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In: CIGLR, Echo, Solutions Journalism

While virtual reality grows in the entertainment world, a team of Cornell researchers is using it to prepare farmworkers for hard work. Cornell hopes to collaborate with farms to create a variety of virtual reality spaces for people to visit and learn how to farm. The idea is to document and record the various practices used on a successful farm.

The post Cornell researchers farm pixels first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/22/cornell-researchers-farm-pixels/

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In: Echo, Recreation

Rock climbing might be a new tool for conserving the public land that bolsters Michigan’s annual $20 billion tourism industry. The sport is gaining traction as outdoor enthusiasts look to experience nature differently, especially after indoor climbing gyms closed during the pandemic. 

The post A growing fad in the “flat” Midwest: Rock climbing. first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/21/a-growing-fad-in-the-flat-midwest-rock-climbing/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo, environmental politics

New York voters passed a $4.2 billion proposal on Election Day for water drinking protection, pollution mitigation, land conservation, waste management and other environmental projects.

The post New Yorkers approved $4.2 billion bond to prepare for climate change first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/18/new-yorkers-approved-4-2-billion-bond-to-prepare-for-climate-change/

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In: Echo, Recreation

The Keweenaw Mountain Lodge in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has been accepted into the International Dark-Sky Association, the third dark sky park in the state. Such areas are becoming more popular in the United States as people become more interested in ecotourism experiences.

The post Northern Michigan resort promotes dark skies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/18/northern-michigan-resort-promotes-dark-skies/

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In: Echo, Endangered wildlife, fish, Great Lakes, Human health

The research collaboration among the Medical College of Wisconsin, the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan and the Chippewa Ottawa Resource Authority in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan has demonstrated how an advisory program designed for the Anishinaabe is a useful tool for tracking fish consumption in Great Lakes tribes. 

The post Study shows value of culturally appropriate environmental health resources first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/17/study-shows-value-of-culturally-appropriate-environmental-health-resources/

Jonus Cottrell

On:
In: Catch of the Day, Echo, environmental politics

Attorney general candidates backed by environmental groups claimed the majority of seats in Great Lakes state elections. Attorney generals play an important role in litigation over environmental policy and regulations, climate and enforcement of state environmental laws.

The post A win for environmental groups in state attorney general races first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/17/a-win-for-environmental-groups-in-state-attorney-general-races/

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In: Echo, Great Lakes

Exploring new territory, the commanding officer of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) ship Thomas Jefferson and his crew have discovered multiple shipwrecks on the lakebed of the Great Lakes.

The post What lies on the lakebed of the Great Lakes? NOAA ship conducts survey mission first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/16/what-lies-on-the-lakebed-of-the-great-lakes-noaa-ship-conducts-survey-mission/

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On:
In: Catch of the Day, Echo, environmental politics

Election Day has come and gone, and the results show that green-backed candidates for governor won in six Great Lakes states. They won in Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and New York, but lost in Ohio. All are Democrats. 

The post Green-backed candidates for governor fair well in Great Lakes states first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/16/green-backed-candidates-for-governor-fair-well-in-great-lakes-states/

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In: Echo, transportation

An aerospace engineering team at the University of Michigan is researching hybrid-electric aircraft to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. The U-M aviation program will follow a design similar to the way hybrid-electric cars use batteries.

The post The future of sustainable aviation could be electric first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/15/the-future-of-sustainable-aviation-could-be-electric/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo, environmental politics

Election Day was a winning day for many Great Lakes candidates endorsed by environmental groups for U.S. House seats. Among them were Democrats Jonathan Jackson of Illinois, Hillary Scholten of Michigan, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Marcy Kaptur of Ohio.

The post Green groups endorse winners of U.S. House seats in the Great Lakes region first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/15/green-groups-endorse-winners-of-u-s-house-seats-in-the-great-lakes-region/

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In: Catch of the Day, Echo

Three Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate in the Great Lakes state won on Election Day with strong backing from environmental groups. 

The post Green-backed U.S. Senate candidates win half their races in the Great Lakes states first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/14/green-backed-u-s-senate-candidates-win-half-their-races-in-the-great-lakes-states/

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In: Echo, Food Waste, Waste

The average London, Ontario, household wastes 2.81 kg (6 pounds) of food each week, and approximately half the food waste is avoidable. Local communities and nonprofits are looking for solutions to the problem. 

