89.1 WEMU: Issues of the Environment
154 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago -Find Issues of the Environment each week on 89.1 WEMU.
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Issues Of The Environment: The Push For Michigan To Produce More Electric Passenger Vehicles
July 21, 2021 12:48 - 10 minutesThe buses and heavy trucks that travel our towns and highway system contribute a significant part of the emissions causing climate change. We are in the midst of transition, as manufacturers are moving more toward electric vehicle production. WEMU's David Fair and Charles Griffith, the director of the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center's climate and energy program, discussed the push for Michigan to join others in a commitment to zero out emissions from heavy vehicles by 2050.
Issues Of The Environment: Washtenaw Community College Joins With DTE To Achieve Carbon Neutrality
July 14, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutesWashtenaw Community College has announced it plans to run 100% on renewable energies by the year 2029. In part, it plans to get there by signing on to DTE Energy's MIGreenPower program. The utility's renewable solutions director, Brian Calka, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the agreement with WCC, the program itself, and DTE's plans for a more sustainable, renewable energy future.
Issues Of The Environment: Addressing Energy Poverty And Finding Sustainable Solutions
July 07, 2021 12:03 - 11 minutesEnergy poverty is a problem all too many low-income households have to contend with. While more affluent households leave a bigger carbon footprint, it is usually people of color that suffer the most economic and health consequences. University of Michigan assistant professor and Urban Energy Justice Lab director Dr. Tony Reames explores the issues and needed solutions in this conversation with WEMU's David Fair.
Issues Of The Environment: Audit Of Recycling In Parts Of Washtenaw County Now Underway
June 30, 2021 11:55 - 11 minutesCurbside recycling is common practice, yet many residents are still placing unrecyclable materials in their bins. That's why the Washtenaw Regional Resource Management Authority (WRRMA) has started an audit and educational program to help property owners make better recycling decisions. Della DiPietro, who serves as both Ann Arbor Township treasurer and WRRMA representative, discusses the program in detail with WEMU's David Fair.
Issues Of The Environment: Setting Priorities For Natural Resources In Washtenaw County
June 16, 2021 11:13 - 10 minutesWhen it comes to our environment and natural resources, it's important to know how your tax dollars are being spent. Every five years, the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) gets the public's opinion through an online survey, and the latest is underway. The WCCD's executive director, Megan DeLeeuw, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the survey and the impact it can have over the next five years.
Issues Of The Environment: Washtenaw County And SE Michigan See Explosion In Tick Population
June 09, 2021 10:37 - 11 minutesIt's a great time of year to get outdoors! But, there are some potentially harmful critters waiting for you. Ticks have expanded their habitat in Michigan, and there is a major increase in the populations in Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Michigan State University entomologist Howard Russell to find out why that is and what we can do to keep ourselves and our pets safe.
Issues Of The Environment: UM Study Shows Our Roads Threaten Bee Movement And Pollination
June 02, 2021 11:39 - 10 minutesOver many years, there has been a precipitous decline in our bee populations and that has a significant and negative impact on agriculture and the health of our ecosystem. Bees are one of our great pollinators, and human habitat is a major problem. University of Michigan doctoral candidate Gordon Fitch shares with WEMU's David Fair a novel approach he co-designed to monitor bees within the urban landscape.
Issues Of The Environment: New Study Finds PFAS In Commonly Used Fertilizers
May 26, 2021 11:35 - 11 minutesGardening season is in full swing, and folks are ready to buy the essentials, such as natural fertilizers. Yet, buyers should beware. A national study conducted by the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center and the Sierra Club found a number of top-selling fertilizers contain the "forever chemicals" known as PFAS. Jeff Gearhart is research director for HealthyStuff.org at the Ecology Center. He joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the findings and the measures needed to protect us from these harmful c...
Issues Of The Environment: Ann Arbor's JOOB Activewear Sets Pace For Fashion Sustainability
May 19, 2021 12:21 - 867 BytesThe apparel industry is always changing but rarely with sustainability in mind. You might be surprised at how damaging the industry is to the environment. WEMU's David Fair spoke with someone who is not and who is doing something about it. John Ames Jr. is co-founder and CEO of JOOB Activewear, and sustainability is at the center of his personal and professional mission.
Issues Of The Environment: Progressive Effort To Remove Harmful Chemicals From Consumer Products
May 12, 2021 11:17 - 906 BytesA new report released today by the Mind the Store campaign (a partner organization of the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor) finds significant chemical policy improvement. Nearly 70% of companies surveyed have better chemical safety programs now compared to their first evaluation dating as far back as 2016. Mike Schade is director of the campaign and joined by WEMU's David Fair to discuss the ongoing efforts to remove chemical hazards from consumer products.
