By:Lisa Locke
We gathered at three area events in Grand Rapids and held hands-on activities for kids, with a plethora of information for adult attendees on how to save energy and money while reducing carbon emissions. The mayor spoke at one of our events. We held a dirty sock contest for vehicles; white socks on exhaust pipes on running vehicles, and the dirtiest won a free oil change and checkup, while the cleanest won a night at a bed and breakfast.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Third StepItUp gathering at Divine Grace Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Second StepItUp gathering, at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan, lead by West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
First StepItUp gathering by West Michigan Environmental Action Council in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Held at the new Hispanic Center.
The Batucada Youth Drum Corp walked through the neighborhood playing a fine rhythm to draw attention to the StepItUp event at the new Hispanic Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Event coordinated by West Michigan Environmental Action Council.
By:Lisa Locke for Mike Hedrick
Twelve people representing the Earth Institute of West Michigan planted 50 trees at the Saul Lake Bog Nature Preserve, a 123-acre property in Grattan Township (Kent County) owned and managed by
the Land Conservancy of West Michigan.
By:Lisa Locke
Events at local Hispanic Center, college, and church brought out almost 200 people, including the our city mayor, city commissioners and staff from our Congressman's office. Three local television stations and the Press covered the events. The Aquinas College event was taped by our community media center and will be aired. Music, exhibits, policy makers' shows of support, calls to action, and a dirty sock contest (testing participants' tail pipe emissions) contributed to the sense of a community committed to "Stepping It Up." Personal commitment sheets were distributed and are being collected to demonstrate, track, and determine impacts of local initiatives.
