Green Links
Local Recycling Resources
Earth 911
Earth 911 delivers actionable local information on recycling and product stewardship that empowers consumers to act locally, live responsibly and contribute to sustainability.
Green Earth Electronics
Green Earth Electronics provides electronic recycling services and hard drive data destruction in a sustainable and secure process. Accepting drop-offs and pick-up solutions for individuals and businesses.
IUSB Community Recycling Information
Recycling information categorized by product for the greater South Bend area.
St. Joseph County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility
Open to St. Joseph Country residents, the collection facility accepts various residential materials on a free drop-off basis.
Sustainable Recycling
A part of the Pandos recycling network, Sustainable Recycling is a full service recycling center located in Dowagiac, Michigan.
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
University of Michigan - Carbon Footprint Fact Sheet
Provides a definition and overview of what determines a carbon footprint.
Environmental Protection Agency - Carbon Footprint Calculator
The calculator estimates your carbon footprint in three areas: home energy, transportation, and waste. It also provides a estimated dollar savings for reducing energy usage.
COTAP - Ways to Reduce your Carbon Footprint
A list of ways to help reduce your personal carbon footprint in your daily life.
News/Blogs
Climate Reality Project Blog
The Climate Reality Project is a non-profit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change. Their blog keeps up to do date on green issues nationally and around the world.
The Green Guide
National Geographic's Green Guide.
Inhabitat
A weblog devoted to the future of design, tracking the innovations in technology, practices and materials that are pushing architecture and home design towards a smarter and more sustainable future.
IUSB's Center for a Sustainable Future Blog
A blog dedicated to providing a place to hear, see, and read stories and conversations on sustainability topics in the South Bend area.
Live Science
An informative look at the science and technology behind the latest environmental headlines.
Second Wave Media- Southwestern Michigan
A Michigan publication designed around reporting on local stories in the different regions of Michigan. This link takes you to the sustainability section of the Southwestern Michigan reporting.
Thomson Reuters - Sustainability
Provides material insight on the global field of Sustainability from experts in Climate, Finance, Energy, Health, Law, Diversity and Corporate Governance.
Tree Hugger
Tree Hugger is one of the leading media outlets dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Striving to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information.
Lakeshore Public Radio -- a partnership with South Shore Green Cities, a non-profit dedicated to sustainable transportation and clean energy, to produce a weekly segment called -- Green Fleet Radio.
Indiana
45 Sustainability Resources You Need to Know -- Published by Purdue Global, the resource shares 45 noteworthy sources on sustainability and is organized by the following categories: Green Living, Climate Change & Environmental Protection News, Energy and Technology, Sustainability in Business and Government, Sustainability Careers, Sustainability and the Arts, and Ecotourism.
Earth Charter Indiana
A Based in Indianapolis, Earth Charter Indiana is focused on providing Hoosiers with sustainable solutions, from economic justice to a culture of peace. The website hosts their current programs and ways to get involved.
The Hoosier Environmental Council
We aim to set a new path for Indiana, where the people of our state embrace practices and policies that dramatically reduce the footprint of industry, commerce and agriculture on the environment. Following this path, Indiana will ascend to new heights in our public health, economic well-being, and in our preservation of nature for generations to come.
Indiana Department of Natural Resources - Apiary News & Information
Provides information on Honey Bees and beekeeping. Includes a link to Purdue University publications of how to start beekeeping.
Indiana Office of Energy Development
The Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED) focuses on the development and implementation of comprehensive energy planning for the state that utilizes all of Indiana's energy resources and supports a strong, dynamic, and growing economy.
Indiana State Poultry Association - Backyard Flock Information
The ISPA works towards the improvement of poultry and poultry products. This webpage is a resource for those interested in starting tier own home poultry flock .
Michiana Area Council of Governments
Voluntary organization of local governments that studies and attempts to resolve, for the benefit of each member and the region, areas of interlocal issues, which includes but is not limited to transportation, transit, economic development, environment, and other issues that impact the region.
