Navigating the Single Stream Running Through GR!

You've seen the billboards, the commercials, the propaganda supporting the Single Stream Recycling effort kicked off in Grand Rapids on July 20.

But what is it?

Single stream recycling refers to a system in which all paper, cardboard, glass, metal and plastic that are currently separated into different recycle bins are now placed all together in one recycling cart. It is still important to follow the same preparation guidelines for recycling preparation except you just put all your recycling in one container.

Why bother?

Single stream recycling makes recycling easier for residents. No sorting of accepted recycling materials, all recycables go into one cart. It is more efficient for employees. This program will use recycling carts in place of the recycling bins or tubs residents currently use. The carts will be emptied using semi-automated equipment. Residents will choose the recycling cart size that best fits their needs. Recycling cart sizes available are: 35 gallon, 64 gallon or 96 gallon recycling cart. The carts are the same sizes that are offered with the refuse cart program. Each cart is made with 40% recycled plastic and will have a bright yellow lid.

*Info taken from The City of Grand Rapids

To read more about this great cause sweeping through the streets and doorsteps of Grand Rapids check out the City of Grand Rapids website.

Fun for the whole family!

Summer is winding down (I know, I know, but we all knew it was coming) but the event scene in Grand Rapids is not! There are two fabulous events for you to attend that will support and educate the West Michigan communitiy.

"Future Cities: Climate Strategies for Sustainable Communities"


Concerned about climate change and how it will impact Michigan?

The economic and environmental health of Michigan and communities across the Midwest are threatened by climate disruption. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, many communities have some climate mitigation policies but more must be done. Future Cities: Climate Strategies for Sustainable Communities, presented by GreenTown: The Future of Community, will host mayors from across Michigan to identify and implement the needed steps to mitigate climate disruption and the rising threat to Michigan's economy.

To read more click here.

2nd Annual Grand Harvest Festival

Come join us for the 2nd Annual Grand Harvest Festival on Saturday August 28th 11-4. The festival is to support Feeding America West MI. Bring in YOUR locally grown produce NOW through August 28th for a chance to WIN our grand prize of $500 in gardening gear! Large or small every donation counts to help feed the hungry.


The festival features music by Serita’s Black Rose, Me 3 Mind and more. You can enjoy local food, environmental groups, craft and other fun vendors. We will have games and prizes (great freebies from our generous suppliers). Come down to enjoy Food, Music, Games, and great giveaways all to support our local food bank Feeding America West MI

To read more click here.


Do you have an event you want buzzed about?
Contact Abby at The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce 

It's a wash

Nothing annoys me more than when I am on the internet and I have to fight off a million pop-up windows containing “hidden diet secrets revealed!” or “lose 10lbs in 1 hour guaranteed!”, ok so maybe I bluffed a bit with that last one. My point is all of these are radical claims and we (most of us) know they are not true.

The same rules apply for the green product industry. As consumers we need to make smart conscious decisions and research what we are buying. Just because something has a green label does not mean that it is environmentally friendly.

Greenwashing was defined at the MiBiz Review forum as
“giving consumers and policy makers the impression that the company/organization is taking the necessary steps to manage its ecological footprint. Evidenced by a company spending more time and money on claiming to be “green” through advertising and marketing than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact.”

Need some examples of greenwashing?

1. An energy company that promotes its efforts to develop “green” technology, when in reality it represents a minute portion of its overall business.

2. Hotel chains that refer to itself as “green” merely because guests may reuse sheets and towels during their stay, yet does nothing to reduce water and energy usage.

3. A bank may advertise “green banking” because you can access your account on-line.

If you are concerned about greenwashing, Greenwashing Index gives criteria for determining if a product or service you are using is faux green.

1. The ad misleads with words

2. The ad misleads with visuals or graphics

3. The ad makes a green claim that is vague or seemingly improvable

4. The ad overstates or exaggerates how green the product/company/service actually is

5. The ad leaves out or masks important information, making the green claim sound better than it really is

If you are concerned that a product or service you are using or producing might violate the laws of greenwashing check out these resources from Warner Norcross & Judd. I had the opportunity to sit at a roundtable discussion with Janet Ramsey who specializes in the legal side of Green Marketing and she passed on these awesome resources.

1. "Greening Your Products" by Environmental Protection Agency

2. "Green Certification and Ecolabeling" by U.S. Government

3. "Guides for Use of Environmental Marketing Claims" by Federal Trade Commission

4. "How to Comply with Environmental Marketing Guidelines" by Federal Trade Commission

5. "Green Marketing" by United States Government

6. "Greener Choices" by Consumer Reports

7. "Sins of Greenwashing" by TerraChoice