A lot of folks are about to hit the road or the airports with Christmas right around the corner. Gregory Keoleian is the director of the U-M's Center for Sustainable Systems. He joined WEMU's David Fair to talk about how best to minimize our carbon footprint and still get to where we want to go.

The Ann Arbor School District is making progress toward making its bus fleet entirely electric. The goal is full electrification by 2035. There are challenges in getting to where the district wants to be in terms of funding, infrastructure and reliability. WEMU's David Fair talked with the district’s manager of construction projects, Moe Nagpal, to find out what the process and procedure looks like.

We are well into the holiday shopping season now. Analysts predict there will be more spending this year than last, despite all of the economic uncertainty around the country and here at home. There are ways to cut down on spending and to help the environment at the same time. WEMU's David Fair talked with Samuel McMullen from Ann Arbor-based Zerowaste.org about sustainable gift giving on a pre-holiday edition of "Issues of the Environment".

Brownfield projects in Washtenaw County are paying off. WEMU's David Fair explored the environmental and economic benefits these projects are providing with Nathan Voght from the Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

Washtenaw County is increasing efforts toward a more effective way of dealing with waste. 2023 amendments to the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act requires all Michigan counties to develop a new “Materials Management Plan” that emphasizes recycling, organics diversion, and sustainable materials management rather than focusing solely on landfill capacity. Its led to some forward thinking and action plans here in Washtenaw County. WEMU's David Fair discussed those programs with Theo Eggermont, Public Works Director for the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.

The federal administration has targeted environmental agencies and protection programs in its efforts to reshape the government. The Environmental Protection Agency has seen layoffs and firings and budget cuts. Now, there is a government shutdown creating more issues. WEMU's David Fair discussed immediate and longer-term impacts with Greg Dick, the Director of the Cooperative Institute of Great Lakes Research in Ann Arbor.

Controversy continues over a sand and gravel mining operation in Ann Arbor Township. What is referred to as the "Vella Pit" had been accused of making some water wells run dry and polluting local waterways. It's been back up and running for a while now. Operators say it's safe, but some residents report increased sediment in their well water and want the operation halted. WEMU's David Fair talked with Ann Arbor Township resident and activist Amy Olszewski about the current situation and where it’s headed.

Ann Arbor is looking at something "blue" to expand its protection of drinking and other water sources. The new Bluebelt program will work in concert with the Greenbelt land preservation program to expand water protections. WEMU's David Fair was joined by City of Ann Arbor Land Acquisition Specialist, Rosie Pahl Donaldson, to discuss the goals of the program.

When the trees start changing colors, it’s a time of year where we create time to stop and take in the beauty of nature. It’s also a time where we can provide the care to the trees to ensure their health in the seasons to come. There are a number of diseases here and more creeping in that pose a threat to our trees. WEMU's David Fair discussed the challenges and what to do about it with Washtenaw County Conservation District community forester, Matt DeJonge.

An experimental project in Washtenaw County has the potential to change the way road repair and resurfacing are carried out. The pilot project in Pittsfield Township uses a hot-mix asphalt that incorporates ground tire rubber. A study is underway to determine if it is not only better for the environment but more sustainable and resilient as a paving practice. The project is a collaboration between the Washtenaw County Road Commission, Michigan Tech University and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Learn more in a conversation between WEMU's David Fair and Michigan Tech transportation engineering professor Dr. Zhanping You.