Green Soul Searching

It's been 3 months... I know, I apologize. In my absence though I have been gathering material about the green happenings around Grand Rapids.

I have also been thinking alot about sustainability and Grand Rapids. Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with Shelley Irwin about Grand Rapids sustainability efforts on her WGVU morning radio show. We spoke about the recent "Most Sustainable Community Award" and what it meant for Grand Rapids.

I knew this question was going to come and I gave it alot of thought and here is what I came up with.

Great but what's next?

Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that Grand Rapids won for the mid size category. My question is where do we go from here?

What more can Grand Rapids do to become sustainable? When I ask this I'm not only speaking to companies, I'm speaking to the individuals too. Are we doing enough? Is there more we can do?

While reading about Recycling a few days ago I read the phrase I'm sure we have all read a million gazillion times "Reduce Reuse Recycle".

Sure we all more than likely recycling but what about the other two R's? Are we reusing (re-filling that water bottle, using that plastic bag more than once, using the backside of that paper)? Are we even reducing (carpooling, rethink printing, using a reusable tote instead of paper or plastic)?

I think it is convenient for us to recycle and be done with it but I lay out the challenge (to both you and myself) to follow up on the other R's.

That's all the soul-searching questions I have for you today. :)

Go Plant a Tree - Happy Arbor Day!

On this day 138 years ago a Detroit native named J. Sterling Morton proposed a national tree planting day called “Arbor Day”. Four months later on April 10, 1872 National Arbor Day was celebrated with an estimated one million trees planted on U.S. soil. Our Country has made many advances since 1872 but we have cut down many trees in the process.

Don’t feel too bad, there is a way to make it up to Mother Earth.

The obvious apology present would be to plant another tree on Arbor Day but there are many other ways to say, “I’m Sorry”. The National Arbor Day Foundation gives many great ideas to contribute to Arbor Day.

You could…

• Organize a beautification project in a public area
• Conduct a Tree Search - Ask people to find large, unusual or historic trees in your community. Once the results are in, publish a map that highlights the winners, or hold a walk showcasing them.
• Encourage neighborhood organizations - to hold block parties and get their members to adopt and care for street trees in front of their homes. Pass out buttons. Give away trees
• Attend a class on tree and plant care
• Volunteer with a local tree-planting organization. You’ll meet new people and make a difference in your community.

Still looking for something more? Look no further than your own backyard! Chamber member The Gilmore Collection is offering FREE tree seedlings to anyone that hop’s on-line and buys an e-card (on-line gift card). Not only do you help the environment by avoiding a plastic gift card, you get a great meal made from local, fresh ingredients and… A tree!

FREE TREE SEEDLING

WITH ANY GILMORE E-GIFT CARD PURCHASE

(must purchase emailable version of gift card)

APRIL 30 - MAY 30, 2010

Trees are available at Mangiamo!, Flat River Grill, The Thornapple, Red Jet Cafe and Rose's Express with your first e-card use April 30 - May 30

Go plant one! Happy Arbor Day!

LEEDing the Way: DeVos Place, Stewards of the City

Recently, The DeVos Place achieved “Steward” level Green Venue Certification from the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth. (DELEG)

Green Venues Michigan (GVM) is a department of the DELEG that encourages entertainment venues, convention centers, and similar facilities to implement environmental initiatives and cost-saving “green” practices to conserve energy, reduce water consumption, protect air quality, reduce waste, and participate in environmentally preferred purchases.

How did they do it?  By Partnering with the GVM the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership for a Sustainable Community they made the following sustainable changes to their building and operations.

• Low-flow fixtures to reduce water consumption
• Purchase of paper products using at least 30 percent recycled content
• More efficient heating, cooling, and lighting management systems
• Initiated a facility wide recycling effort

Eddie Tadlock, Assistant General Manager for DeVos Place said, “To keep pace with the growing national trend toward ‘Green Meetings,’ SMG is aggressively marketing DeVos Place as a ‘green’ facility, and the city of Grand Rapids as a Green Destination.”

 Congrats on your achievement DeVos Place and thank you for contributing to a sustainable Grand Rapids!

 To read more on this story check out:
@Kcorner's article on Mlive
Press Release from Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth

It's Earth Day but shhh don't tell the earth let's have it be a surprise!

Happy Earth day Sustainability Members!

