Despite the current recycling issues happening across the country, Michigan is situated in a thriving region where recycling end markets are available and seeking to collect new materials, such as foodservice packaging. As communities continue to strive to meet waste diversion goals, they are met with barriers and questions of what to do next. 

Ken County was recently provided a grant in partnership between the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) and Michigan's Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to assist recycling and recovery in West Michigan. 

Tom Zimnicki, agriculture policy director, Michigan Environmental Council
Kerrin O'Brien, executive director, Michigan Recycling Coalition

As summer heats up, so too does the calculable media coverage, vivid images and conversation about algal blooms in western Lake Erie. With NOAA's early 2018 projections mimicking the 2017 algal bloom, this year is sure to be filled with much finger-pointing and few real solutions. Last year, I wrote an op-ed calling on the state to embrace common sense standards for agricultural producers and take concrete steps toward curbing nutrient runoff. With minimal change in messaging and action from the state, this year I am calling on state agencies, the legislature, and stakeholders in the agricultural and urban sectors to embrace a new priority: improving soil health. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                      Contact:  Kerrin O’Brien

January 6, 2017                                                         517 974-3672

Who Really Loses?

The environmental and economic benefits of recycling are well documented. Recycling creates more jobs than disposal, and manufacturing with recycled commodities just makes good business sense. So why does it seem like we’re going backwards?