residential rain gardens may seem like a small component of environmental sustainability. We’re learning just how big of an impact they make in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. A brand new, interactive mapping tool shows where many of the residential rain gardens are and the amount of stormwater they collectively capture. Learn more in this conversation with WEMU's David Fair and Susan Bryan, the Rain Garden Coordinator for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Office.
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The month of September is going to be an important one for Michigan’s Environmental and energy future. A number of measures are being considered in the state Legislature aimed increasing availability and access to more renewable energy. State Senator Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) joined WEMU's David Fair and Michigan League of Conservation Voters executive director, Lisa Wozniak, to discuss the proposed legislation and its potential impacts.