Gabrielle Nelson

In 2008, Michigan created a law to keep electronic waste out of landfills by requiring manufacturers to ‘take back’ consumers’ old electronics. But the law never set binding goals to keep manufacturers accountable, so more than a decade later, Michigan’s e-waste problem hasn’t improved.

Koi in private ponds are mesmerizing to watch, but when released into the wild, they compete against native fish for food and damage native plantlife. Glen Lake preservation experts partnered with bowfishers to remove invasive koi and keep the lake’s ecosystem safe.

 Half a decade ago, peregrine falcons were eradicated from Michigan because of DDT, a toxic pesticide. Recovery efforts, including the DNR’s banding program, helped these birds of prey make one of the most successful comebacks in history. 

Valuable critical materials are sitting in junk drawers of Michigan residents: old, unwanted electronics. Michigan is working with electronics manufacturers and researchers to recirculate these products back into the state’s economy.