December 2022
Staff Update

Podcast

1st Okemos Earth Club Podcast on E-Waste

  • Earth Club Activism Committee members Addyson Garrett and Amira Vojic, interviewed Steve Noble, the State of Michigan Electronics Recycling Coordinator on Nov 22 and discussed challenges and opportunities related to tech waste/E-waste.


Energy

Solar Web Page Updates

  • LeRoy is working with Absolute Solar and Samantha Diehl to update the solar pages on Meridian's website: https://www.meridian.mi.us/community/green-meridian/solar

  • LeRoy recently distributed a note to all employees about phantom power and potential energy savings from turning off computers/printers and power strips.
    (many electronic devices use more energy when they are not being used than when they are)

Green Team/Recycling

Planning for 2023

  • The Green Team meets on December 8th at 4pm to continue planning for 2023.

  • Potential events include composter/rain barrel sale, wetland education, stormwater pollution reduction, medicine collection, a green fair, bike recycling, a coat drive, a sustainable home and landscape tour, and large events in the spring and fall.

  • A Coat Drive will be held at the Market on Dec. 17 from 10am - 2pm and at the the Municipal Building during December in partnership with Meridian Cares.

Green Dialogues

Dialogues continued on Wednesdays 9-10am

  • Recent dialogues have included a discussions with Joel Martinez, Manager of the East Lansing Meridian Water and Sewer Authority and Sam Lovall who is writing a book about Mud Lake. View the dialogue with ELMWSA Manager here.

Dart Stormwater Grant

  • Dart has offered a $4000 grant to purchase stormwater filtration equipment.

Green Infrastructure Projects

Haslett Community Church (HCC), Okemos Library, and Radmoor Montessori

  • The HCC project is almost complete. They are awaiting the sign.

  • Waiting for an update from Okemos Library (which had a staff change) about the status of their "3 Sisters Garden."

  • Okemos Public Montessori completed their butterfly pollinator garden in the spring.

  • Radmoor Montessori has also completed work and expenses related to the Barnyard Classroom. More planting will occur in the spring.

  • Michelle Booth has also offered a tour and/or presentation about the Haslett Middle School Environmental Learning Lab/Courtyard.

  • See some pictures

  • More detail