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The White Lake Area Climate Action Council is a friendly, focused group of multigenerational volunteers. We work to build awareness of climate threats and encourage local action in response to the global climate emergency. We have been together since 2020. WLACAC volunteers helped Montague and Whitehall declare a climate emergency. The cities have started plans and are taking action to reduce carbon emissions in city operations.
Our Vision
To attain carbon neutrality (Net Zero) for Montague and Whitehall, Michigan, by 2040.
Our Goals
- Join citizens to establish a time-bound, ambitious plan to build a regenerative future, eliminating carbon emissions by 2040.
- Serve as an education and advocacy resource for our community on climate change.
- Help individuals, organizations and businesses learn what they can do to reduce emissions.
- Invite as many as possible to participate in the most important effort of our lifetime.
How We Do It
We have built a base of support through community networking, social media outreach, and education sessions. Members take part in local city council meetings, live stream meetings, and speak on important climate developments. Volunteers connect with local schools and non-profit organizations and businesses. Our “Reach Net Zero - 2040” climate pledge has resulted in over 100 signatures. Through its “stubborn optimism,” WLACAC creates opportunities for everyone to learn and act on conserving the environment.
Accomplishments:
1. We helped the City of Montague and the City of Whitehall pass a climate emergency resolution. The resolutions will help the cities plan to reduce carbon in the coming year and adapt and mitigate climate change's impacts.
2. We help with the White Lake Chamber of Commerce Spring Clean Up - 2021, 20223. 3. We participate in the Lakeshore West Michigan Environmental Action Council (WMEAC) climate action network, working with Holland, Grand Haven, and Muskegon climate action groups.
4. We are part of the Solar Up initiative to bring affordable solar to homes.
5. We collaborate with the Dirt Dauber Garden Club to encourage native landscapes and pollinators for the area, including White River Light Station gardens.
6. We collaborate with Michigan Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide social media updates that keep people and pets safe from cyanobacteria blooms in White Lake.
7. We partnered with the City of Montague for the Christmas LED Light Exchange – 2021
8. We helped facilitate the Muskegon Conservation District Rain Barrel workshop.
9. We helped organize a tour of the Macbeth Solar farm in Montague to learn and share facts about the project and its benefits for the White Lake area.
10. We hosted Earth Day Community Art Events - in 2021, 2022
11. We created and staffed the Montague Artisan Market Kids Nature Art station - 2021, 2022
12. We launched a student climate group with Montague NBC middle school in 2022. Area students placed 3rd in the Muskegon County “Cash for Plastics” contest, funding a spring clean-up outing at Duck Lake State Park.
13. We collaborated with White River Township and Montague Township on climate initiatives.
14. We collaborated with the City of Montague on electronic recycling drives in - 2021 and 2022.
15. We supported WMEAC’s Muskegon County Book Read discussions on “The Future We Choose, Surviving the Climate Crisis” - 2021.
16. We transported broken pumpkins and waste apples from PumpkinFest to a local farm to feed livestock in - 2021 and 2022.
17. We participated in Muskegon County Recycle for Cash initiative - 2022.
18. We hosted the Electric Vehicle alley during the Cruz’in classic car parade - in 2022.
19. We partnered with the White Lake Community Library on Climate Conversations.
20. We facilitated the following educational programs:
- Going Solar in Your Home - A homeowner’s account of installing solar on a home in Montague.
- Climate Impacts on Fishing
- Nutrient Loading and Harmful Bacteria in our Lakes
- Rain Barrel Workshop - in partnership with the Muskegon Conservation District
- Microplastics in the Great Lakes
- Your Public Response to the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel
- Biochar Learning - What is Biochar and How to Make It
Your funds will help with basic operational needs, including:
*Basic Office Supplies- printer paper and ink, envelopes, postage, etc.
*Achieving and maintaining nonprofit status – legal help, filing fees, annual report fees.
*Promotional materials – brochures, flyers, banners, signage, net-zero literature.
*Financial - Banking fees and check purchases, software, accounting services.
*Transportation, lodging, and registration expenses for mission-related conferences for staff and WLACAC members.
*Matching funds for grants.
*Appreciation gifts and volunteer incentives.
*Provide civics training to interested residents.
*Salary for full or part-time WLACAC Administrator (Future)
Note, donations are not tax-deductible until we establish a non-profit status.
Your donation will help create a new story for our lakeshore community, allowing us to preserve the beauty and health of the natural environment.
Our goal is to raise $3,000. Thank you for supporting a safe and prosperous future for our community!
Your donation is fully tax deductible to the extent of the law. Per IRS documentation requirement: "No goods or services were provided for this gift. Tax ID 85-3276389"
Organizer
