SBN Detroit

Pictured: Naim Edwards, director of the Detroit Partnership for Food, Learning, and Innovation (DPFLI). Photo by Jacob Templin-Fulton. Established by Michigan State University (MSU) in 2017, the DPFLI is MSU’s first urban agriculture research center. It has transformed a neglected 3.3-acre site into an urban farm featuring over 220 plant species, including fruit and nut trees, along with community spaces for educational programming. Led by Edwards and supported by staff member Stathis Pauls, the DPFLI has created facilities for community activities, including a storage shed, hoop house, and a communal pizza oven that enhances the local food experience. With an open-gate policy, the center operates on the principle of community access, allowing residents to freely harvest from the edible landscape. Learn more: https://shorturl.at/FyoLw Rachel Meeker L'Oreal Hawkes-Williams BRIGHTMOOR ARTISANS COLLECTIVE MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #urbanagriculture #foodjustice #communitysupport #detroit #DPFLI #foodsecurity #freshproduce #foodaccess #farmtotable #communitygardens #localfood #volunteerwork #sustainablefarming #foodpantry #greekheritage

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which has supported community development initiatives such as economic projects, housing rehabilitation, and the enhancement of community centers. Macomb County Government has been a participant since the program’s inception, receiving approximately $1.8 million annually over the past five years. These grants are targeted to communities with populations under 50,000, allowing for improvements in local amenities like parks, sidewalks, and street lighting. Recent projects in Macomb County funded by the CDBG program include the renovation of Roxana Park in Eastpointe (pictured), upgrades to the Macomb Township Senior Center, and a solar street lighting initiative. Looking ahead, the county plans to pursue additional projects, including street repaving, sidewalk improvements, and more solar street lighting installations, pending continued funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Learn more: https://shorturl.at/EmN9j #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #communitydevelopment #CDBG #macombcounty #urbanrenewal #housingrehabilitation #economicdevelopment #publicsafety #localgovernment #solarenergy #neighborhoodimprovement #HUD #parksandrec #seniorcenter #infrastructure #communitysupport

DTE Energy has published its 2023 CleanVision Sustainability Report, outlining progress in delivering cleaner, more reliable, and affordable energy. It details DTE’s initiatives toward net zero emissions, operational improvements, supporting vulnerable customers, and fostering a skilled workforce for Michigan’s evolving energy needs. DTE’s goal is to reduce power outages by 30% and cut outage durations in half over the next five years. Read the full report here: https://shorturl.at/7SblE Edison Electric Institute American Gas Association Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) SASB Standards #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #cleanenergy #sustainability #netzero #energytransition #michiganenergy #carbonreduction #affordableenergy #renewableenergy #energyefficiency #poweroutages #sustainablefuture #cleantech #infrastructure #climateaction #dteenergy

On Thursday, October 31st, the Sustainable Business Network of Detroit, funded by the Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation, in partnership with Inforum, will host a breakfast event to explore Detroit’s initiatives in restoring its tree canopy and fostering sustainable community growth. Join us to learn about the economic benefits of these green efforts and their wider impact across the city. Featured speakers include: - Lionel Bradford, president and executive director, The Greening of Detroit - Maureen Donohue Krauss, FM, president and CEO, Detroit Regional Partnership - Robert Riney, president and CEO, Henry Ford Health - Moderated by Terry Barclay (she/her/hers), president and CEO of Inforum; Chair of SBN Detroit This free event is an opportunity for anyone passionate about sustainability, green spaces, and community development. Spaces are limited, RSVP to attend in-person today: https://shorturl.at/ghPQo Attend virtually by registering here: https://bit.ly/4eAlP3e https://lnkd.in/gKjWQsUr #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #sustainable #sustainabledetroit #greenspaces #treecanopy #urbanrenewal #communitygrowth #environmentalsustainability #detroitevents #jobtraining #greeningdetroit #ecofriendly #sbndetroit #climateaction #urbanforestry #greeneconomy #inforum