Shirley Heinze Land Trust
The Shirley Heinze Land Trust is a partnership of volunteers who desire to protect habitats and ecosystems of Northwest Indiana. Through acquisition of properties the group restores and protects landscapes for present and future generations. They provide education hikes, workshops, and preserves to visit.
South Shore Clean Cities
A non-profit with the mission of preserving and revitalizing Northern Indiana by promoting the use of clean fuels and clean vehicle technologies. This is accomplished through outreach, training, and implementing project throughout the area. Their website lists upcoming events and ways to get involved.
Elkhart/Goshen
Bike Elkhart
A grass-roots bicycling advocacy group made up of people who live and work in and around the City of Elkhart.
Elkhart County Master Gardener Program
Indiana Master Gardener Program is a volunteer training program designed to meet the information needs of local gardening communities. Its specific aim is to provide information and technical assistance about gardening and home horticulture through the use of qualified volunteers.
Elkhart Environmental Center
The Elkhart Environmental Center was created with the mission of preserving, protecting, and restoring the environment around the City of Elkhart. This is achieved through education, habitat enhancement, and public outreach. Visit the website to find volunteer opportunities, events, and other programs.
Elkhart Green Drinks
The Elkhart chapter of Green Drinks. Green Drinks is an informal networking event where people who are excited about sustainability and the environment in their local area meet up over drinks.
Goshen College - Sustainability Degree Program
Goshen College's Sustainability program offers bachelor's and master's degrees in environmental & marine science, sustainability management, sustainability studies and sustainable food systems.
Goshen Farmer's Market
Serving Elkhart County since 2000, Goshen Farmer's Market's mission is to create a market for locally-grown and crafted products in order to promote and educate about agricultural, environmental, economic and community sustainability.
Maple City Market
A community owned business that works for the benefit of its owner-members. Their main focus is providing locally produced or organic food.
Merry Lea Sanctuary
A part of Goshen College, Merry Lea is a natural sanctuary with the goal of preserving the land and providing environmental education to all ages. Activities include hiking and visiting exhibits within the learning center.
South Bend/Mishawaka
Bowman Creek Educational Ecosystem
BCe2 was started with the goal of revitalizing Bowman Creek in the Southeast neighborhood of South Bend. It has since become an organization looking to implement sustainable solutions to some of the challenges facing the South Bend area.
City of South Bend Sustainability Division
Part of the Department of Public Works, the sustainability division looks for ways to incorporate the principles of the triple bottom line and sustainable development into city operations. This webpage details how the division is concentrating on data-driven solutions to promote the economy, environment, and equity for residents of South Bend.
Indiana University South Bend's Center for a Sustainable Future
Working on the campus of IUSB and throughout Michiana communities, the center looks to foster civic engagement through sustainable choices and act as a resource for information about sustainability.
Indiana University South Bend - Sustainability Studies Program
Offering a bachelor's and graduate certificates to students, the program is designed to prepare students for the new jobs of the emerging green economy.
Inovateus Solar
Headquartered in South Bend, Inovateus is solar developer providing solutions from development, construction, and supply of solar panels.
La Casa de Amistad
A charitable organization that functions as a community center on the west side of South Bend. La Casa de Amistad offers vital educational and life skills based programming for the Hispanic/Latino community and its neighbors in Michiana.
Michiana Beekeepers Association
The mission of the MBA is to create good and healthy beekeeping throughout Michiana. They achieve this through educating new beekeepers and the general public on bees. They meet monthly to discuss techniques, tools, and innovations within the beekeeping community.
Purple Porch Co-op
A community-owned cafe and grocery store, Purple Porch Co-op provides locally grown, bulk, and specialty foods.
Saint Mary's College - Environmental Studies
Offering a minor in environmental studies, Saint Mary's College helps students explore the environment from an interdisciplinary lens. Making connections between human communities and the natural environment to develop practical solutions to environmental problems.
South Bend Farmers Market
A landmark of the South Bend area, the market provides customers access to local produce and goods.
South Bend Green Drinks
The South Bend chapter of Green Drinks. Green Drinks is an informal networking event where people who are excited about sustainability and the environment in their local area meet up over drinks.
