Going Green
Ypsilanti’s industry has always been built upon the innovation and energy of its residents and businesses. Whether it was trading goods in an emerging nation or manufacturing parts for an emerging auto industry, Ypsi has always caught up to the future. Today Ypsilanti is using that innovation and energy to create a community focused on more sustainable living, energy efficient homes and places of work. We are also creating a resource rich environment for businesses to do research and move forward with ideas that will set the standard for how our world moves forward.
Ypsilanti’s Clean Energy Coalition is part of the Rebuild Michigan project “a network of community partnerships, made up of local organizations and businesses, that save money by saving energy.” The Energy Coalition has now opened a retail store catering to the walk-in buyer bringing both products and hands-on education to the community.
Farmer’s Markets are an old idea that is brand new again as the Ypsilanti Farmers’ Market andGrowing Hope Organization bring locally raised produce, meat, eggs, bread, baked goods and handmade crafts to the local community. Rising awareness of both the environmental advantages, as well as, the health benefits of using locally produced goods has made our Farmers’ Market a viable business endeavor while reinforcing a sense of community.
We may not be the sunniest state in the union, but a grass roots effort has brought solar power to Ypsilanti. Grants, donations and sheer will power landed 12 solar panels on the Ypsilanti Food Co-op with additional plans to position another set on the south side of City Hall bringing even more public awareness to the potential of solar power. Future projects also include the Food Co-op’s River Street Bakery and the Rutherford Pool.
Of course at the most basic level of green living exists the motto of recycle/reuse. Spur Studios is a project spearheaded by James Marks, founder of Ypsilanti-based VG Kids, to renovate and reuse 10,000 square feet of vacant office space into studio spaces for artists and small businesses. This initiative uses existing space in a new way to generate both revenue and art.
In all things clean and green Ypsilanti continues to innovative and energize as a community and now we are using alternative options to turn on the lights.
