Good to Know
July 17, 2026 // Good to Know, Great Ideas
How Northern Michigan Artists Gives Materials a Second Life Creativity has always been inspired by the landscape, the community, and the resources around us. From handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed wood to artwork created from materials that might otherwise be discarded, local makers have a long history of seeing potential where others see waste. Recycling […]
May 6, 2026 // Good to Know
10 Creative Ways to Repurpose Everyday Items At BARC, we believe that sustainability starts at home. One of the easiest ways to reduce waste is by rethinking the items you already use every day. With a little creativity, many common household items can serve a second purpose instead of ending up in the trash. Repurposing […]
March 1, 2026 // Good to Know
Recycling Myths vs. Reality Recycling can feel confusing, especially if you are new to it. Everyone wants to do the right thing, but conflicting advice, changing rules, and local differences can make it tricky to know what belongs in the bin. At BARC, we process thousands of materials every year, so we know how important […]
January 6, 2026 // Good to Know
The Future Of Sustainability Sustainability is entering a new chapter. As we move toward 2026, the conversation is shifting away from buzzwords toward real action, data, and impact. Around the world, organizations are being asked to prove that they are making meaningful environmental progress. At BARC, this shift feels familiar, as it’s at the core […]
December 1, 2025 // BARC Services, Good to Know
What Is a Closed Loop System and Why Is It Important? When we talk about sustainability, most people think about recycling, reducing waste, or using eco-friendly products. But one of the most impactful ways BARC supports the environment is through creating closed loop systems. Let’s talk about what a closed loop system is, and why […]
November 17, 2025 // Good to Know
As another year comes to a close, we’re reflecting on what we’ve accomplished together. From electronic waste collections to zero-waste events and recycling initiatives, 2025 was another year full of growth, partnership, and community impact! Thanks to your continued support, we’ve been able to expand our reach, keep more materials out of Michigan landfills, and […]
September 1, 2025 // BARC Services, Events, Good to Know
Managing Recycling During Busy Fall Schedules Fall is the season of transition. Families settle into back-to-school routines, businesses gear up for year-end demands, and communities shift into a faster pace of life after a much-needed summer break. With so much activity, it can be easy for sustainable practices to slip through the cracks. However, living […]
August 7, 2025 // BARC Services, Fun Facts, Good to Know
BARC has been on a mission to transform the way Northern Michigan thinks about recycling, and demolition. Our De/Re Construction program carefully disassembles homes, salvaging materials that would otherwise become landfill waste.
April 4, 2025 // Good to Know, In the News
Every April, we get to celebrate Earth Month, a time to reflect on our impact on the planet and celebrate the positive strides being made toward a more sustainable future! Amidst environmental challenges, there are numerous stories of progress that offer hope and motivation. Here are some exciting developments happening around the world that are making a difference!
March 7, 2025 // Good to Know
In a world of endless consumerism, upcycling offers a creative and sustainable way to repurpose and reimagine the things you already own. Whether it’s giving furniture a second life, turning glass jars into storage solutions, or repurposing fabric scraps into trendy accessories, upcycling is a fun and impactful way to reduce waste.
October 30, 2024 // BARC Services, Good to Know, Great Ideas
Recycling vs. Upcycling: What’s the Difference? Most of us know the drill with recycling—sort the bottles, cans, and paper into the blue bin and feel good about doing our part. But upcycling? That’s a whole different ball game of getting creative with waste reduction. Think of it as recycling with a creative twist, turning old […]
May 2, 2024 // Events, Good to Know
Sustainable Eating Tips We all know that food is fuel, but it is also one of the easiest ways to minimize your environmental impact. As it warms up here in Northern Michigan, it’s the perfect time to embrace sustainable eating by visiting local farmers’ markets, shopping for in-season produce, and eating from your garden. In […]