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 Message from our Director
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As fall swiftly moves in and the faint memories of a brief summer slips away, I am comforted by the activities of the Green Jobs program and Youth on Patrol Against Pollution for 2009. Both projects are making their mark on Detroit's landscape. DWEJ had a phenomenal summer. We graduated and placed another 22 skilled workers through our exceptional jobs training program in June. DWEJ also took on the task of indoctrinating nearly 70 youth into the world of environmental stewardship and justice. You will learn about both of these activities in the following articles. Don't be surprised about the accomplishments. It's what non-profits do every day to make good things happen with minimal resources.
Many have questioned whether the idea of Green jobs is a distant expectation. Yet 67 graduates are proof through job placements that the Green economy is a reality despite the current economic climate. How is this possible? The answer lies in the definition of a green job. With climate change, energy options and historic legacy issues from a challenged auto industry, Detroit is uniquely positioned to define the terms for the green economy. With all the challenges that our young people face in this city and the region, many may question whether taking on the environment is a value that they embrace. How pleasant it was to see the commitment for Detroit's environment this summer. You'll agree. DWEJ has much to be excited about in the coming months. Please read on and enjoy.
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Program Updates
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Green Jobs Training Program
The spring 2009 class graduated in June and have gone on to jobs at various companies, including BNA Environmental, Beal, Masco, Harding Geo Tech, and University of Michigan.
The fall 2009 class is underway and due to finish basic training this week. Technical training will begin next Monday.
Check out the Green Jobs Training page for photos and more updates.
Youth on Patrol Against Pollution
DWEJ organized close to 70 youth in Detroit's Summer Youth Employment program to work on environmental projects at Belle Isle this summer. They monitored water quality at Belle Isle, worked on restoring a picnic shelter, battled invasive species and developed media projects for environmental justice.
The group meets Wednesdays at 5pm at the Hannan House. If you are interested in joining, please contact Payton Wilkins at paytonwilkins@yahoo.com or Charles Stokes at charlesstokes17@yahoo.com or call at 313-833-3935 x25.
YOPAP will be speaking on panels for Powershift Michigan this weekend in Lansing.
Check out the YOPAP page for photos and more updates.
Community Hazards Awareness Training Seminar
We continue to offer our community educational series on:
- Environmental Justice 101
- Persistent Biocumulative Toxins (such as lead)
- Asthma Awareness
- Toxic Use Reduction
We also conduct bus tours of major brownfield sites in Detroit. Our next tour is with the UM School of Public Health on Oct. 17.
If you would like to schedule a CHATS session or tour for your group, please contact Domiana Carter at 313-833-3935 x46
Policy Update
DWEJ hosted a meeting between Senator Debbie Stabenow's office and local environmental and training organizations (Ecology Center, Young Detroit Builders, Goodwill Industries, Green Technology Group, Global Exchange, East Michigan Environmental Action Council) around two federal policy initiatives spearheaded by Green For All. We encouraged the Senator to keep key provisions regarding green jobs in the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009, as well as to fund the Green Jobs Act of 2007.
Read DWEJ's recommendations for the ACES Act here.
DWEJ has also been working in a state task force out of the Department of Environmental Quality to develop the state environmental justice plan, mandated by Governor Granholm's Executive Directive 2007-23. The group is nearing completion of the plan, to be submitted to the governor. The goal is to have a signed Environmental Justice policy for the state by November. Other states that have environmental justice policies include New York, California, Florida and Massachusetts.
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Energy Saving Tips
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Winter is approaching, and that means heating bills. Learn how to conserve energy in your home and lower your utility bills.
There are different ways to save energy - some of them involve changing your behavior, while others involve upgrading the technology in your home. There are low-cost fixes, as well as very expensive ones. While clearly not an exhaustive list, let's start with some easy-to-do modifications that can help you save energy and money in your house.
Low/No-cost Fixes:
Water:
- Take shorter showers
- Fix leaky faucets
- Adjust the refill rate of the water tank in your toilets
- Only run full loads in the dishwasher
Electricity:
- Unplug electrical appliances when not in use (battery chargers, toaster, computer, TV, hair styling tools, etc.)
