From cannabis to AI: Proposed Kalamazoo data center sparks questions about its future in Milwood
A proposal to convert a former Kalamazoo cannabis grow facility into an AI data center has sparked community debate over its potential impacts.
Environment & Sustainability
Coverage of green innovations, and climate and environment issues and developments, especially those told by local voices and that offer solutions for community concerns.
Latest in Environment & Sustainability
Planet Z Commentary: We are nature — it’s time we started acting like it
The greatest challenge of the 21st Century may be remembering our place in the natural world. In this commentary, Planet Z Project Editor Harper Horvath explores how our growing disconnection from nature threatens both environmental sustainability and human well-being.
Kudzu and Japanese Knotweed: Two invasive plants, one ongoing fight
The Van Buren Conservation District is continuing efforts to eradicate Kudzu in Southwest Michigan while encouraging residents to help identify and report both Kudzu and Japanese Knotweed, two aggressive invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems and infrastructure.
Sustainability is everywhere on campus — so why do students feel left behind?
As colleges promote sustainability through recycling programs and climate initiatives, students and faculty at Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University question whether higher education institutions are doing enough to address the climate crisis through funding, policy, and climate education.
Planet Z: Western Michigan University students voice concerns over Asylum Lake Preserve’s future
Many underestimate how important wild, natural places like the Asylum Lake Preserve are to nearby college students. The potential transfer of the preserve raises questions and concerns about its stewardship and transparency.
Voices of Youth: Six ways to improve climate change education in Kalamazoo Public Schools’ high schools
According to a recent survey, many Kalamazoo Public Schools students feel undereducated about climate change and want more comprehensive instruction that covers its causes, impacts, and solutions.
Voices of Youth: Learning to live with artificial intelligence requires some deep thinking
AI’s growing use in schools raises concerns about student over-reliance, critical thinking loss, academic integrity, privacy risks, and environmental impact while offering efficiency and accessibility benefits.
Great Lakes, local consequences: Indigenous voices on why Line 5 matters in Kalamazoo
In Kalamazoo, Indigenous students and leaders are mobilizing against Line 5, perceiving its threat to regional watersheds and a clash with values of long-term environmental stewardship.
Groove for Good: Kalamazoo climate night blends beats and big ideas
Kalamazoo residents are invited to a lively night of music, community conversation, and climate action at “Groove for Good – Climate Action Night,” a fundraiser at Old Dog Tavern supporting local environmental efforts.
Planet Z: Climate anxiety meets Gen Z resolve
Born into a planet in crisis, Gen Z carries the weight of climate anxiety. Planet Z, our yearlong series created by Gen Z writers, explores what it means to come of age in the climate crisis — and how they’re meeting it with collective resolve.
Planet Z Commentary: We are nature — it’s time we started acting like it
The greatest challenge of the 21st Century may be remembering our place in the natural world. In this commentary, Planet Z Project Editor Harper Horvath explores how our growing disconnection from nature threatens both environmental sustainability and human well-being.
Kudzu and Japanese Knotweed: Two invasive plants, one ongoing fight
The Van Buren Conservation District is continuing efforts to eradicate Kudzu in Southwest Michigan while encouraging residents to help identify and report both Kudzu and Japanese Knotweed, two aggressive invasive plants that threaten native ecosystems and infrastructure.
Sustainability is everywhere on campus — so why do students feel left behind?
As colleges promote sustainability through recycling programs and climate initiatives, students and faculty at Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University question whether higher education institutions are doing enough to address the climate crisis through funding, policy, and climate education.
Planet Z: Western Michigan University students voice concerns over Asylum Lake Preserve’s future
Many underestimate how important wild, natural places like the Asylum Lake Preserve are to nearby college students. The potential transfer of the preserve raises questions and concerns about its stewardship and transparency.
Voices of Youth: Six ways to improve climate change education in Kalamazoo Public Schools’ high schools
According to a recent survey, many Kalamazoo Public Schools students feel undereducated about climate change and want more comprehensive instruction that covers its causes, impacts, and solutions.
Voices of Youth: Learning to live with artificial intelligence requires some deep thinking
AI’s growing use in schools raises concerns about student over-reliance, critical thinking loss, academic integrity, privacy risks, and environmental impact while offering efficiency and accessibility benefits.
Great Lakes, local consequences: Indigenous voices on why Line 5 matters in Kalamazoo
In Kalamazoo, Indigenous students and leaders are mobilizing against Line 5, perceiving its threat to regional watersheds and a clash with values of long-term environmental stewardship.
Groove for Good: Kalamazoo climate night blends beats and big ideas
Kalamazoo residents are invited to a lively night of music, community conversation, and climate action at “Groove for Good – Climate Action Night,” a fundraiser at Old Dog Tavern supporting local environmental efforts.
Planet Z: Climate anxiety meets Gen Z resolve
Born into a planet in crisis, Gen Z carries the weight of climate anxiety. Planet Z, our yearlong series created by Gen Z writers, explores what it means to come of age in the climate crisis — and how they’re meeting it with collective resolve.
