Where Does My Kent County Recycling Go?

Where Does My Kent County Recycling Go?

Grand Rapids has invested in a greener future if we all play the

recycling game. The new $10 million facility has been built on an

old brown field site (former west side Stamping Plant).  The profits

of selling recyclables will payback borrowed bonds ahead of the

projected time frame.

Kent County Recycling Center

Located at 977 Wealthy Street SW in Grand Rapids, MI

Let’s look at some statistics and see if recycling is worthwhile:

  • 9130 tons of glass
  • 7749 tons of ferrous metal cans
  • 225 tons of aluminum
  • 12,334 tons of corrugated cardboard
  • 3,851 tons of magazines
  • 140,182 tons of newspaper
  • 10,836 tons of mixed plastics

Since 1993, Kent County has recycled the above totals.

This is equivalent to conserving:

31,595 household’s annual energy consumption

584,281 barrels of oil

27,266,461 gallons of gasoline

Kent County Recycling initial sorting

One of the best things about Kent County Recycling is no more sorting!

The new facility  does all sorting on site, so One Container at the curb

holds all recyclables.  The new facility has the capacity to run 3 shifts

a day and has a waiting list for their recyclables.  If they had more

products to recycle, they have a robust resale market that wants them.

This is just good stewardship and makes sense to keep all those reusable

items out of our landfills.

tube sucks plastic bags off the line

Most work at the Kent County Recycling is done by community service,

so there is minimal labor costs.

production sorting line

The New Kent County Recycling Plant:

Processes 18 tons per hour (4-6 tons per hour at the old facility)

Process recyclables 6 hours per day (13 hours per day at the old facility)

Process 108 tons of recyclables per day (40 tons per day at the old facility)

Kent County Recycling sorting lines

Kent County Recycling sorting batteries

The new facility features a 5,000 square foot education area that

offers two public meeting and classroom areas and a 125-foot long

viewing platform to allow safe overhead viewing of the machinery

processing recyclables.

Kent County Recycling Baled product ready to be picked up

Kent County Recycling & Education Center in Grand Rapids

is a very successful enterprise. But it could be much more successful

if we all contributed. Do you recycle?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a

diverse business community, great medical research & services, numerous

universities, plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Chihuly Saffron Tower

Foto Friday – Chihuly Saffron Tower

The Chihuly exhibit at Frederick Meijer Gardens will be leaving on

October 30th.  If you haven’t had a chance to go see this fantastic

art exhibit in one of the most popular gardens in the world, you are

missing a fantastic experience.

Chihuly Saffron Tower Meijer Gardens

This photo of the Saffron Tower was taken on a rainy day this summer.

Even in these conditions, the tower lights up the meadow with its color

and form, especially framed by this modern sculpture.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

Eight Top Rated Michigan Golf Courses

If you are planning a trip to Michigan, don’t forget to bring your clubs and book a tee

time at one of the famous, award-winning, and challenging courses we have to offer.

We have lots to choose from.   Not all are public courses  but a good proportion are.

There are plenty of great tracks for the low handicappers, medium tracks for the mid-ranks,

and a few cow pastures, if you just want to hack it around.  Pick your challenge.

 Picture Perfect Golf Day Tulleymore Golf Course

The Bear

Designed by golf great Jack Nicklaus, The Bear is our best-known course and described

as one of the toughest in the Midwest. You’ll quickly appreciate this beautiful par 72,

links-style course featuring Scottish terraced fairways, tiered greens, deep grassy

roughs, moguls, mounds, and deep pot bunkers. Lakes, ponds, hardwood forests,

streams, and fruit orchards are home to a variety of wildlife.

Stonebridge Golf Club in Ann Arbor

Stonebridge is a public 18 hole championship golf course designed in 1991 by

world famous golf course architect Arthur Hills.

Donald Ross Memorial, Boyne Highlands

Golf Digest named this course one of “Michigan’s Finest Courses.”

The Ross features the likeness of 18 of Donald Ross’ most famous holes

from around the world.

Hawk’s Eye Golf Resort, Bellaire

Hawk’s Eye is an example of Northern Michigan golf at its finest.  Hawk’s Eye

was voted the fourth best course in Michigan by the readers of Michigan

Golf magazine.

 Mom and Bambi Tulleymore GC

Shepherd’s Hollow Golf Club, Clarkston

With 27 tour-caliber holes to challenge you, 350 acres of rolling wooded

land to inspire you,  Shepherd’s Hollow golf course is truly a thing of beauty.

Located 30 miles north of Detroit in Northern Oakland County and designed

by Arthur Hills, this course has full practice bunkers, full service locker room

w/showers, and dining facility.  No two holes are alike, each occupies a

roomy corridor, all are faithful to the rise and fall of the terrain.

Treetops Resort, Gaylord

Treetops has been named one of the nation’s finest golf facilities.  Dramatic

views, undulating contours and rolling terrain provide a beautiful setting

for world-class golfing.  Named one of the Top 50 golf courses for women.

Marquette Golf Club, Greywalls Course, Marquette

One of Michigan’s newest courses, Greywalls has received national awards

from Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure Golf and Golf Week, as

one of the best in Michigan.

St. Ives & Tulleymore Golf Resort, Stanwood

Tullymore & St. Ives Golf Courses feature elaborate, artistic bunkering,

wandering over and around 800 acres of rolling land and lakes just a short

ride from Grand Rapids.  Wildlife abounds here, so bring your camera!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Autumn at John Ball Zoo

Foto Friday – Autumn at John Ball Zoo

 grizzly bear at the zoo

With summer over, we often forget  the zoo as an attraction to visit.

