Michigan Environmental Council

06/23/2026

Did you know that some common pesticides (called neonics) are 5,000 to 7,000 times more toxic to bees than DDT?

While our team at the Environmental Council is fighting hard in Lansing to pass laws restricting these harmful chemicals, you can create a safe haven right in your own backyard.

By planting a native rain garden, you give these essential pollinators an immediate, chemical-free sanctuary to thrive. 🌧️🌱

A massive thank you to Friends of the Rouge for sharing their incredible rain garden knowledge and expertise with us so we can help you build these life-saving spaces!

Let’s protect our ecosystem together. Drop a 🌻 if you’re ready to plant for the pollinators!

ProtectOurPollinators PureMichigan EcoFriendly

06/23/2026

Looking to upgrade your yard and help the local environment at the same time? 🌧️🌱

Check out this quick video on how and why to plant a rain garden! Rain gardens are a beautiful, low-maintenance way to capture runoff, filter out pollutants and create a haven for local pollinators.

A huge shoutout to our friends at Friends of the Rouge for sharing their incredible expertise and helping us keep our local waterways clean and vibrant.

Ready to get your hands dirty? Watch the video to get inspired, and let us know if you're planning a garden of your own this season! 👇

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yj5Q0iZ26I

How to build a DIY rain garden to stop stormwater runoff, prevent b...

06/17/2026

Look familiar? You’ve probably seen a rain garden in your neighborhood without even realizing it. 🤔

They blend right in as beautiful landscaping, but they’re secretly hard at work protecting our watersheds and basements.

Cody from our comms team recently got a lesson in planting one from Cyndi at Friends of the Rouge!

🔗 Tap the link in our bio for a guide on why and how to plant your own.

PureMichigan DetroitEco GardeningTips StormwaterManagement GreenInfrastructure EcoFriendlyYard

06/10/2026

We're thrilled to share that Lois DeBacker, former program director with the The Kresge Foundation and Mott Foundation, will receive the 2026 Helen & William Milliken Distinguished Service Award for her outstanding leadership, enduring commitment and extraordinary public service in protecting the environment at the local, state and national levels.

Learn more about DeBacker's inspiring environmental legacy here: https://environmentalcouncil.org/discover-post/former-kresge-foundation-program-director-to-receive-michigans-top-environmental-award/

And, grab your tickets to celebrate her on August 20 at our 28th Annual Milliken Award Ceremony here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/28th-milliken-award-celebration-tickets-1990798777735?aff=oddtdtcreator&mc_cid=d1a03b4bc4&mc_eid=UNIQID

06/10/2026

Congrats to our members Friends of the Detroit River for this meaningful and hard-earned victory!

06/03/2026

“No family should have to choose between a prescription medication and keeping their lights on in their home."

Our public & environmental health policy manager Samantha Pickering recently joined Moms Clean Air Force, Michigan Climate Action Network, and Rep. Hillary Scholten to to stand up for Michigan families.

Speaking at a local press conference, Pickering and a powerful coalition of parents and health advocates teamed up to champion the Energy Bills Relief Act—a game-changing piece of legislation that ties our clean energy goals directly to healthier communities and a more reliable power grid.

Read more here:

The bill was introduced in March. It is currently held up in committees and has not yet been scheduled for a House floor vote.

05/30/2026

Pollution by design. 🌍 Our current laws disempower vulnerable communities instead of protecting them. Here’s how the Green Amendment is fighting back for environmental justice. Full roundtable conversation with and now streaming on YouTube.

05/23/2026

We shouldn’t have to wait until we’ve been harmed for climate protections to be put in place. is working to make that a constitutional right in Michigan.

Rachel Giampetroni from their Michigan team recently sat down with our President & CEO and to dive deeper.

05/22/2026

What happens when our laws fail to protect us?

The constitutional amendment is fighting for in Michigan would give all people the power to enforce their right to a healthy environment when the system falls short.

05/20/2026

Can we truly protect our environment if the law actually allows it to be polluted?

Join us for a riveting roundtable discussion with our members Michigan Green Amendments For The Generations as they dive deep into the movement to enshrine the right to clean air, pure water and a healthy environment in the Michigan State Constitution.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNyAHsJhMuU&feature=youtu.be

Can we truly protect our environment if the law actually allows it to be polluted? Join us for an inspiring Earth Day roundtable discussion featuring Maya Va...