My interest in the environment was cultivated at an early age through experiences in nature:
-fishing, exploring, swimming, and helping in the garden, raising chickens, and biking around on my Schwinn Sting Ray and Raleigh Record.
As an undergrad at MSU, worked with MI United Conservation Clubs, Public Interest Research Group, State of Michigan Solar Tax Credit Office, and MSU Center for Urban Affairs and Urban Options. I wrote a final paper, articulating my experiences as an Intern at Urban Options. It was titled "Urban Eco-Culture" and describes a variety of residential approaches to self-sufficiency, energy efficiency, gardening, waste reduction, composting, aquaculture, and water conservation.
After a few years working with the Solar and Insulation Co-op selling insulation, Window Quilts, and solar systems, I got a job at Urban Options where I ended up working for 15 years.
I went back to Grad School in 1999 and became interested in education, community and organizational development, dialogue, and related topics. I worked with the Bailey Scholars Program, MSU Community & Economic Development Office, and MSU Extenion. I co-authored a couple publications including:
After this, I worked on several community development and healthy community initiatives with the Ingham County Health Department and other regional partners.
I began teaching alternative energy and residential energy efficiency at Lansing Community College in the mid-2000s. I was hired as a Recycling Coordinator with Meridian Township in 2008 and this quickly expanded in to energy projects and my current role as Environmental Programs Coordinator. See "Present"
My website hints at other past and current interests: www.leroyharvey.net