Creating a Circular Economy in West and Southwest Michigan
In the coming year, all counties in Michigan will begin a three-year process to reimagine their current solid waste management plan as a sustainable materials management plan, accelerating state and regional efforts to create a circular economy. With support from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, West Michigan Sustainable Business Forum is facilitating an eight-county coalition to engage private and public stakeholders and develop a regional vision for materials management.
On Thursday, May 25 at the Perrigo Corporate Headquarters in Allegan, WMSBF and the West Michigan Materials Management Coalition will host forum to collect insights from business, government and other institutional and community stakeholders.
The event will feature a presentation from Steve Ramus, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG for Perrigo, who will discuss how recycling and the use of recycled content are emerging and important concerns for business, highlighting how the importance of a circular economy to the company. Dar Baas, Director, Kent County Department of Public Works, will provide an update on the Kent County Sustainable Business Park that is currently being developed at its border with Allegan County, detailing how the investment will model a post-landfill economy for the region.
The event will also introduce how local public policy can accelerate the creation of a circular economy and investments in local and regional infrastructure. Following the presentation, participants will have an opportunity to provide input on community and business material-management needs, successes and challenges. The input collected during roundtable discussions will play a part in creating a shared vision for a regional circular economy, as well as local investments in recycling service and infrastructure, organics management, and related concerns.
Lunch will be served at the conclusion of the event courtesy of Perrigo.
Featured Speakers:
- Steve Ramus, Vice President of Sustainability and ESG, Perrigo
- Dar Baas, Director, Kent County Department of Public Works
- Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director, Michigan Sustainable Business Forum