Issues Of The Environment: Washtenaw County Parks Preserving Local History
May 05, 2021 11:47 - 663 BytesThe natural parks found all over Washtenaw County are like a time capsule. They tell tales of local and state history, which is why their preservation is such a high priority. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks about the work being done to protect and preserve these areas with Kira Macyda, a park planner and preservationist for Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation.
Issues Of The Environment: The Cicadas Are Coming!
April 28, 2021 10:29 - 644 BytesAfter a 17-year, underground incubation period, the Cicadas are coming. The somewhat large, noisy insects will return this summer and swarm in huge numbers in portions of Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Washtenaw County Conservation District community forester Summer Roberts about the 2021 irruption. There is some good they do for the environment, and there are ways to help mitigate the potential harm they bring to small trees and shrubs.
Issues Of The Environment: Ripples From The First Earth Day, 51 Years Ago In Ann Arbor
April 21, 2021 10:28 - 685 BytesThursday, April 22nd is Earth Day, and, due to the pandemic, most celebrations will be virtual this year. Still, the idea of Earth Day has endured since it all started with a series of teach-ins at the University of Michigan in 1970. U-M Civil and Enviromental Engineering Professor Glen Daigger was there and joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss those heady days and what the future may bring.
Issues Of The Environment: Protecting Pollinators During Outdoors Spring Clean-Up
April 14, 2021 11:54 - 589 BytesSpring is in the air, and it's tempting to clean up the yard. Yet, starting too early, or cleaning too thoroughly, can be devastating to our pollinators, including bees, birds and butterfiles. On this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair spoke with Lisa Denys, a seasonal environmental program assistant for Washtenaw County, about some tips for maintaining a clean and environmentally friendly yard.
Issues Of The Environment: A Carbon-Fee Plan To Address The Climate Crisis
April 07, 2021 10:46 - 897 BytesWe know, with certainty, the climate crisis is negatively impacting our environment. It is also having adverse affects on pubic health, particularly in communities of color and among low-income familes. Dr. Lisa Del Buono is the founder of Michigan Clinicians for Climate Action. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss her organization's advocacy of a carbon-fee plan to comprehensively address the issues.
Issues Of The Environment: Women's History Month-Janis Bobrin
March 31, 2021 11:56 - 681 BytesFor 24 years, Janis Bobrin served Washtenaw County as Water Resources Commissioner. Some of the programs she devised and implemented are now industry standard and the positive environmental impacts she's had in our community are quite tangible. For the final Women's History Month edition of "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair speaks with Bobrin about her remarkable career and the lasting impacts she has had on the health of our environment and quality of life.
Issues Of The Environment: Women's History Month-Donna Lasinski
March 24, 2021 10:49 - 685 BytesMichigan State Representative Donna Lasinski has, among other things, stood up for numerous environmental causes. That includes fighting the Gelman 1-4 dioxane plume to trying to prevent Enbridge Line 5 from causing catastrophic damage to the Great Lakes. Now, as the top Democrat in the Michigan House of Representatives, Lasinski seeks to help rewrite Michigan's environmental history. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss the present and future she is working to create on this Women's Histo...
Issues Of The Environment: Women's History Month-The Life And Legacy Of Mary Beth Doyle
March 17, 2021 11:02 - 685 BytesMary Beth Doyle Park is a beautiful and serene area in which to spend time and enjoy the outdoors. It is appropriately named after environmental advocate and activist Mary Beth Doyle. She helped bring the Ecology Center to international prominence and improved the health of environment and inspired others to do the same. WEMU's David Fair checked in with Doyle's mentee, colleague, and friend Rebecca Mueninck from the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor for a Women's History Month rememberance.
Issues Of The Environment: Women's History Month-Michelle Deatrick
March 10, 2021 09:51 - 632 BytesThroughout Women's History Month, WEMU is talking with women who are dedicated to creating new history when it comes to environmental protections. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair recognizes Michelle Deatrick. The former Washtenaw County Commissioner was instrumental in forming the Washtenaw County Climate Council and has now founded and leads the Democratic National Committee Council on Environment and Climate.
Issues Of The Environment: Paying Tribute To The Women of the Huron River Watershed Council
March 03, 2021 12:09 - 635 BytesThe Huron River is a life force for the communities in its watershed. Throughout the years, it is women who have been a driving force in improving its quality. In this Women's History Month edition of "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with the current executive director of the Huron River Watershed Council about some of the women who preceded her and how that serves as foundation for the work she is doing today and for tomorrow.