The post London groups fight to reduce food waste first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/14/london-groups-fight-to-reduce-food-waste/

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In: Echo, lakes/rivers/wetlands, toxins/chemicals

A $34.9 million cleanup of heavily contaminated Muskegon Lake and White Lake in West Michigan is estimated to have recovered $16.4 million in lost housing value for nearby homeowners.

The post Study finds lake cleanups help house values recover first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/11/study-finds-lake-cleanups-help-house-values-recover/

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In: Echo, Human health

Environmental repossession — or reclaiming of land — may be crucial to both improving mental health and restoring relationships within the Indigenous community.

The post First Nations people go outdoors to improve mental wellness first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/10/first-nations-people-go-outdoors-to-improve-mental-wellness/

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In: Echo, fish, Great Lakes

An aquaculture group recently received $425,000 in federal support to strengthen the aquaculture community in the Great Lakes region. The goal for the grant is to build up the local economy of aquaculture producers.

The post Great Lakes Aquaculture Collaborative receives support from federal government first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

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Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/09/great-lakes-aquaculture-collaborative-receives-support-from-federal-government/

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On:
In: Echo

A start up company recently got design approval to build a ship that moves cargo with sails rather than fuel. The 330-foot-long, hydrogen cell powered sailing vessel is proposed by the Veer Group, a Bahamas-based company committed to zero carbon emissions.

The post Can wind decarbonize Great Lakes shipping? Cargo vessels “veer” into alternative power first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/08/can-wind-decarbonize-great-lakes-shipping-cargo-vessels-veer-into-alternative-power/

Jonus Cottrell

On:
In: birds, Capital News Service, Echo, Wildlife

During the fall migration season, over 4 billion birds in North America pass over our heads while we are sound asleep. Scientists use a number of technologies to understand more about birds' migratory patterns.

The post In today’s forecast: 4 billion birds migrate across North America first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/07/in-todays-forecast-4-billion-birds-migrate-across-north-america/

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On:
In: Commentary, Echo

We all have different Thanksgiving favorites. Some people really look forward to that big turkey, some crave sweet potatoes, and I have to admit that I head straight for the pies. But today, I want to talk about that old Thanksgiving favorite – wet, rotting leaves.

The post November: What’s For Thanksgiving Dinner? first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/04/november-whats-for-thanksgiving-dinner/

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In: Echo, fish, Wildlife

A new campaign is pushing for commercial fisheries to use whitefish for more than just filets. The fish could be used for makeup, wallets and supplements. 

The post Whitefish campaign seeks to lift fisheries while fish stocks drop first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/11/03/whitefish-campaign-seeks-to-lift-fisheries-while-fish-stocks-drop/

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In: Echo, Michigan

Michigan businesses interested in reducing their carbon footprint are looking to build with large wooden panels instead of steel or concrete.  

The post An ancient building material could be the wave of the future. first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/28/an-ancient-building-material-could-be-the-wave-of-the-future/

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In: Echo, Human health

In a move to reduce farmer suicides, a new program will train “guardians” in Ontario to recognize suicidal tendencies and mental illnesses.

The post Guardian program starts for Ontario farmer suicide prevention first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/26/guardian-program-starts-for-ontario-farmer-suicide-prevention/

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In: Capital News Service, Catch of the Day, Echo

A proposed plan to revamp how Michigan manages water problems would give drain commissioners authority across county lines.

The post Legislative fixes to Michigan’s drain code stir controversy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/24/legislative-fixes-to-michigans-drain-code-stir-controversy/

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In: Echo, Recreation

The National Park Foundation has given $1.7 million to 41 nonprofits across the country, including in the Great Lake Basin states, to help parks meet their current needs and become stronger and more resilient in the future.

The post National Park Foundation boosts North Country Trail hikers, Minnesota students first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/24/national-park-foundation-boosts-north-country-trail-hikers-minnesota-students/

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In: Capital News Service, Catch of the Day, Echo

Cottage food producers in Michigan are asking for more leeway in the laws to do business. Proposed legislation would raise the $25,000 cap on gross annual income, allow third-party delivery systems and change the requirement that home addresses be placed on each label. 

