Sustainability

Alliance helps bring back locally-produced beer hops--something everyone can drink to

Howard Lovy Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Something is growing in Northern Michigan that hasn't been seen in the fields since about the time the Civil War was taking place--hops. No, not the kind that bunnies do, but rather the kind that brewers do. Hops are an integral part of the beer-making process, and now they are being grown, processed and purchased right here in Northwest Michigan.

Family-owned farms go live thanks to Northwest Michigan webmaster

Victoria Mullen Tuesday, August 09, 2011

Traverse City's Jena Van Wagner is the executive director of Michigan Family Farms. Those who have joined her online community have focused on promoting those farms and getting the word out about great, local food that is grown and can be bought right in your town. Victoria Mullen reports.

Green Acres is the place to be: Family puts farm, pigs on the map

Sam Eggleston Tuesday, February 08, 2011

There is no doubt about the rapidly increasing interest in farm-to-table products across the country. Luckily for Northwest Michigan, no one has to look far to find some of the best chicken, chevon and pork being produced anywhere in the state. Mark and Jill Baker, with their seven children, are making their Green Acres a shining example of what a small farm can accomplish.

Young Leelanau farmers 'bare-knuckle' it on the road to their vision

Howard Lovy Tuesday, November 09, 2010

It's all about hard work in the world of farming, especially when it comes to one that has no machinery and no hired hands. Jess Piskor and Abra Berens are the two-person operation on their 55-acre spread known as Bare Knuckle Farms, located on the Leelanau Peninsula. Howard Lovy reports from the lay of the land.

Efficiency at its best: Petoskey builder wins award for green home

Valerie West Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Everyone should be trying to do their part to help keep the Earth green with recycling, energy efficiency and more. Some people take it even a step further, however, like John Pilchta, a builder in Petoskey who has turned his own home into an award-winning example of how green a house can truly be.

Don't adjust your dial: Northwest Second Wave will be back Nov. 9

Second Wave Staff Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Tweaks to a publication are necessary to keep it efficient and innovative and the Second Waves are not immune to needing them. In order to accomplish these adjustments to the publication in a timely manner, the Second Wave pubs will be taking a short break. But don't worry, we'll be back before you know it and waiting for you in your inbox like you have come to expect.

Going green: Two Traverse City companies are here to help you do your part for the environment

Kim Hoyum Tuesday, September 28, 2010

It's not easy being green, as Kermit the Frog once lamented, but two companies in Traverse City are making it a little easier thanks to some very innovative products they have introduced to the market. Eco Lunch Gear and priorLIFE know that you want to do your part for the environment and to that end they are offering up recycled, reusable bags, totes and lunch gear that are the perfect fit for your lifestyle, no matter what you do.

How sweet it is: Michigan one day could be world's leading producer of maple syrup

Kim Hoyum Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Ever think a tree could push Michigan forward into prosperity once again? Dave Parsons, Craig Waldron and maple syrup producers like them do, and with support from the state government and innovative advances in the industry they can see maple trees leading to a several billion dollar business. With more sugar maples than Quebec or Vermont, Michigan could find itself as a leader in the industry, Kim Hoyum reports.

In a neighborhood of too-perfect chemical lawns, one eco-queen's quest for true green

Patty LaNoue Stearns Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Worried about her pets' health and the toxic chemicals being freely applied to the lawns around her downtown Traverse City neighborhood, eco-conscious artist Julie Pearson pulled together some convincing materials, found some great alternatives for healthy lawns, and one by one is convincing her neighbors to start changing the way they are treating the Earth.

Old Mission winery keeps expanding its horizons

Gary Hoffman Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Perched on one of Northwest Michigan's most spectacular settings, the Euro-patterned B&B winery Chateau Chantal is once again in expansion mode, with its namesake daughter back to help after a decade in Australia and Chicago.