Issues Of The Environment: Building Bridges To End Environmental Racism
February 24, 2021 12:58 - 684 BytesThe movement towards racial equity is an ongoing fight. Environmental racism has been an issue in our area since the industrial revolution, and it persists today, inflicting the most harm on communities of color. In another Black History Month edition of "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair and the Sierra Club's Justin Onwenu explore problems and solutions in the effort to bring environmental injustice to an end.
Issues Of The Environment: Commemorating 30 Years Of The Environmental Justice Movement
February 17, 2021 11:36 - 670 BytesThe concept of environmental justice can traced back to the 1970's. But, it wasn't until the 1990's when the movement really began to take shape, thanks to the works of such scholars as Dr. Bunyan Bryant and Dr. Paul Mohai. Dr. Mohai looks back at the work he and his colleagues have done over the last three decades in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair.
Issues Of The Environment: 'Green Door Initiative' Working For Racial And Environmental Justice
February 10, 2021 11:02 - 687 BytesThe COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the the African-American community more in a variety of negative ways. Among other things, it has highlighted the systemic issues that continue to support environmental racism. Detroit-based " Green Door Initiative " was created specifically to fight such inequities. Organization founder and CEO Donele Wilkins discusses progress and present and future challenges with WEMU's David Fair.
Issues Of The Environment: The Energy Future In Michigan Looks Bright...And Renewable
February 03, 2021 10:24 - 634 BytesThe cost of producing and distributing renewable energy continues to decline. That is changing the energy marketplace. Still, there are a lot of hurdles to overcome in both legislative policy and in the behaviors of individuals and communities. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair discusses the near and longer-term energy future with Laura Sherman, president of the Michigan Energy Innovation Business Council .
Issues Of The Environment: Recycle Ann Arbor Moves Closer To Reopening Materials Recovery Facility
January 27, 2021 12:44 - 668 BytesAnn Arbor's Materials Recovery Facility has been closed for nearly five years due to safety concerns. In 2020, the city hired Recycle Ann Arbor to handle recycling and charged it with reopening the facility. Renovation and innovation measures are getting underway, and "The MuRF," as it's called, should open this fall. Recycle Ann Arbor CEO Bryan Ukena joined WEMU's David Fair to update you on this week's "Issues of the Environment."
Issues Of The Environment: Biden Administration To Better Address Climate Crisis
January 20, 2021 11:27 - 654 BytesJoe Biden will be sworn in today as the 46th President of the United States. University of Michigan professor Richard Rood is one of many experts expecting the new administration will undo the damaging environmental policies of the Trump administration and advance the effort to combat the climate crisis. Dr. Rood discussed his predictions with WEMU's David Fair in this week's "Issues of the Environment."
Issues Of The Environment: La Nina And A Winter Weather Outlook For Washtenaw County And The Region
January 06, 2021 13:18 - 686 BytesOne of the few certainties about weather is its uncertainty. So far, the winter of 2021 is off to a rather mild start. But, the weather phenomenon known as "La Nina" and other factors could bring serious snowfall to the region. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair explored the possibilities with Dr. Ashley Payne, assistant professor in climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan.
Issues Of The Environment: 2020 Pandemic Economy Takes Toll On Environmental Non-Profits
December 30, 2020 11:57 - 660 BytesNonprofit organizations have been among those forced to adapt change and overcome survival challenges in 2020. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair called Donna Murray-Brown, president/CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association. to discuss what was learned in 2020 and how that will carry forward in 2021.
Issues Of The Environment: Bird Watching Grows In Popularity During Pandemic
December 23, 2020 10:10 - 694 BytesWith so many people staying home during the pandemic, levels of outdoor activity have been on the increase. That includes bird watching. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair speaks to Erin Rowan, conservation associate for Audubon Great Lakes, about the growing popularity of bird watching and its impacts on Michigan's bird conservation and environmental protection efforts.
Issues Of The Environment: 'International Samaritan' Changing Lives And Improving Environment
December 16, 2020 12:02 - 656 BytesMillions of people around the world live near major garbage dumps. Such conditions are a public health and environmental danger. The Ann Arbor-based nonprofit International Samaritan has been working for decades to help the people and improve the environmental conditions. The organization's president, Mike Tenbusch, discussed the efforts with WEMU's David Fair in this week's "Issues of the Environment."
Issues Of The Environment: U-M Team Outlines The First Circular Economy For Vehicles
December 09, 2020 11:39 - 645 BytesThe automotive industry is shifting to electric vehicles. Right now, only about two percent of American automobile sales are in the electric sector. But reducing waste, increasing recycling, and making the shift to electrification move more quickly will only have a positive impact on CO-2 emissions and climate change. For the first time, a circular economy is being built to accelerate and enhance the process. Dr. Gregory Keoleian from the University of Michigan School for Environment and Sust...