"I believe #refillshops have an obligation to educate the community. From understanding which ingredients are safe to selecting products that align with sustainable values, we can remove a lot of the guesswork for people and it’s a service that’s important. " – Jessica Cichowlas, owner of BYOC with brick-and-mortar locations in Ann Arbor and Plymouth The concept of refilling containers to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability is taking hold in many forms. To find out more about the industry, its challenges and how communities are reacting, we spoke to three local business owners: Cichowlas, Cory Thompson, MBA, founder of Red Oak Refillery with installations in two establishments, and Ashby Cummings, owner of MI-Fillosophy in Plymouth. Click the link below to read more. #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #refill #sustainability #michigan #southeastmichigan #detroit #plymouth #annarbor #refillery #sustainableshopping #ethicalspending #environmentaljustice #socialjustice #recycle #reuse #plastic #gogreen

Driving market transformation on the local level is a key strategy for advancing USGBC's global mission to build #healthy, #resilient communities and improve quality of life for all. How can we work together to accomplish this? Check out SBN Detroit's recent interview with Lana Crouse, #USGBC Regional Director, and Laura Long, LEED AP, GGP, former chair of #USGBCDetroitRegion's Market Leadership Advisory Board, for insights into strategies and challenges for designing environmentally responsible buildings in Michigan and the role of USGBC.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at this free event. Will you be attending in-person or virtually?

"Education is key — especially when it comes to helping people understand how #sustainablebuildings contribute to the health and well-being of those who live and work in them. Cities like #Detroit and #AnnArbor are driving these efforts, but we need to reach surrounding areas to continue the push for green building." – Lana Crouse, regional director U.S. market transformation & development, U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) The USGBC launched the LEED certification in 2000, now one of the most recognized green building rating systems worldwide, promoting sustainable practices. SBD Detroit interviewed Crouse and Laura Long, LEED AP, GGP, senior designer at NORR, to gain insights on design and sustainability in #SoutheastMichigan. Click the link below to read more. #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #usgbc #sustainablebusiness #norr #peopleplanetprofit #climateaction #climatechange #environmentaljustice #socialjustice #sustainability #greenhouse #gasemissions #infrastructure #sustainablecommunities #leed #technology #sustainabledevelopment

“Annually, Michiganders discard more than 2 billion pounds of food, resulting in approximately one-third of our landfills being composed of food waste.” - Danielle Todd, executive director, Make Food Not Waste Each year, over 2 billion pounds of food are discarded in Michigan, making up about one-third of the state’s landfills. This waste not only impacts air quality, but also contributes to extreme weather and resource depletion. The State of Michigan, along with national and global organizations, has set a goal to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. To support this effort, Make Food Not Waste has launched The 2030 Project, focusing on reducing food waste in Southeast Michigan’s largest cities. By partnering with local and national organizations, they aim to divert food waste from landfills and encourage #SustainableBusiness practices. Read more: https://shorturl.at/HT2c9 #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainablebusiness #foodwaste #sustainability #environment #michigan #methane #climatechange #reducewaste #foodrecovery #communityaction #halffoodwaste #collaboration #resourceconservation #2030project #makefoodnotwaste #individualimpact

On October 2nd, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, in partnership with Carhartt and SBN Detroit, hosted a Carhartt Workshop highlighting the importance of the #circulareconomy in textiles and manufacturing. The event highlighted Carhartt’s commitment to sustainable practices in product development and manufacturing, as well as its efforts to reduce its environmental footprint. The event also featured ISAIC - Industrial Sewing and Innovation Center, highlighting its approach to responsible garment production and workforce development and showcasing Detroit’s role in advancing #SustainableBusiness practices. #sbndetroit #sustainablebusinessnetwork #sustainablebusinessnetworkdetroit #sustainabledetroit #textilesustainability #carhartt #ISAIC #MSBF #detroit #southeastmichigan #sustainability #socialjustice #enviromentaljustice #workshop #textiles #manufacturing