
There are few issues as important to humankind as climate change and the general degradation of our planet. Rotarians are stepping up. For decades Rotary International has committed to protecting the environment. In 2020 The Rotary Foundation and the Board of Directors of Rotary International voted to approve the Environment as the seventh Area of Focus. Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Groups (ESRAG) exist around the world. Our own club has a long history of environmental actions from tree planting to Huron River cleanup to Adopt-a-Highway. On September 21, 2022, our Board of Directors strengthened the RCAA commitment to environmental action when they approved creation of an Environmental Action Group (EAG) as a new committee within our club.
Scope and Aspirations
MEMBERSHIP consists of sustaining members, activity members, and collaborators. We are seeking new members. Please join us — start with contacting Don Duquette.
Projects – should be practical, hands-on environmental action.
Focus – on a few projects. We cannot do everything, but we can do something! For now – Zero Waste/Circular Economy and Trees.
Renew – structure in an annual review of initiatives as needs and volunteer interest evolves. Some would be renewed; others might fall off.
Collaborate – with other Rotary groups and other service groups.
Educate – Education is an essential element of all projects.
EAG will be present at the Club Hub during the District Conference
Please visit the EAG Booth on the 18th of May to learn more about us in the Anderson Room.
A2 Climate Teach-in Event Video Recordings and Pictures
We are pleased to announce that the video recordings and pictures from the highly anticipated second annual A2 Climate Teach-in event, which took place on March 10th, 2024, are now available online. For those unable to attend, this is an excellent opportunity to catch up on the insightful discussions and presentations by leading experts in the field of climate change. To access the videos, click on the link below. We hope you find this resource informative and inspiring.
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Teach-in-videos-and-pics.html?soid=1135609705146&aid=SO9Rf7OS9_0
A2ZERO Spring 2024 FreeTree Giveaway – Volunteer Opportunity
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Saturday, April 27th, from 10 am-3 pm at Leslie Science and Nature Center (1831 Traver Rd)
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Sunday, April 28th, from 10 am-5:30 pm at Tappan Middle School (2251 E Stadium Blvd) and Clague Middle School (2616 Nixon Rd)
Link To EAG Quizzes
Make Your Own Climate Change Toolkit
Without the right tools, it’s difficult to get things done.
There are 18 tools in the Climate Action Toolkit. Just select a couple to get started. The March 10 A2 Climate Change Teach-in will help you understand the tools. You don’t need to hit a homerun. You’ll feel great if you can hit a couple of singles.
New Changes on Compost Rules for A2
The EAG Committee would like to inform our members about the new compost rules for the City of Ann Arbor. Starting January 1, 2024, WeCare Denali (WeCare), the compost facility operator, will no longer accept BPI-certified material in compost carts or at the city’s compost facility.
To read the announcements regarding the new compost rules, please click here.
You can find more information about the acceptable and unacceptable items list by clicking here.
Last, do you need a list of City Approved Compostables? Contact BGreen Distributor in Ann Arbor at 734-214-3000.
Climate Change Optimism
Some of our nation’s top climate scientists are having strange feelings of optimism. Sure, we have an existential crisis, but the role of scientists is changing. They are not just warning of danger anymore. “We’re showing the way to safety. We have a better story to tell.”
People are listening. They are hearing that responding to climate change will create a better world for our children and grandchildren and make the world better for us right now. Eliminating the sources of greenhouse gas emissions makes our air and water cleaner, our economy stronger, and our quality of life better — RIGHT NOW.
Scientists are encouraged because businesses and governments at all levels are taking action. Some politicians now campaign on climate change instead of ignoring or lying about it. Congress passed federal climate legislation! People are realizing that “business as usual” will not do. They know that some personal sacrifice is required.
We have a long way to go. It is urgent. But we are on the move!
Do what you can.
EAG Recycling Plastics Quiz
We received several requests for our December 13 Quiz. Here it is. Try it on your family and friends. Check their plastic recycling I.Q.
SWEDISH DISHCLOTHS
Are Amazing!
EAG gave these out as prizes at our December Quiz. They created quite a stir. I just ordered several for Christmas gifts. Amazon has a vast selection of designs, colors, and sizes. I went for the Lemon pattern.
Ecologically, these are awesome! They are an affordable and eco-friendly cleaning accessory that absorbs 20 times its weight in water and dries out much faster than typical sponges. You can reuse them multiple times. Unlike microfiber cloths made of plastics, these are made of organic materials that will eventually decompose. One cloth can efficiently perform the tasks that 50 to 100 rolls of paper towels would.
https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/swedish-dishcloths/
EAG Trash Talk Tour
It’s heartwarming to hear about the recent Trash Talk Tour that took place on October 15, 2023, in Ann Arbor! It’s so inspiring to see the community coming together to make a positive impact on the environment. This event was organized by ZeroWaste.Org, a fantastic organization that’s dedicated to creating a zero-waste world. They believe that practical actions can be taken today to bring us closer to a future where people and the planet can flourish without harm. You can learn more about their work by visiting https://zerowaste.org/.
The Trash Talk Tour is a great opportunity for community members to learn about ways to achieve a zero-waste lifestyle and tackle the challenges that come with it. It’s wonderful to see people coming together to reduce landfill waste and connect with others who are working towards the same goal. During the tour, participants got to see the UM Athletic Department’s efforts to recycle and compost at least 90% of waste to avoid contributing to landfills. They also visited the Recycling Center, which is managed by Recycle Ann Arbor, a 501(c)(3) organization that contracts with the city. It’s amazing to hear that only 12% of the center’s materials go to landfills, compared to the industry average of 25-35%. All recycled products are sent to facilities within 200 miles of Ann Arbor.
It’s important to note that producers and packaging designers have a significant role to play in promoting recycling and reusing packaging. Local lawmakers are proposing legislation that will make producers responsible for their packaging, which is a great step towards reducing waste. The Kiwanis Thrift Sale was also a part of the tour, and it was wonderful to see so many people coming together to donate, shop and celebrate with music, donuts, and organizations from all over Ann Arbor.
Lastly, it’s fantastic to hear about Zingerman’s efforts to protect the community, environment, and public health. They have launched a reusable container program at their deli and are supportive of the use of food containers that are reusable, compostable, or recyclable. In the future, it would be great to see Recycle Ann Arbor co-sponsoring this significant event. Thank you to everyone who participated in the Trash Talk Tour, and let’s continue to work towards creating a more sustainable future for everyone!

