KALAMAZOO (WKZO AM/FM) — It has been 47 years since the first Earth Day, and except for the Kalamazoo Nature Center’s annual program, it had been 12 years since Kalamazoo held an Earth Day event.
That changed this year.
Western Michigan University Political Science Professor Paul Clements was motivated to help organize this year’s celebration in Bronson Park because of another climate change, the one that has taken place in Washington.
He says the positions the Trump Administration have taken on the environment, on climate change and the appointment of Scott Pruitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency have been a disaster that will set back efforts save the planet.
While the gathering of groups in Bronson Park offered access to environmental groups and some liberal political organizations, it also had the feel of a trade show in a way with a display of electric cars.
There was also a group with a booth called the Southwest Michigan Sustainabile Business Forum, that helps businesses and non-profits find ways to improve their bottom line by using green strategies, and energy efficiencies that eliminate wastes and unnecessary costs.
In fact, there were several groups there offering strategies for individuals to reduce their own carbon footprint and cut costs.
