Green Space: Bravo Bravo goes 'verde,' UM-Dearborn to host national sustainability experts

Sometimes I look around at a bar or a party or a bar-be-que and I feel those annoying pangs of environmental guilt at how much waste has become normal in everyday American life. Lots of packaging, throw-away glass, food waste, paper plates...the list goes on.

That's why it was nice to hear that an annual event with a distinctively non-environmental bent, Bravo Bravo! at the Michigan Opera House, has made a decision to green their event.

While event organizers haven't reached a point where they feel like they can officially call Bravo Bravo! 100% green, they are certainly making strides.  A portion of the waste generated will be recycled and food and drinks will be served with Michigan Green Safe compostable cutlery, plates and cups -- saving a significant amount of plastic from being used once and thrown away.

It's an admirable start, and an idea that I hope catches on.

Bravo Bravo! is Friday, May 8. Find out more and buy tickets here.

Another event of note is happening at University of Michigan Dearborn on May 9 and features a bevy of experts from around the country who will share their insights on going green. Speakers include:
  • Rosemarie Andolino, Executive Director of the O’Hare Modernization Program, who will talk about the nation’s first guideline for green airport construction.
  • Tom Osdoba, who manages sustainable business development in Portland, which was recently named the top green city in the country.
  • Grand Rapids' mayor, George Heartwell, who has instituted initiatives designed to create a Grand "Green" Rapids.
  • Environmental studies specialist Terry Link hails from Michigan State University’s office of campus sustainability and is a Clinton County Board Commissioner.
The free seminar is offered by the Wayne County Parks Division and funded by the Kresge Foundation. It runs from 8: a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Kochoff Hall. Online registration is at www.intarch.com/platinum.

Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh


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