TRAVERSE CITY -- The issue of recycling hits close to home for Port Huron residents Dave and Sandy Hietikko when they watch hundreds of trucks each day haul Canadian trash through their hometown.
The Hietikkos are concerned over what the depressing sight could mean for Michigan's future and, in an effort to reduce their own waste, Sandy started making her own reusable, cotton shopping bags.
"It's amazing to see tons of plastic just wasted," she said as she browsed through exhibits at the National Cherry Festival's Environmental Day on Friday.
"Thirty years ago there were people talking about (recycling) and they just blew it off," Dave said. "We are the ones that are going to hurt, in Michigan."
Colorful display boards and interactive booths attracted the couple and many other festival-goers to the Open Space, where a variety of conservation, recycling and other groups shared information on environmental efforts in the Grand Traverse region and across the state.
A miniature, working septic tank system showed how proper maintenance protects drinking water in a display booth run by the Grand Traverse Department of Public Works.
The Inland Seas Education Association enlightened visitors on the effects of invasive species in the lakes with a tank filled with zebra and quagga mussels, the round goby fish and crayfish. Other exhibits provided child-focused crafts like newspaper necklaces or pamphlets on everything from Earth-friendly lawn care to sustainable living.
"Most of these groups are here ... to make sure we protect and appreciate what Michigan has to offer, especially in the way of natural resources," said Amy Beyer, director of the Conservation Resource Alliance. "It's really ... economic development for the state. We are investing for the state's future to ensure we have tourism and recreational opportunities in Michigan."
Roy and June Aydelotte moved to Grawn last fall, learned some interesting facts on Great Lakes ecology, and even took home some useful information on native plants.
"The house came with a little garden and we are trying to find out what to do with it," Roy said.
Julia Hardy, 7, and her sister Jessica, 8, of Traverse City, spent the morning crafting paper windmills and wiggly eyed caterpillars out of recycled egg cartons and pipe cleaners.
"You should recycle everyday ... so we don't have a dirty world," Julia said with a grin as she clutched a green cloth shopping bag filled with her crafts.
"We got to see fishies and we got to see this cool boat," Jessica said of the Inland Sea's educational vessel. "I see it a lot in the bay."
National Cherry Festival
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