A vertical farming effort, Planted Detroit, is set to close, demonstrating the obstacles to growing produce indoors. Among the barriers: The high cost of electricity and synthetic soil inflate the price of greens, making them too expensive for many customers.
Jena Brooker
A guest author for Bridge Magazine.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Dozens of violations, just $2,000 in fines for Detroit hazardous waste site
State has long struggle reining in hazardous waste site in Detroit neighborhood.
Posted inUrban Affairs
In Detroit, foul odors at Stellantis plant stoke fears of neighborhood ruin
The auto industry has provided thousands of jobs to generations of Michiganders. But it’s also decimated some neighborhoods, particularly for Black residents. Now, some Detroit neighbors fear history is repeating itself.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Did hazardous waste facility’s unreported errors put Detroiters at risk?
US Ecology violated federal law for five years, and state officials only recently discovered the problems.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Michigan air quality poor due to wildfires, millions under advisory
Smoke from Canadian fires has made the air quality poor in the Midwest and East Coast. The National Weather Service issued an advisory from Monroe to Midland, with one ranking indicating Detroit on Wednesday had some of worst air pollution in the world.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Planned implosion of Detroit’s incinerator has neighboring residents concerned
Residents worried about health and safety with incinerator demolition, argue lack of communication from the city.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Detroit recycling rates double, but barriers remain
An opt-in program, high contamination rates, and a lack of infrastructure are some of the challenges Detroit faces.
Posted inBusiness Watch
Would you pay $1.80 for a carrot? This Detroit cafe thinks you will.
Cafe Prince, a venture of developer Philip Kafka, promotes vitality with menu items like peeled, raw carrots, grapefruit and Brazil nuts. But some longtime residents say it doesn’t meet the needs of neighbors.
Posted inUrban Affairs
Water taxis to make a comeback on Detroit River?
Federal funding for ferries “is at historic levels” according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Posted inMichigan Environment Watch
Six giant, dangerous snails confiscated at the Detroit Metropolitan Airport
The highly invasive Giant African Snail can pass on meningitis and destroy ecosystems.