While logging on to Twitter This morning I was overwhelmed by all of the Earth Day chatter and promotions circling the web. Everything from Earth Day sales to tips and tricks and even a recipe for an organic cocktail (which I plan on trying later at The B.O.B's Earth Day Weekend event). Of all the chit-chat going on this quote by comedian Jim Gaffigan made me chuckle, "It's Earth Day but shhh don't tell the earth let's have it be a surprise".

But on a serious note I really got to thinking about what I could do to celebrate Earth Day. When I woke up this morning I decided that I would pay close attention to my daily routine and try to find ways I could conserve. Here is a list of things (so far) that I have changed in my schedule to make an impact on Earth Day.

- At the gym this morning after my work out I severely cut back on the amount of paper towel I used to clean my machine

- Instead of throwing away my plastic water bottle when I got home I refilled it for tomorrow

- I turned the water off while I was brushing my teeth

- I actually timed (don't laugh) my shower

- I turned off all the lights in my house except for the room I was in

- I walked instead of drove to lunch

- I have limited the amount of paper towel I use to dry my hands

- I think before I print

I know these don't seem like big deals (and they are probably things I should have been doing anyway) but they are small changes to improve our Earth.

What have you and your business been doing to celebrate Earth Day?

Stay Sustainable Grand Rapids!

Grand Rapids is rapidly establishing itself as a leader in Sustainability.

Today, Grand Rapids was recognized by the U.S. Chamber and Siemens Corporation as a top finalist for the National Siemens Sustainable Community Award in the Midsize Community Category.

Pablo Picasso once said, “Action is the foundational key to all success."  The success of this community would not be possible without the tremendous efforts from Grand Rapid's schools, businesses and citizens commitment to sustainability.

The finalist were chosen based on Overarching Sustainability, Econominc Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Energy, Water, Green Buildings and Waste.
(For more information about the award, visit the Business Civic Leadership Center's Facebook, Twitter or Blog.)

The Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce was pleased to nominate the City of Grand Rapids for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Most Sustainable Community Award. We recognize and appreciate the City's continued commitment to sustainability and this is another great recognition of public/private partnerships in our community!

Great Job Grand Rapids! Keep up the great work and stay tuned. The winner will be announced at the Business Civic Leadership Center’s National Corporate Community Investment Conference May 24, 2010.

LEEDing the Way: Gilmore Unplugged

What special event involves soothing acoustic music, fine cuisine, and candle light?
Anniversary? Birthday? Maybe Valentines Day?

How about EARTH DAY!

In Celebration of Earth day, The Gilmore Collection will be reducing their Carbon footprint for an entire weekend by turning of the lights, playing live non-amplified music, and serving sustainable entrees made from locally grown organic ingredients.

"The Gilmore Collection has always made efforts to support and buy local. With Earth day around the corner we wanted to try something different to reduce our Carbon footprint," says Matt Dowdy, Creative Director at The Gilmore Collection.

Come dine in the dark at Gilmore Unplugged from April 22 - April 26 at the following Gilmore restaurants:

The B.O.B 20 Monroe Ave, Grand Rapids, MI - 616.356.2000
Mangiamo! 1033 Lake Drive, Grand Rapids, MI - 616.742.0600
The Kirby House 2 Washington, Grand Haven, MI - 616.846.8299
Blue Water Grill 5180 Northland Dr, Grand Rapids, MI - 616.363.5900
Ottawa Tavern 151 Ottawa, Grand Rapids, MI - 616.451.8000
Rose's 550 Lakeside Drive, East Grand Rapids, MI - 616.458.1122
Red Jet Cafe 1431 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids, MI - 616.719.5500
The Thornapple 445 Ada Drive, Ada, MI - 616.676.1233
Flat River Grill 201 East Main, Lowell, MI - 616.897.8523

See you there!

Where We're At: GVSU Summit on Sustainability

When we think of Spring we usually think of rebirth, renewal and regrowth. The Animals come out of hibernation, Robins return to your backyard, trees bud and flowers bloom which makes it the perfect time to renew both you and your business with sustainable practices.

What a better way to learn about "being green" than to join me in attending the "Grand Valley State University Summit on Sustainability". The event will focus on sustainability and it's impact on Grand Rapids. The event will also feature several speakers from the area including; Mayor George Heartwell, Christina Keller from Cascade Engineering, Amanda Price, State House candidate and Bob Synk, County Commission incumbent.

Event: GVSU Summit on Sustainability

Date: Wendnesday, April 7

Location: GVSU Meijer Regency Room, 401 Fulton Street West

Time: 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

Cost: Free!

To register click here

We'll see you there!