Community Education
Small businesses are the heart of Northern Michigan. From bustling coffee shops in Traverse City to roadside farm stands, event venues, and artisan retailers, these local entrepreneurs shape the charm, character, and culture of our region. This Plastic-Free July, we're spotlighting how these businesses can help protect the natural beauty we all cherish by reducing plastic waste and embracing more sustainable practices. Read Full Article ⟩
At BARC, our mission is rooted in creating a cleaner, greener Northern Michigan and the Kaleva Resale Shop is an integral part of that mission. Located at our Kaleva facility, the 10,000-square-foot resale shop is more than just a storefront. It’s a living example of how our many services work in synchrony to keep usable materials out of landfills while giving them new purpose. Read Full Article ⟩
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, communities around the world are heading outdoors to celebrate. From iconic music festivals to small local gatherings, events of all sizes are making an effort to reduce waste and ditch single-use plastics. At BARC, we’re proud to be leading the charge right here in Michigan. Read Full Article ⟩
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! Read Full Article ⟩
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. Read Full Article ⟩
February is all about love—so why not show some love to the planet? Every small, mindful choice we make adds up, from the way we shop and dine to the gifts we give and the habits we form. This month, let’s embrace sustainability by making thoughtful choices that reduce waste, support local businesses, and give back to the environment. Read Full Article ⟩
It’s never too late to start recycling! While it may feel overwhelming at first, recycling the right way is simple once you understand the basics. The new year is a perfect opportunity to set meaningful goals and make positive changes, starting with how you handle waste. Read Full Article ⟩
Recycle Old Electronics & Batteries with BARC The holiday season is a time for festive celebrations, cherished family moments, and giving thoughtful gifts to loved ones. However, it’s also a season of heightened consumption, with electronics topping many wish lists. According to Capital One’s consumer research, 22% of holiday gift recipients hope to receive new […] Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩
Tips & Tricks For Celebrating a Green Halloween Now that October is here, it’s the perfect time to rethink how we celebrate Halloween with sustainability in mind. Halloween can often be a waste-heavy holiday, from plastic decorations to single-use costumes. But with a little creativity, we can transform our celebrations into eco-friendly events. This year, […] Read Full Article ⟩