- Turn off lights that aren't being used
- Avoid keeping the refrigerator door open/ plan ahead to reduce how many times you open the fridge door
- Get rid of your 300-watt halogen torchiere - super inefficient, and frequently cause fires
Gas (heating/water heating):
- Lower your water heater temperature to 120 degrees
- Keep the thermostat lower and dress warmly
- Caulk and seal with a silicone/latex caulk around windows and doors (use an incense stick to look for air leaks)
- Seal off gaps and cracks in the basement - where pipes and wires come into the house, where the foundation meets the wooden framing
- For the winter, on windows you won't open, you can put up plastic around the windows to reduce heat loss
- Make sure there are no gaps under or around the doors leading outside (weatherstrip)
- Wash clothes in cold water
- Insulate your water pipes
Low-cost Technology Upgrades:
Water:
- Replace faucet nozzles and showerheads with low-flow aerators to save water
- Replace older toilets with high-efficiency (1.26 gallons per flush) or dual flush (uses less water to flush #1) models
Electricity:
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with Compact Florescent Light bulbs (CFLs)
Gas:
- Install a programmable thermostat (controls heating/cooling based on multiple temperature settings - eg. will turn down the heat when everyone's at work or school during the day)
- Insulate your attic floor (the quality of installation matters!)
***Get a $25 energy survey from DTE or do an online home energy audit, and receive a free energy efficiency kit with several of the items from above.
DTE also has an Energy Optimization Program, which offers rebates for certain energy-saving measures following an energy audit.
***If you qualify for the city's Weatherization Assistance Program, you can have up to $6500 worth of weatherization work done on your home.
Learn more:
Flex Your Power
Department of Energy Energy Savers
Eartheasy (water conservation)
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Volunteer Spotlight
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DWEJ and Bodman have recently agreed to a community partnership where Bodman will be providing DWEJ legal counsel. We're very appreciative to the Bodman attorneys for their volunteerism and look forward to working with them. We also want to thank Leor Barak from Community Legal Resources for his Pro Bono Manager expertise and professionalism in introducing us to the Bodman group and coordinating a meeting that turned out to be perfect match for both groups.
DWEJ thanks Donna Mitts for 7 months of biweekly volunteering - her facilitating skills and creative ideas have been a big help to Build Up Detroit!
Deloitte volunteers mentored our Green Jobs trainees on their sustainable business plans. A big thanks to the volunteers for their valuable feedback.
Finally, a big thanks to all the partners, sponsors and volunteers that made the summer youth projects possible: Shane Bernardo
Pamela Campbell, NSN
Cathedral Church of St. Paul
City Connect
Phillip Cooley
Jamie Cross, Alliance for Great Lakes
Keith Flournoy, City of Detroit Recreation Department
Funders Collaborative on Youth Organizing
Ed Gardiner, Motor City Movie House
Kory Groetsch, Department of Community Health
Evan Major, Youth Conservation Corps
Susan Manente, Department of Community Health
Gail Perry Mason
Katrina Myers
Michael Reed, Belle Isle
Nature Zoo
Sandra Smith
Vincent Thomas, NSN
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 Recent and Upcoming Events
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Friday, Oct. 9 - Sunday, Oct. 11
Powershift Michigan
Lansing Center
"Green jobs, clean energy and a recharged economy are the focus of a three-day summit this weekend expected to draw hundreds of youth from across the state to the Capitol."
Deputy Director Kimberly Hill conducted workshops on federal climate policy, and Green Jobs Coordinator Domiana Carter and Program Assistant Charles Stokes (a Green Jobs graduate) were panelists on the Green Jobs seminar.
Charles Stokes encouraged students at the rally in front of the Capitol building:
Some of our youth at the Lansing Center for Powershift:
Friday, Oct. 16-Sunday, Oct. 18
Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Annual Conference
Marygrove College
"Nature's principles - kinship, cooperation, diversity, symbiosis and cycles of continuous creation absent of waste - can also serve as metaphoric guideposts for organizing and equitable, humane and democratic society."
Build Up Detroit Manager Sandra Yu will be participating on a panel Saturday to explore the applicability of land conservancies/trusts in the urban setting.
Monday, October 19 10am
Committee of the Whole - Coleman A Young Municipal Center
Public Hearing on the Amendment to Detroit City Property Maintenance Code
The new amendment would require lead assessment/inspection and clearance on rental property in order to receive a Certificate of Compliance from the city, which is required for occupancy. It is a measure to address lead hazards in rental properties before a child has been found to be lead poisoned, and improve the city's housing stock.
Wednesday, October 21 6-8pm
Environmental Forum for City Council Candidates
Sacred Heart Church Activities Center
3451 Rivard
Where do the council candidates stand on the issues of air quality, water management, land use, clean energy, green jobs and food security? What solutions do they propose? Find out at this forum.
Friday, October 23
Department of Labor Women's Bureau
Rising to the Challenge Conference: Women in the Current Economic Climate
Oakland Community College
"In this one-day conference, you will meet and learn from leaders from your region and across the state about jobs, housing, finances, child care, and other areas to enable you to triumph during these changing times for Michigan women."
Executive Director Donele Wilkins will be the keynote speaker at this event.
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