Community Education
BARC has two locations in Traverse City and Kaleva, which has allowed us to become an integral part of two communities here in Northern Michigan. No matter where we go, we love working with other non-profit organizations, local businesses, and Michiganders who work hard to make a positive impact, especially regarding the environment. We have […] Read Full Article ⟩
How to Celebrate Earth Day with BARC BARC has been working toward diverting precious resources from landfills all over Michigan for the past 15 years, and we look forward to continuing our conservation efforts with the help of our wonderful supporters. Although we give back to the planet 365 days a year, it’s always fun […] Read Full Article ⟩
Spring Into Action: Start Planning For The Season As the weather starts to warm up and nature comes back to life, it’s officially spring, the season of new beginnings! Although there might still be a few chilly days here in Northern Michigan, it’s still the perfect time to start planning for warmer weather activities, planting […] Read Full Article ⟩
From Charities to Community? Why the name change, BARC? When Andy Gale founded Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC) in 2008, he envisioned a recycling business model that would generate enough surplus revenue to consistently donate back to other local “charities” or nonprofits. His heart has always been in the right place, but the consistent […] Read Full Article ⟩
Going Out To Eat and the Environment Nothing beats going out to your favorite restaurant, ordering the best things on the menu, and leaving the heavy culinary lifting to the professionals. Here at BARC, we love to go out and support our community by eating at local restaurants in the area. It’s a great way […] Read Full Article ⟩
In 2022, our dedicated team of passionate recycling enthusiasts embarked on a mission to divert dangerous and potentially valuable materials from landfills. Although it is hard work in an ever-changing landscape, we never shy away from a challenge. BARC is always determined to find a solution for every hard-to-recycle item by working together to make […] Read Full Article ⟩
With the holiday season in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gifts for your friends and family, festive holiday parties, and a list of realistic resolutions for the new year. Unfortunately, although this is the merriest time of the year, the environmental impact of the holiday season is not so merry. […] Read Full Article ⟩
Electronic Recycling 101 Guide As everyone gears up for holiday gift giving and especially Black Friday sales on technology, it’s a great time to think about how to recycle old electronics like TVs, game consoles, or laptops. Every year, approximately 40 million tons of electronic waste are generated worldwide. To put it in perspective, that […] Read Full Article ⟩
Here at BARC, we love a good party. Getting together with friends and family to celebrate big or small life moments like getting married, cheering on your favorite football team, or observing a holiday is what makes life special. However, we like to party smart by ensuring our negative environmental impact is minimal. By throwing […] Read Full Article ⟩
How To Recycle A House Plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, junk mail, old newspapers, and magazines: These are just a few of the items that might land in your recycling bin on a day-to-day basis. But Traverse City’s Bay Area Recycling for Charities (BARC) has a more ambitious view of what recycling can be. Known already […] Read Full Article ⟩