Greener Michigan

It is comforting enough to know that the Midwestern state of Michigan, considered the heart of the United State's automotive industry, is a frontliner in the nation's campaign for environmental protection. Understandably so, since the Great Lakes (“Michigan” translation in Japanese) state depend on the environment to sustain its three vital industries – forestry, agriculture and tourism.

Indeed, protecting tourism's $17.5 billion, forestry's $12 billion, and agricultural export's $4.5 billion annual contributions to the state coffers is a top priority, translating to sustained economic growth.

Michigan leads other states in developing new technologies that will work in harmony with the environment. It has one of the most advanced biotechnology industries in the world, receiving billions in annual fund from the national budget. In turn, the state is investing adequately in research and development of environment-centric initiatives through large-scale projects like the $1 billion Michigan Life Sciences Corridor.

Among Michigan's go green campaigns include recycling, a major component of the state's waste reduction initiative; promotion of “green architecture” through the enforcement of so-called green building practices and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professionals) standards and energy conservation such as fuel efficiency and development of alternative energy resources like wind, solar and hydro power.

Recent greener Michigan enactments include Governor Jennifer M. Granholm's move to enter the state in the Climate Savers Computing Initiative jointly founded by Dell, Microsoft, HP and other computer firms and environmental watchdogs advocating the use of environment-friendly computers; supporting the use of alternative fuel sources like ethanol and biodiesel; and the recent unveiling of eco-friendly restrooms in campgrounds and recreational parks with light and water conservation features.