Resources


An important part of our Vision of sustainability is making use of local resources whenever possible. Learn about the resources you have in your community, and work to make the best use of the opportunities you have in your area.

This list of resources centers on those in Michigan, northeast Indiana, and Northern Ohio. Please feel free to share information about additional resources in your area so they can be included here.

Resource Groups



Alternative Energy & Energy Efficiency

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Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
A non-profit organization centered in Michigan that works to educate, promote, and publicly demonstrate renewable energy technologies.

Midwest Renewable Energy Association
An excellent group working to teach and promote a wide range of renewable energy options. Located in Wisconsin.

Urban Options, East Lansing, Michigan.
A non-profit community agency which provides energy and environmental information and services and seeks to improve the environmental quality of our Urban Spaces. Conducts educational programs and demonstrations of practical and healthful home and yard improvements. Operates an Energy and Environmental Demonstration House in East Lansing, Michigan.

Backwards to the Future, Ltd., Fennville, Michigan.
Solar & wind applications supplier.


Camping/Hiking

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Badlands National Park

Wind Cave National Park


Environment/Education/Community

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Neahtawanta Center, Traverse City, Michigan
The Neahtawanta Center is a place of gathering and a community of kindred spirits, created to serve people and institutions interested in working toward a sustainable and just society. As a place of gathering, we provide an environment in which people can enjoy, seek wholeness and uncover their own spirituality. As a community, we seek the common good in all we do and believe that the earth and all living beings which inhabit it are fundamentally good.

Upland Hills Ecological Awareness Center, Oxford, Michigan
Committed to providing experiences that honor the unique gift in each individual to make a difference so as to empower them to participate in the process of healing our planet.


SEEDS, Traverse City, Michigan
A non-profit research, design and educational institution composed of a diverse group of people dedicated to combining assets to develop creative projects that lessen our ecological footprint. We believe that eco-informed decisions are made through an understanding of our five focus areas: Natural Resources and Waste, Community and Infrastructure, Sustainable Agriculture, Water Quality, and Energy Conservation. We facilitate community involvement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and place-specific design.


Recycling

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Michigan Recycled Materials Market Directory
Searchable list of recycling collectors, brokers and processors compiled by the Environmental Science and Services Division of DEQ.


Food

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Michigan Organic Food and Farm Alliance (MOFFA)
Promoting local organic food and farming, to restore the health of people, communities, and the earth since 1992.

CSA List
A state-by-state searchable list of Community Supported Agriculture farms. Support your local growers.

Pastured Products Directory
A state-by-state list of pastured livestock producers. Support local producers. Also lots of info on the environmental and health benefits of pastured livestock production.

Wild Winds Buffalo Preserve, Fremont, Indiana.
Buffalo meat from a herd honored and respected as sacred animals.

Leelanau Cheese Creamery at Black Star Farms, Suttons Bay, Michigan
Homemade cellar aged European style cheese. 10844 East Revold Rd., Suttons Bay, MI 49682, 231-271-2600.

Michigan Farmers' Markets

  • Lansing City Market - Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am - 6pm.
  • Okemos Farmers' Maket. Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., through October 30. Located on the north side of the Division Street Garage between Albert Avenue and Division Street in Okemos.

    Wisconsin Farmers' Markets

  • Madison Farmer's Market - Saturday Farmers' Market at the state capitol square every Saturday from 6:30 am to 2 pm.


    Gardens & Gardening

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    Hidden Lake Gardens, Tipton, Michigan
    Located in the Irish Hills area of southeast Michigan. Hidden Lake Gardens is an endowed public garden operated by Michigan State University. It encompasses 755 acres of developed and natural areas, including over 6 miles of scenic drive, 5 acres of marked hiking trails, and year-round educational programs. A truly wonderful arboretum, sadly underappreciated in the state.

    W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, East Lansing, Michigan
    Located on the campus of Michigan State University. Extensive collection with plantings arranged by plant family, as well as plant characteristics (useful, medicinal, weeds, etc.).

    MSU Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, East Lansing, Michigan
    The campus of Michigan State University houses numerous gardens. The Demonstration Gardens surround the Plant and Soil Science building, and include annual and perennial plantings.

    Michigan 4-H Children's Garden, East Lansing, Michigan
    Adjacent to the Horticultural Demonstration Gardens, is an excellent garden for kids of all ages.

    Michigan Master Gardener Program
    A county-based horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension (MSUE). Excellent educational experience for avid gardeners.

    Wayne County Master Gardeners Association
    One of the most active Master Gardener groups in the State of Michigan.


    Healing

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    Sue Lyons, certified massage technician in Jonesville, Michigan. Massage, pedicure, and reflexology. (517) 849-2935.


    Housing & Construction

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    Great Oak Cohousing, Ann Arbor, Michigan
    Collaborative housing development designed to offer residents a sense of community and environmental sustainability.

    Recycle Ann Arbor ReUse Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
    One stop shopping for quality used building materials and household items.

    Harmony Home Construction, Beulah, MI
    Building, design, and consultation services which help create elegant, healthy, energy efficient places to live and work while preserving our natural resources.

    Chicago Eco Renovation
    Environmentally friendly solutions for home renovation projects. Contact Louis Stilheim by phone at 773-520-4583 or email

    Odom Reusable Building Materials, Traverse City, Michigan
    Dedicated to waste reduction. Homeowners welcome! Buy reusable building materials at an average of 50% off new prices. You can also donate reusable building materials, trade in materials for store credit, or sell select items. 926 South Airport Rd., Traverse City, Michigan 49686. 213-946-4883.