Tree Planting Makes A Comeback!
Pictures from our last tree-planting event at Bryant Neighborhood on Oct. 7th.
Adopt-A-Highway Event
Members of the EAG Committee participated in the Adopt-A-Highway event on September 30th.


Participate in the Circular Economy
The circular economy is an economic system that generates value by reusing, repairing, sharing, lending, and promoting all activities that give goods and resources a new life or extend the useful life of an item. A linear economy makes waste. Items are produced, sold, used, and thrown away. Building a circular economy means rediscovering a culture of reclaiming products and materials, following the model of many cultures – notably indigenous ones – that prize conservation and creative reuse of material resources. Check out resources at A2Zero Website.
Get started with this short but amusing video.

Fix It, Don’t Toss It!
DO YOU HAVE THE SKILLS AND INTEREST FOR A Repair Cafe or Virtual or In-Person Fix-it Clinic? Or help others find the tools and expertise you need to repair broken items, from clothes and furniture to bicycles, toys, and appliances.
The University of Michigan Rotaract Club also began an environmental action committee within their club. The UofM Rotaract Club and RCAA cooperate on many sustainability projects. Two Rotaractors are on the EAG Committee. Their perspective and enthusiasm about environmental matters and the cross-generational collaboration are essential to the Rotary EAG efforts.
Breaking Up with Plastic – It’s not me, it’s YOU!
This is hilarious — and instructive. Please enjoy this two-minute video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DEc16dEMns
Plastics are everywhere
Plastic pollution around the Great Lakes – w/o care
The Great Lakes – w/ care ❤️
The Detroit River
Resources
- The A2Zero Plan
- More on Rotary International ESRAG their monthly newsletter