Green Initiatives

Green Initiatives are critical for any community intending to be viable in today’s economy. The way we use energy and natural resources impacts our quality of life and our financial bottom line. Potential to grow green industries, implement sustainable practices, and get on the cutting edge of current trends exists right here in Michigan.

The League offers services and guidelines to communities that are committed to “going green,” such as:

• Michigan Green Communities Challenge
• Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

Make Your Case for Green Initiatives

Start a conversation about initiating “green” projects in your community. Here are some talking points to share with neighbors, organizations and local government officials:

• Sustainable development can enhance the economic well-being of communities.
• Environmental health improves in neighborhoods that focus on green development.
• Green infrastructure can reduce energy costs and overall infrastructure costs.

Quick Stats

• A project in Portland, Oregon spent $19,000 in recycling the majority of a demolition project but avoided an estimated $166,000 in landfill costs.
• According to the EPA, U.S. communities are facing $106 billion in needed stormwater management and combined sewer correction upgrades/ improvements.
• Annual emissions have increased dramatically between 2000 and 2010, with this increase directly coming from energy supply (47%), industry (30%), transport (11%) and buildings (3%).

Additional Resources

A wide variety of resources on green initiatives are available on our Resources and Tools page.

Get Inspired

The following case studies how Michigan communities have creatively launched “green” projects.

NEW! Argus Farm Stop (Ann Arbor)
Argus Farm Stop introduces a new model for farmers markets in a professional environment designed to help grow Ann Arbor’s local food ecosystem by connecting producers with consumers through a year-round neighborhood farmers market.

NEW! SEEDS Programs Empower Youth to Create Positive Change in their Community (Traverse City area)
The nonprofit SEEDS – Seeking Ecology Education and Design – empowers at-risk youth to make a difference in their community through After School Education and SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps programs. 

NEW! Westland City Hall Big Box Retrofit The city of Westland devised a creative, cost-effective solution to their dysfunctional, dangerous city hall building by retrofitting a long-vacant big box store.
Farmers Markets Help Revitalize Michigan Communities Farmers markets are increasingly playing a vital role in Michigan’s economic growth while also providing residents with options for affordable and healthy food and related products.
Dequindre Cut The Dequindre Cut Greenway is a 1.35-mile recreational path that offers a pedestrian link between the Detroit Riverfront, Eastern Market, and many residential neighborhoods.
Recycle Here Recycle Here! started out as a traditional drop-off center in a community with few recycling options. Through the creativity of its staff, volunteers, and participating citizens, it has become a community gathering place and a showcase for artists and musicians.