Issues Of The Environment: Moving Process Forward To Remove Peninsular Paper Dam From Huron River
December 02, 2020 10:43 - 675 BytesAfter study and gathering community feedback, Ypsilanti City Council voted in 2019 in favor of removing the Peninsular Paper Dam from the Huron River. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," Huron River Watershed Council executive director Rebecca Esselman joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss progress toward that end. Phase II of the removal project is just getting underway.
Issues Of The Environment: Local Agricultural Community Finding Collective Strength During Pandemic
November 25, 2020 11:57 - 673 BytesThe pandemic has impacted all parts of our economy, including the local agricultural community. But, there are positives that have resulted and reasons for giving thanks, too! Kim Bayer is owner of Slow Farm in Washtenaw County. She joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss COVID-19 impacts on local farming for this week's "Issues of the Environment."
Issues Of The Environment: Veridian At County Farm Project Moving Forward
November 18, 2020 11:59 - 683 BytesTHRIVE Colloborative founder Matt Grocoff imagined a community built around affordable housing and sustainable energy, and he called the project "Veridian at County Farm." Ann Arbor City Council, in October, gave final approval to the project. Grocoff joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss where the project is, when it will be ready for move-in, and the broader and more grand vision for the future of sustainable development.
Issues Of The Environment: Preserving Land In Washtenaw County One Decade At A Time
October 28, 2020 10:50 - 472 BytesA countywide ballot issue will be decided next Tuesday, and it deals with land preservation. A 10-year, quarter-mill tax renewal would sustain the Natural Areas Preservation Program (NAPP) for another 10 years. For this week's "Issues of the Environment,"WEMU's David Fair talks with Washtenaw County's park planning and NAPP supervisor, Ginny Trocchio, about what the preservation program has meant to the county in its first 20 years, and what lies ahead--pass or fail--on Tuesday.
Issues Of The Environment: Increasing The End-User Market For Recyclables In Michigan
October 21, 2020 11:00 - 672 BytesSeveral bills are pending in the Michigan Legislature, regarding the future of recycling. The overall goal is to increase recycling fromt he current 18% up to 45%. The Michigan initiative "NextCycle" is working to make sure the goal is achieved. WEMU's David Fair discussed the work being done with Jim Frey, the CEO of Recycling Resources Systems (RRS). RRS is managing and facilitating the "NextCycle" initaitive.
Issues Of The Environment: Getting PFAS Out Of Food Packaging And Other Products
October 14, 2020 09:44 - 656 BytesDo you like the occasional Big Mac or Whopper? It turns out the packaging those fast food favorites come in contain the toxic, forever chemicals known as PFAs. For this week's "Issues of the Environment," Jeff Gearhart from the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center speaks to WEMU's David Fair about all you need to know to protect yourself and the environment and the work underway to remove PFAS from food packaging and other consumer products permanently.
Issues Of The Environment: Dam Safety In Michigan And Washtenaw County
September 30, 2020 11:02 - 828 BytesMaintaining dams became part of the national conversation again when two collapsed in mid-Michigan this year and caused severe flooding. The state of Michigan has now established a new commission on dam safety, and Washtenaw County's water resources commissioner has been appointed as an inaugural member. Evan Pratt discussed his new role and the local and statewide implications with WEMU's David Fair on this week's "Issues of the Environment."
Issues Of The Environment: Politics And Climate Change Science Clash As West Coast Wildfires Rage
September 23, 2020 10:51 - 659 BytesThe wildfires along the United States West Coast continue to devastate homes and the surrounding environment. Many environmental experts consider this more evidence of climate change, and yet some politicians constantly dispute those claims. Dr. Richard Rood, professor of climate and space sciences and engineering at the University of Michigan, discusses his thoughts on this conflict, as well as the effects the fires have had on southeast Michigan, with WEMU's David Fair on this week's "Issue...
Issues Of The Environment: U-M Research Most Expansive Ever On Residential Greenhouse Gas Emissions
September 16, 2020 10:39 - 675 BytesA new University of Michigan report studies 93 million homes in America to explore where, and how, we live impacts climate change. The results show greenhouse gasses are produced at much higher levels in areas of affluence. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair discusses the report in greater detail with lead author of the report, Dr. Benjamin Goldstein.
Issues Of The Environment: Michigan's New, More Stringent PFAS Standards In Place
September 09, 2020 09:37 - 685 BytesMichigan passed new standards for PFAS back in July, and, in August, the most strict regulations in America went into effect. On this week's "Issues of the Environment," Mara Herman, Health Policy Specialist for the Ann Arbor-based Ecology Center, will discuss the new standards and what it means to environmental and public health with WEMU's David Fair.
