How is it that Sierra Club and other national environmental groups advance smart growth campaigns for urban growth because it reduces carbon emissions, but when density projects are proposed here in Traverse City, we lack organized support from the environmental community? The answer, unfortunately, is clear: it’s harder to advocate for something than it is to oppose something – and that’s a real problem.
GROUNDWORK News
Ag Forum: Relationships required in local food system
The definition of local food needs to include a valuation for the relationships it demands. It’s not enough now to simply say, “my food was grown within 150 miles.” We should also be able to say, “…and I know the name of the farmer.”
Clean Energy Innovators: Mary Van Valin
Mary Van Valin is a force of nature. A retired math teacher, Mary now spends her retirement helping to transform the Traverse City area into an equitable, resilient, thriving community. In the two month since I met her, Mary has launched an EV group purchase effort, taught 4th and 5th graders how to make small solar panels for doing experiments in math and science, brought close to 200 people to the State to see a live feed of the Pope addressing Congress, and attended a March for Justice in Detroit.
Ag Forum: Institutions seek more local food
New businesses are working to meet the growing demand from buyers for locally grown food, and more food service directors are flexing their buying power and insisting that distributors figure out how to offer the option to buy local.
Second annual Harvest@theCommons showcases local food
For the second year, the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities (formerly the Michigan Land Use Institute) is inviting the community to join in a local farm-to-table experience on the front lawn of the Grand Traverse Commons on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015.
Clean Energy Innovators: Jim MacInnes
When it comes to clean energy, Jim MacInnes, CEO of Crystal Mountain Resort, is the definition of pioneer and early adopter. He’s gradually transformed the beautiful golf, skiing, and conference center near Thompsonville into a remarkably green, energy-efficient operation. He’s deeply involved in trying to improve the state’s clean energy policies; and he regularly hosts a statewide conference focused on building a more sustainable economy in Michigan.