Actually, fall and winter are much more active times for lots of the animals,

such as the grizzly bear above, the snow leopards, and the mountain lions.

They are up and moving around, whereas in the summer heat, they just snooze.

Winter rates are on at John Ball Zoo, making a visit more affordable

for the whole family.  Hours are 10am – 4pm daily.

Halloween is celebrated at the zoo with Zoo Goes Boo! this month.

John Ball Park & Zoo

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Keeping Halloween Fun – Grand Rapids Michigan

Halloween is one of the most exciting holidays as a child.

What costume to wear?  Where will we go Trick or Treating?

Can my friends go?  How much candy will I get?  Can I eat it tonight?

Halloween 2007

Yes, I am in disguise with our little Yorkie on a past Halloween.

We like to get into the fun while answering the door to Trick-or-Treaters.

With all the excitement of costumes and candy, it is helpful to review

some safety tips.

Hope your Halloween is Safe, Spooky and FUN!

  • Have a plan –know where to go, how long, and stick to it
  • Accompany your children, if too young to go alone
  • Safety in numbers – have older children travel in groups
  • No short cuts through alleys, parking lots or back yards
  • Make sure costumes are bright colors and not too long
  • Dark costumes should have reflective strips applied
  • Use make-up instead of masks, so children can see
  • Only approach homes that have lights on and Halloween Decorations out
  • Don’t let children go inside homes – get candy on the porch or steps
  • Obey traffic laws and carry flashlights
  • Be aware of candles, fire hazards to costumes and fake hair
  • Hair spray may be better than a wig
  • Use a small bag so child doesn’t trip or fall
  • Save candy until you get home and can inspect it
  • Make sure all candy is sealed in original wrappers
  • Say no to Strangers – kids should never accept rides or get into a car

If you still need a little inspiration for a costume, this has some topical ideas

and this site has oodles of suggestions for home made costumes.

If you are a procrastinator, this site has some last minute ideas.

_ Pumpkins __________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday: Grand Rapids Michigan’s Mirror

Foto Friday: Grand Rapids Michigan’s Mirror

Grand Rapids MI Buildings

Looking west from Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids, this is

what you see sometimes, when the light is just right.  There is nothing

between the large mirrored building and the street.  The large old gray

building is a reflection.  It is actually just behind the camera on the right.

From this angle the mirrored building almost appears as a large film screen

showing a building against a cloudy sky.  Kewl, huh?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate,

the Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in

West Michigan. Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing

metropolitan area with a diverse business community, great medical

research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – ArtPrize 2010 Art for All Ages

Foto Friday – ArtPrize 2010 Art for All Ages

Connect the dots ArtPrize 2010

ArtPrize 2010 has taken our city to a new level of art appreciation.

People are out looking at the exhibits and enjoying the festival

atmosphere, while getting an education in contemporary art.

You don’t have to be an art critic to enjoy this event!

Photo by Bonnie Westbrook

More ArtPrize 2010 Photos

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Foto Friday – Having Fun at ArtPrize 2010

Foto Friday – Having Fun at ArtPrize 2010

ArtPrize 2010 Wooden cone Hi

ArtPrize 2010 has Grand Rapids  residents and visitors out on the

streets taking in the more than 1700 art exhibits around the city and

at Meijer Gardens.  You might expect an art extravaganza like this in a

large cosmopolitan city, not nice Midwestern  Grand Rapids, Michigan.

We previewed some of the larger outdoor pieces on Sunday before

the big opening Wednesday night.  We hope to see a lot more art in

the next few weeks.  If you are considering a trip to our fair city,

this is a perfect time.  ArtPrize 2010 will run until October 10.  Anyone

who attends can vote for the winners.

Photo: Shout Hole by George Schmidt -Van Andel Museum grounds.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Grand Rapids Michigan Art Prize 2010 Opens

Grand Rapids Michigan Art Prize 2010 Opens

We went on an early preview on Sunday afternoon. We thought some of

the large installations would be up and available.  Many were and some

were still under construction.  We had a hike around the city and saw

lots of other people out and about looking at the awesome artwork.

Here’s a brief preview:

Claws sculpture ford library

Asian children painting

Metal flower basket

Our ArtPrize 2010 Flickrphotostream.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the Greater

Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan. Grand Rapids

Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse business community,

great medical research & services, numerous universities, plus lively arts and

entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM

Lowell MI – Fallasburg Fall Festival Sept 25, 26 2010

Lowell MI – Fallasburg Fall Festival Sept 25, 26, 2010

If you want to see fall arrive in style, you might want to attend

the annual Fallasburg Fall Festival at Fallasburg Park in Lowell

Michigan.  The park is located on the Flat River off Lincoln Lake

Road about 4 miles north of Lowell.

The Lowell Area Arts Council feature 105 artists and their work,

raffle a quilt, live music, live demonstrations of crafts, food, and

children’s activities are offered.

A video tour of 2008 Fall Festival gives you an idea of what to

expect:

Hope to see you there!

The authors of the this blog write about Grand Rapids Real Estate, the

Greater Grand Rapids MI area, and what it is like to live in West Michigan.

Grand Rapids Michigan is a vibrant, growing metropolitan area with a diverse

business community, great medical research & services, numerous universities,

plus lively arts and entertainment of all kinds.

We believe: Grand Rapids is a Great Place to Live!

search for Grand Rapids homes Find Grand Rapids Home Value Grand Rapids Relocation Guide

Westbrook Realty Grand Rapids MI Real Estate

Contact Terry   616-292-7263

OUR FLICKR PHOTOSTREAM