The 10 List - Ways to Grow a Greener Michigan

by Danielle Korpalski

March 26th, 2008 in Autos, Conservation, Energy, Environment, Features, Green, Living, Newsletter, The 10 List, The Alt. Energy Issue

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Our friends at Environment Michigan offer 10 action steps to grow a greener Michigan at home and in Lansing. Five for fighting… five for living.

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Advocacy

1. Contact your state Representative and Senator and ask them to adopt a Renewable Energy Standard of 20% by 2020. This is a guarantee that Michigan would be getting a certain percentage of its electricity from clean, renewable sources like wind and solar by a certain year.

2. Contact your state Representative and Senator and ask them to adopt strong Energy Efficiency Standards. This policy would help all energy customers save a certain percentage of their energy use each year.

3. Send a letter to Director Humphries of the Department of Natural Resources and ask her to support the greatest conservation tool Michigan has — the Natural Areas Program. This was introduced by Governor Milliken in 1972 to protect Michigan’s most pristine and ecologically significant places.

4. Tell your elected officials to support protection of the Great Lakes through the passage of the Great Lakes Compact and the Clean Water Restoration Act. These policies will ensure the health and abundance of the Great Lakes for years to come.

5. Contact your Senator and ask them to take bold measures in preventing the worst effects of global warming by supporting policies that will reduce this pollution at 80% by 2050.

Consumer

1. In order to reduce your carbon footprint, walk or ride a bike whenever weather permits. This will not only protect the environment and keep you healthy, but it might encourage other people in the community to follow in your footsteps.

2. Use energy efficient products like Compact Florescent Light bulbs and Energy Star equipment to reduce your household’s overall energy consumption.

3. Eat as much locally produced food as possible. Eating just one locally produced meal a week can dramatically reduce Michigan’s overall energy consumption.

4. Water is a very scarce resource, and it is critical for all households to embrace water conservation practices. Even turning off the water while you brush your teeth can save this precious resource, while also saving consumers money.

5. Take a look at all options before purchasing your next vehicle. Buying an energy efficient car can save you thousands of dollars, while also reducing your contribution to global warming pollution.

Danielle Korpalski has been an Environmental Associate for Environment Michigan since May 2007 where she works on policy advocacy and media outreach specifically on energy efficiency and renewable energy legislation pending in Lansing.