South Bend Heritage Foundation
The South Bend Heritage Foundation was founded on the desire to reverse the physical and social decline of South Bend's urban neighborhoods. The SBH Foundation has become focused on investing in the community. They achieve this through education programs for all ages, promotion of homeownership, and real estate development.
Unity Gardens
A non-profit started with the idea of feeding hungry people and providing a place for diverse people to gather. The Unity Gardens provide classes to teach the community how to garden, cook, and preserve.
University of Notre Dame Campus Community Garden
Notre Dame's campus community garden is open to current University faculty, staff, and students. The garden has been used for departmental team-building, producing food for consumption, and donating to local food banks and food service units.
University of Notre Dame - Sustainability
Notre Dame's campus sustainability office was established with the mission of making the university more sustainable. The site contains resources for students, departments, and the general public.
University of Notre Dame - Sustainability Studies Minor Program
Notre Dame offers a minor in Sustainability Studies to students in all majors and colleges. The aim of the program is to prepare students to serve as leaders in their communities.
Southwestern Michigan
Buchanan Farmer's Market
Buchanan Farmer's Market features local produce and goods every Saturday morning during the Summer.
Growing Greener In Southwest Michigan
Growing Greener in Southwest Michigan is a multi-jurisdictional (regional) initiative, encompassing Berrien, Cass and Van Buren Counties, which seeks to create a vision of green infrastructure based on science and public input. This vision can be used as a tool for more sustainable economic and community development in southwest Michigan.
Kalamazoo Green Drinks
The Kalamazoo chapter of Green Drinks. Green Drinks is an informal networking event where people who are excited about sustainability and the environment in their local area meet up over drinks.
Local Harvest
Real Food, Real Farmers, Real Community
The best organic food is what's grown closest to you. Use our website to find farmers' markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainability grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.
Niles French Market
Niles Farmer's Market featuring gourmet foods, local crafts, and organic meats and produce.
Niles Community Gardens
Niles Community Gardens provides community garden space, education on gardening, and the desire to connect with families and individuals through their shared passion of gardening.
Michigan's Great Southwest Sustainable Business Forum
Sustainable Business Forum educates, engages and empowers our community to more equally value environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic growth.
Southwest Michigan Planning Commission
The SWMPC serves the regional planning needs of Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. With the mission of promoting sustainability, high quality of life through the facilitation of sound planning and decision-making.
West Michigan Environmental Action Council
WMEAC is a non-profit organization that responds to emerging issues and threats to West Michigan's natural and human ecologies.
West Michigan Sustainable Business Council
A regional network of business, government, non-profits and academia dedicated to promoting business practices that demonstrate environmental stewardship, economic vitality, and social responsibility.
Western Michigan University - Environmental and Sustainability Studies
Established in 1972, WMU has one of the oldest environmental and sustainability studies program in the nation. The program offers a bachelor's degree with a focus on rigorous pre-professional training to prepare your for a career in a wide range of environmentally related fields.
National
Consumer Affairs Solar Energy Guide
A review of businesses that sell solar panels and considers all steps to becoming a residential solar energy producer.
Department of Energy - Adding Insulation to an Existing Home
Helps determine if insulation should be added to older homes to maximize energy efficiency.
Department of Energy - Guide to Going Solar
A guide to help home and business owners to determine if solar is right for them.
Department of Energy - Small Wind Guidebook
The Small Wind Guidebook helps homeowners, ranchers, and small businesses decide if wind energy will work them.
Energy Star
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 27 million cars all while saving $16 billion on their utility bills.
LEED US Green Building Council
The U.S. Green Building Council is a non-profit community of leaders working to make green buildings accessible to everyone within a generation.
North American Association for Environmental Education
Join our network of people who believe in teaching people how to think about the environment, not what to think. Learn how to use high-quality teaching methods to show people how to make a difference in the world through a positive, non-confrontational approach.
U.S. Energy Information Administration
A governmental agency responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating energy information. The EIA hosts in-depth reports about state and national greenhouse gas emissions.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.