BIRMINGHAM GREEN

BY NICHOLAS J. DUPUIS, PLANNING DIRECTOR

In this penultimate installment of tips to reduce consumption and minimize waste, we will explore the circular economy. A circular economy keeps materials, products, and services in circulation for as long possible. It refers to an economy that uses a systems-focused approach and involves industrial processes and economic activities that are restorative or regenerative by design, enables resources used in such processes and activities to maintain their highest value for as long as possible, and aims for the elimination of waste through the superior design of materials, products, and systems (including business models) It is a change to the model in which resources are mined, made into products, and then become waste. A circular economy reduces material use, redesigns materials, products, and services to be less resource intensive, and recaptures “waste” as a resource to manufacture new materials and products. The circular economy, when designed in a thoughtful and inclusive manner, has the potential to protect the environment, improve economics, and elevate social justice (info source: United States EPA). We as individual consumers have an important role to play in the circular economy by choosing sustainable products, using them longer, repairing them, or recycling them. Remember, the most effective way to reduce waste is to not create it in the first place.

February News From The Library

Love your Library! This month, you can join us on Instagram Live for the newest Idea Lab Live: Things installment, students ‘visit’ their next country in our Travel the World series, learn more about Birmingham’s early abolitionists, go behind the scenes of the Library, enjoy some midwinter break gaming and hear about Detroit’s role on the Underground Railroad. Find all of these, plus storytimes, book clubs, computer classes, and more at baldwinlib.org/calendar.

TEENS, SAVE THE DATE! STUDY WITH THERAPY DOGS

Teens! Save the Date: Saturday, March 4 we’re keeping the library open late just for students in grades 9-12, to give you extra time to study for exams. We’re even bringing in dogs and providing pizza to help with stress.

FRIENDS OF THE BALDWIN PUBLIC LIBRARY SURPRISE SALE!

Join us on Saturday, February 18 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the lower level of the library for a one-day sale to help reduce overstocked book sale inventory!

JOHN U. BACON VISITS NEXT!

Thursday February 16 at 6 p.m.

Next is delighted to welcome John U. Bacon! As a New York Times bestselling author, Mr Bacon has written thirteen books on sports, business, health, and history seven of them national bestsellers. John freelances for The Wall Street Journal, Yahoo, and others, appears often on TV, including HBO, ESPN, and the Big Ten Network and also delivers weekly essays for Michigan Radio, where he won the prize for the nation’s best commentary in 2014 He is a popular corporate speaker and leadership consultant, who occasionally teaches at the University of Michigan where the students awarded him the Golden Apple Award, given to one instructor annually for “Excellence in Teaching.” Follow this link to register.

RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE, ONE YEAR ON

Thursday, February 23 at 6 p.m.

Aaron Retish, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Wayne State University

February 24 marks the one year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Aaron Retish returns to Next to share his expertise and perspectives on the War After living in Russia and studying Russia’s foreign affairs, he returns to talk about Russia’s buildup to what has become the largest land war in Europe since WWII and how Ukrainians thwarted Russia’s military advances. He will also share what might come next in Ukraine and in Russia. Follow this link to register.

TOTAL HEALTH WORKS - BRAIN & BODY

Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. with Pam Smith This class focuses on functional exercise with an emphasis on brainwork challenging individuals cognitively, as well as physically Participants will work on things like memory, multitasking and sequencing, as well as strengthening, cardio, core and balance work This class is for people of all ability levels Pam Smith is a certified personal and group trainer through The American Council on Exercise. Follow this link to register.

Next proudly serves the growing 50 plus population in our community. Next is located at 2121 Midvale Street in Birmingham. Contact Next at (248) 203-5270, visit www.BirminghamNext.org or like Next on Facebook