PRESERVE: THINK GREEN

Walnut Way Continued
By Ashley Sartin, Messmer Student Intern

Walnut Way is a non-profit organization that was founded by Larry and Sharon Adams about eight years ago, located on 17th & North Ave.

This program didn't always start off with teens from the age of sixteen to eighteen; when Walnut Way started, they worked with veterans, homeless men, and those with drug and alcohol addictions.

As the years would pass, Walnut Way began to fall into the category of inspiration, buildings were being restored to better standards, and soon the entire neighborhood began following in the same path. In addition, to the Adams ' knowledge their mission statement said it all.

"… to sustain an economically diverse and neighborly community through resident engagement, environmental restoration, and economic enterprise."

Walnut Way is the home to four gardens and four 'Backyards to Gardens'. "The Backyard to Garden is when our neighbors let us plant in their yard and then they keep it up," said Larry Adams. The four gardens are Rain, Fruit Orchard, Production #1, and Production #2.

Read More »

Save money, water, energy & help protect Lake Michigan
By Bill Graffin, MMSD

Did you ever wonder what the world's most expensive breakfast looks like?

If you pour used cooking oil and grease down your sink, you could find out the hard way with a big bill from a plumber. Cooking grease and oil can clog your drains and sewer systems, increasing the risk of sewage backing up into your basement or a sewer overflow.
Read More »

Green jobs to be focus of Building The Future event                  

Green jobs was the keynote topic of the Milwaukee Community Service Corps' annual event, "Building the Future," hosted by MillerCoors at 3939 W. Highland Boulevard on Thursday, July 24, from 5 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and Joel Rogers, executive director of the Center On Wisconsin Strategy, spoke about the potential to address rising energy costs while training young people for jobs in the green economy, restoring our environment, revitalizing our low-income communities and creating reliable, confident, skilled citizens ready for career and family.

"It's important that we take time to recognize young people who are working for change in our community. Corps members take an active role in their education, and building up Greater Milwaukee," said MCSC CEO Christopher Litzau.
Read More »

Doyle signs Great Lakes Compact
Agreement provides unprecedented protections for Great Lakes

Governor Jim Doyle recently was joined by business, government and environmental leaders as he signed the Great Lakes Compact, a historic, bipartisan agreement that will protect, preserve and improve the Great Lakes.

"This historic accord means that we will be managing our Great Lakes water in a sustainable way that will protect one of the world's greatest natural resources,” Governor Doyle said. "The Great Lakes define this region, and their waters sustain our recreation, our way of life and our economy. Signing the Great Lakes Compact today is cause for tremendous hope. This is a victory for us all.”

April 2008 Special Session Senate Bill 1 ratifies the Great Lakes Compact, which was endorsed by Governor Doyle and seven fellow Great Lakes Governors and two Canadian premiers in 2005. The Compact creates unprecedented protections for the Great Lakes and ensures their continued availability for regional economic growth. It bans long-distance diversions and provides a framework for ensuring sustainable water use in the Great Lakes basin.
Read More »

Beach closing days reach second highest level in 18 years

The water at American beaches was unsafe for swimming last year with the second-highest number of beach closing and advisory days ever, according to the 18th annual beach water quality report released today by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

Using the latest data from the U.S. EPA, the report, "Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches," shows the number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches was more than 20,000 for the third consecutive year, confirming that our nation's beaches continue to suffer from serious water pollution that puts swimmers at risk.
Read More »

Great Lake Gatherings Save the dates

This fall, Gathering Waters Conservancy and the Lake Michigan Shorelands Alliance will present the Great Lake Gatherings, a series of four community forums in the Lake Michigan Basin designed to provide individuals, organizations, business leaders and governments with the tools to work together locally for real conservation progress in the Lake Michigan watershed.

If you live, work, or enjoy spending time in the Lake Michigan Basin, mark your calendar for one of our gatherings and come see what you can do to keep the Great Lakes'  future bright!

• Green Bay: September 16, UW-Green Bay Phoenix Rooms

• Sheboygan Area: October 1, Kohler Art Center

• Mequon: October 8, Mequon Nature Preserve

• Milwaukee: October 15, Milwaukee Art Museum

Among the several confirmed participants, the Mayors of Milwaukee , Green Bay and Mequon will join their respective Gatherings. For more information, visit www.greatlakegatherings.org.

Working Together Toward a Clean Energy Future

Across the state and around the nation, individuals and families are beginning to feel the pressure of our dependence on foreign oil. From high prices squeezing families at the pump and supermarket, to the devastating effects of climate change and wars in unstable regions, the consequences of our oil addiction are clearer than ever before.

With each passing day, the effects of global warming are being seen across the globe - glaciers are retreating, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather is increasing in frequency and intensity.
Read More »

The Coca-Cola Company's Environmental Commitment

Kicking off the July 31, 2008 launch of its pilot recycling program at the 2008 Wisconsin State Fair are from (l to r): Todd Landfried, Coca-Cola Wisconsin Market Unit vice-president, First Lady of Wisconsin Jessica Doyle, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle, Kevin Morris, Coca-Cola vice-president of Public Affairs, Randy Prasse, executive director of Wisconsin State Fair Park, and Les Blankenship, Coca-Cola Milwaukee Sales Center manager.

The Coca-Cola system's environmental commitments are focused on the areas in which the company has the most significant impacts-water stewardship, sustainable packaging, and energy & climate protection. Coca-Cola has made progress in each of these areas, but recognizes that there is much more to do. The company is committed to investing in a sustainable future for the Earth and for its business.
Read More »

1,000 teens start summer jobs
'Green Teens' part of Earn & Learn workforce

Milwaukee area non-profit organizations and faith-based agencies are putting 1,000 teens to work beginning this summer as part of the City of Milwaukee's Earn & Learn program.
Read More »

A True Grassroots Effort

The Milwaukee River Work Group grew out of worries that recent episodes of clear-cutting of trees on the riverbanks, along with ever-mounting development pressures, would stunt the revitalization of the natural habitat within the river corridor.
Read More »

SPONSORS: