Community Education
Managing Recycling During Busy Fall Schedules Fall is a season of transition. School is back in session, businesses are getting into their busiest stretch of the year, and families are settling back into routines after a busy summer. With so much happening, it can be easy for sustainable habits to take a back seat. The […] Read Full Article ⟩
If you have visited our resale shop, dropped off an old mattress, recycled electronics at one of our many events, or worked with us through one of our other sustainability programs, you may already know a piece of the answer. But there is a lot more happening behind the scenes. Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩
Join Us in Building a Greener Northern Michigan Summer is one of the busiest seasons at BARC, and we’re excited to spend the coming months helping communities across Northern Michigan recycle more, reduce waste, and keep valuable materials out of landfills. From e-waste collection events and recycling drives to community festivals and educational outreach, our […] Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩
Powering a Greener Future: Making Solar Energy Accessible in Northern Michigan Earth Month is a time to reflect on the choices we make and the impact they have on the world around us. At BARC, sustainability isn’t just a once-a-year conversation, it’s a daily commitment rooted in community, and long-term environmental responsibility. As April 22nd […] Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩
How Sustainability Can Save You Money Sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact, it can also be a smarter financial decision! Whether it’s cutting everyday costs or investing in systems that pay off over time, eco-friendly choices can often save the planet and the money in your wallet. At BARC, we believe sustainability works best […] Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩
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 […] Read Full Article ⟩