Issues Of The Environment: Consent Judgment Reached To Better Remediate Gelman 1,4 Dioxane Plume
September 02, 2020 10:45 - 627 BytesFor decades, a 1,4 dioxane plume has contaminated groundwater in Scio Township and Ann Arbor. Legal battles have been ongoing with the original polluter, Gelman Sciences, and its subsequent owners. Now, a new consent judgement has been reached and it is expected to improve the situation. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with the City of Ann Arbor's water treatment services manager, Brian Steglitz, about the agreement and what needs to happen next to get the ...
Issues Of The Environment: Setting School Siting Guidelines To Reduce Environmental Hazards
August 26, 2020 11:16 - 665 BytesMichigan currently does not have a statewide approach to school siting that takes into account environmental quality. More than 40 percent of schools in Michigan are located near major sources of air pollution. What can be done about it now? On this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with Dr. Paul Mohai from the U of M's School for Environment and Sustainability on ways to address these questions.
Issues Of The Environment: Recycle Ann Arbor To Reopen Ann Arbor’s Materials Recovery Facility
August 12, 2020 10:55 - 678 BytesRecycling operations will soon become more localized in the Ann Arbor area. The Materials Recovery facility, or the MRF, has been closed for processing for about four years. It will be overhauled, and processing functions are expected to be operational in summer of 2021. Recycle Ann Arbor has a 10-year contract to run the MRF. In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair talks with Recycle Ann Arbor’s director of strategy, Bryan Weinert, about localizing recycling once again.
Issues Of The Environment: Two Countywide Ballot Measures Win Voter Approval
August 05, 2020 15:21 - 641 BytesTuesday's primary election saw two countywide tax issues win voter approval. One for road funding and non-motorized paths, the other to help fund the Washtenaw County Soil Conservation District. Both millages passed by about a 3-1 margin. In a post-election edition of "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's David Fair discussed the benefits and outcomes with Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy LaBarre.
Issues Of The Environment: Firefighting Under New Michigan Regulations On PFAS
July 29, 2020 11:09 - 666 BytesNew state regulations will change the way some firefighting operations are conducted in Michigan. Firefighting foams can contain high levels of PFAS. Those forever chemicals are not only detrimental to the environment but also to human health. Jeff Roberts is chief of the Wixom Fire Department and president of the Michigan Fire Chiefs Association . He joined 89.1 WEMU’s David Fair to discuss the new regulations and their impacts on training, operations, and safety.
Issues Of The Environment: Border-To-Border Trail Progressing In Washtenaw County
July 22, 2020 11:00 - 687 BytesThroughout the pandemic, more people are utilizing the outdoors for a sense of balance and peace. On "Issues of the Environment" this week, WEMU’s David Fair caught up with Park Planner and Landscape Architect Peter Sanderson for a look at how the Border-to-Border Trail in Washtenaw County is expanding, improving and, creating even more accessibility to hiking and biking.
Issues Of The Environment: Connections Between Climate Crisis, COVID-19, And Systemic Racism
July 15, 2020 10:55 - 675 BytesOn its surface, there may not appear to be many connections between the coronavirus pandemic and the climate change crisis. You don’t, however, have to dig very deep to find the parallels and the impacts on people of color. Dr. Marie O‘Neill is a Professor of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, and her work has put her in the path of that intersection. Dr. O’Neill joined WEMU’s David Fair this week to help connect the dots on this week’s "Issues of th...
Issues Of The Environment: Ann Arbor’s Ambitious Plan For Carbon Neutrality By 2030
July 08, 2020 10:55 - 568 BytesDespite this year's focus on the coronavirus pandemic and racial unrest, climate change remains a great threat to the world. This past June, Ann Arbor city officials took a major step in fighting this crisis by approving the "A2 Zero Carbon Neutrality Plan." The overall goal is for the city of Ann Arbor to completely eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2030. Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor details the plan further in a conversation with WEMU's David Fair for this week's "Issues ...
Issues Of The Environment: Accountability And Environmental Injustice
July 01, 2020 11:00 - 677 BytesIn 2019, a pair of state lawmakers introduced companion bills that would create environmental accountability by making polluters responsible for paying for the hazards they create. State Senator Jeff Irwin and State Representative Yousef Rabhi are both Ann Arbor Democrats and have yet to see those measures get consideration in the Republican-led legislature. Now, as we address systemic racism, environmental justice has to be a part of the conversation. Representative Rabhi joined WEMU’s David...