The post Cottage food producers want income cap raised first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/20/cottage-food-producers-want-income-cap-raised/

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In: Capital News Service, Echo, Solutions Journalism

Researchers at University of Toronto have discovered a new way to boost plant growth in rooftop gardens using granulated biochar.

The post A soil breakthrough plants hope in city rooftops first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/17/a-soil-breakthrough-plants-hope-in-city-rooftops/

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In: Echo, Human health

Underconsumption of fruits and vegetables is a universal problem. However, a study from the University of Guelph in Ontario introduces a new technique called “nudging” to increase fruit and vegetable consumption in its students. 

The post Study nudges college students to eat more fruits, veggies first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/14/study-nudges-college-students-to-eat-more-fruits-veggies/

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On:
In: canada, Echo, Food Waste, Solutions Journalism

There is a misconception that food is unsafe to consume after the "best before" date has passed. Eliminating these dates or changing the way consumers think about them, can help reduce food waste.

The post ‘Best before’ dates may be on the chopping block in Canadian stores first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/13/best-before-dates-may-be-on-the-chopping-block-in-canadian-stores/

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On:
In: Echo, Great Lakes, Solutions Journalism, water, Water quality

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Agency have demonstrated a new technology designed to reduce harmful algal blooms as part of a wide range of efforts on both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to address the threat of Eutrophication on the Great Lakes and other inland bodies of water.

The post New technology provides hope for the Great Lakes’ polluted waters first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/12/new-technology-provides-hope-for-the-great-lakes-polluted-waters/

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On:
In: Echo, Solutions Journalism, Waste

Fashion and the environment are linked in more ways than consumers may expect. Fashion designers are taking steps to reduce the clothing industry's impact on the environment.

The post A road to sustainable fashion: up-cycling t-shirts first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/11/a-road-to-sustainable-fashion-up-cycling-t-shirts/

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On:
In: Echo, lakes/rivers/wetlands, Michigan, toxins/chemicals, water

A new book details the decades-long cleanup of Detroit's River Rogue, which was once one of the most polluted watersheds in America. However, there is still more work to be done.

The post Book details how a watershed community rescued one of the nation’s most polluted rivers first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/10/book-details-how-a-watershed-community-rescued-one-of-the-nations-most-polluted-rivers/

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In: Echo, Great Lakes, water

A University of Windsor graduate student is creating erosion sensors, called transducers, for less than 5% of the commercial cost. The devices help researchers understand how boat wakes erode the shoreline.

The post UWindsor undergrad cuts research costs with DIY erosion sensors first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/06/uwindsor-undergrad-cuts-research-costs-with-diy-erosion-sensors/

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In: Books, Echo

In her debut novel, “King of Hope,” Michigan native Kim Conklin writes about a small community in southern Ontario facing the looming threat of environmental disaster. That threat comes in the form of nuclear waste and willfully ignorant officials. 

The post Novel set in Ontario examines Great Lakes nuclear waste first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/10/05/novel-set-in-ontario-examines-great-lakes-nuclear-waste/

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On:
In: Commentary, Echo, Michigan, Recreation

Located on a strip of land that separates two of Michigan’s largest lakes, Elk and Torch, Maplehurst Natural Area is an unexpected delight to anybody who stumbles across it. The former summer camp is now a protected area of land thanks to a collaboration between Milton Township and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.

The post Camp Maplehurst’s enduring legacy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/30/camp-maplehursts-enduring-legacy/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

The installation of a state-of-the-art street lighting system on Belle Isle – located on the Michigan side of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario – was a major step forward in saving energy and electricity while improving safety for visitors. Now five years later, a new study says computer optimization modeling could lead to even further savings and other benefits, such as fewer crashes, for communities that upgrade their street light systems. 

The post Belle Isle study lights way for savings first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/27/belle-isle-study-lights-way-for-savings/

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On:
In: Echo, Forests

Native Americans once bent saplings to grow into directional markers. They signaled such things as where to cross a river and where to enter and exit trails. There are likely only a few hundred original trail trees left in the Great Lakes area. Some are over 200 years old.

