Turning Sludge Into Snow

Harbor Springs, Michigan has a problem. The town and surrounding area is growing fast, and soon will be too big for their sewage management system. But instead of spending lots of money to enlarge the system, they’re testing an innovative way to handle more waste. They’re turning it into snow. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Roger Wight reports:

Veggie Pyramid

Most of us grew up learning the four food groups as a guide to a balanced, healthy diet. But that idea was replaced by the food guide pyramid. The lay-out is simple: foods to be eaten most often are at the bottom, or largest, part of the chart. And foods to be consumed in small quantities make up the tip of the pyramid. But not everyone follows the typical American diet, so nutrition scientists have drawn up a vegetarian variation of the pyramid. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Wendy Nelson reports:

Great Lakes Stories – Never Going Thirsty

Through their every-day work, scientists, environmentalists, and people who work for government agencies come in contact with issues focusing on the Great Lakes. But they don’t often talk about their personal connections to the Lakes. As part of the Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s new series–“Great Lakes Stories,” Jack Manno, the president of Great Lakes United shares his thoughts and memories:

Energy Efficiency and Business – Part 2

Saving energy has long been touted by environmentalists as one of the best ways to reduce air pollution and save money at the same time. However, while many American businesses and institutions have embraced energy efficiency, others have lagged behind. But in recent years, that’s begun to change as more people discover that saving energy makes good economic sense. (In the second of a two part series on energy efficiency), the Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Steve Frenkel reports on three vary different organizations that are becoming more energy efficient:

Energy Efficieny and Business – Part 1

There’s growing evidence that pollution from the burning of fossil fuels is causing global warming. In response, governments and private industries are looking for new ways to reduce pollution without stifling economic growth. While some industry groups claim that reducing their energy use will be costly, one Chicago steel company is finding that saving energy has its benefits. (In the first part of a series on energy efficiency), the Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Steve Frenkel reports:

A Healthy, Tasty Salt-Substitute

It looks and tastes like salt, but a new salt-substitute may really shake things up when it hits store shelves…adding another market for corn growers and offering a tasty alternative for health-conscious consumers. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Amy Clay reports:

Ford Halts Powder Paint Process

Environmentalists and the Environmental Protection Agency are protesting a decision by Ford Motor Company to scrap a pollution-free paint process at its new plant in Dearborn, Michigan. They’re questioning why Ford abandoned a promising technology that the Big Three auto makers worked together to develop. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium’s Julie Edelson Halpert reports:

Two Tales of Great Lakes Shipping

In the 1960’s and 70’s, Great Lakes ports were a community of their own where sailors created a rugged, close-knit society. Much of that grit is now gone-replaced by modern efficiency. But today, as part of the continuing series “Great Lakes Stories” this bygone time is revisited by two people whose lives crossed in a Chicago union hall: