West Michigan Environmental Action Council

This is BIG - West Michigan Environmental Action Council is hiring for three manager roles! Learn more and apply at wmeac.org/careers by August 12th. Please also share wmeac.org/careers with your community. You’ll be helping us to diversify our applicant pools and therefore WMEAC’s future team. These new managers will work hard to help shape West Michigan’s environmental future. We welcome your applications and thank you for your dedication to environmental action! 🌎 🌈💧

Our next book club book is Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon by Melissa Sevigny. Call Books & Mortar at (616) 214-8233 to order with 10% off. Join us via Zoom on November 6 at 6:30pm to discuss the book - email mkilgore@wmeac.org for the link!

Did you know that harmful "forever chemicals" known as PFAS could be lurking in your kitchen? It's time to take action for a safer home and healthier future. Learn how you can identify, reduce, and eliminate PFAS in your kitchen with simple steps that make a big difference! 🍽️💚 Read more on our blog - linked below! 🔗 #PFAS #ForeverChemicals #SafeHome #EnvironmentalHealth #SustainableLiving

I had such a fantastic time at Mayor Bliss' final Mayors Greening Initiative event with Friends of Grand Rapids Parks. Many volunteers and sponsors have come together to plant over 10,000 trees throughout our city over the last nine years. A big thank you to the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and Mayor Bliss for their amazing leadership and vision! I had the awesome chance to learn how to plant trees and contribute to the tree canopy right in my own neighborhood. Having a healthy tree canopy is so important because it helps provide shade, regulate temperature, and supports our local ecosystem. I can't wait to see the positive changes these trees will bring to our community. Let's keep growing together!

Elaine Sterrett Isely, WMEAC's Interim Executive Director, has been reappointed to the Michigan State Waterways Commission, showcasing her dedication to public service. With a law and environmental advocacy background, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Isely holds a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University, a Master of Science from Grand Valley State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Maryland. #EnvironmentalAdvocacy #PublicService #Waterways

📝 📣 Join us for an advocacy training on how to write effective opinion editorials and letters to the editor! This virtual training will be facilitated by Kim Hunter with Engage Michigan. Please register to receive the meeting link, and feel free to bring a friend! We hope to see you on October 16 at 4:00pm. https://buff.ly/4ejCTKU

Check out our latest blog post highlighting new legislation introduced to protect Michigan sand dunes, recently published in the Grand Haven Tribune! Tanya Cabala highlights actions needed to protect our coastal dunes. Read here: https://buff.ly/47OVWKr

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at the Michigan Climate Action Network’s Climate Summit! This year’s theme, Climate Civics, was incredibly insightful. Through a variety of sessions, presentations, and speakers, MICAN and numerous partners from across the state addressed the interconnected challenges of democracy and climate justice. The event was not only educational but also empowering, providing us with practical ways to engage in our civic duties and support our communities as lifelong climate voters. It was a pleasure to be in Ann Arbor alongside my colleagues, Deirdre and Jessica, and to reconnect with so many friends from all corners of our state!

Shoutout to all the groups who cleaned up a site this month during our 21st Mayors' Grand River Cleanup! The WMEAC team is deeply thankful for those who were able to join us for the Kickoff and participated in the week-long Cleanup Campaign. Your efforts helped remove over 11,600 pounds of trash from 40 different locations along the Grand River. We hope to see you next fall 🍂

We are excited to announce our participation in the upcoming #2024MIClimateSummit. This event will serve as a platform for us to unite in our commitment to social change and environmental justice. Together, let's inspire and empower our community of dedicated supporters who are committed to voting for a sustainable future. Join us as we stand together for a healthier planet and a more sustainable world. #ClimateAdvocacy #ClimateJustice #2024MIClimateSummit