The post Tracking trail trees: Looking for horizontal shapes in a vertical world first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/26/tracking-trail-trees-looking-for-horizontal-shapes-in-a-vertical-world/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June approved a plan to make the state age-friendly. It focuses on communication and information, respect and social inclusion, health services and community support, social participation and transportation. 

The post More Michigan communities strive to become age-friendly first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/23/more-michigan-communities-strive-to-become-age-friendly/

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On:
In: Echo

A new University of Michigan study aims to understand how environmental exposures contribute to cancer. The Michigan Cancer and Environmental Research Study, or MI-CARES, is largely motivated by Michigan’s history of toxic environmental exposures and environmental injustice.

The post Michigan study linking environment to cancer provides ammo for health policy first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/22/michigan-study-linking-environment-to-cancer-provides-ammo-for-health-policy/

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On:
In: Echo, Michigan

As Michigan enters peak color season, local officials across the state have nominated the best roads for motorists to enjoy the changing foliage.

The post And the winners are…best Michigan roads for color first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/21/and-the-winners-arebest-michigan-roads-for-color/

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On:
In: Echo, Green Gavel, Michigan, water

An Ottawa County, Michigan, electroplating company and two of its top officers have pleaded guilty to violating the federal Clean Water Act by discharging wastewater with excessive amounts of zinc.

The post Guilty pleas in Clean Water Act prosecution first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/07/guilty-pleas-in-clean-water-act-prosecution/

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On:
In: Commentary, Echo

How we name things affects how we think about them. We name fields, and forests, and marshes, and streams as separate things, so we tend to think of them as separate things. But separating these habitats in our vocabulary and in our minds obscures the innumerable connections that bind these habitats into a single working landscape.

The post September: Connections first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/09/02/september-connections/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Echo, Green Gavel

A federal grand jury has indicted a Minnesota farmer for allegedly cheating buyers of more than $46 million by falsely labeling non-GMO soybeans and corn as organic.

The post Minnesota farmer accused of multimillion dollar organic grain scan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/08/29/minnesota-farmer-accused-of-multimillion-dollar-organic-grain-scan/

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On:
In: Agriculture, Echo, Michigan

Bison are on the upswing again as ranchers and government officials aim to increase their populations across the United States. And that could have implications for other livestock operations.

The post In Northern Michigan, bison are teaching a lesson in sustainability first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/08/26/in-northern-michigan-bison-are-teaching-a-lesson-in-sustainability/

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On:
In: Art, Echo, Michigan

Humans, like all other animals, have an innate desire to find the right spot, an ideal place. Tim Mulherin, the author of Sand, Stars, Wind & Water found his sense of place in Northwest Lower Michigan during his first visit to the area 35 years ago.

The post Protecting your place: one man’s tribute to Northern Michigan first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/08/02/protecting-your-place-one-mans-tribute-to-northern-michigan/

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On:
In: Commentary, Echo, water

July is our warmest month, its steamy days and sticky nights giving us a little taste of the tropics. When we look for ways to beat July’s heat, we often end up in the water – sprinklers, backyard pools, or one of Michigan’s many lakes. So let’s take a few minutes on this hot July day to think about how cool water is.

The post July: Stay cool first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/07/01/july-stay-cool/

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On:
In: Echo, fish, Human health

The study in the journal “Science of the Total Environment” found that five million people exceeded the recommended fish intake of two meals or 12 ounces per week, as suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency. Notably, women, nonwhites, younger residents and those with lower education levels were less aware of fish advisories, and thus more prone to eat more than the recommended amount.

The post Only half of Great Lakes residents are aware of advisories for safely eating fish first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/30/only-half-of-great-lakes-residents-are-aware-of-advisories-for-safely-eating-fish/

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On:
In: Books, Climate change, Echo, water

For decades, people have largely ignored the Earth’s decay, treating climate change as a problem that can be postponed. Ranae Lenor Hanson, a retired professor and activist, rejects that fallacy and defends the Earth, its waters and all its creatures in her book Watershed: Attending to a Body and Earth in Distress.

The post Finding home in our own bodies can rekindle connection to nature first appeared on Great Lakes Echo.

Original Article

Great Lakes Echo

Great Lakes Echo

http://greatlakesecho.org/2022/06/28/finding-home-in-our-own-bodies-can-rekindle-connection-to-nature/

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