For Friday, Nov. 19, 2021

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1 – Midland-based Dow is using recycled plastic bags to create more durable parking lots. 

Dow worked with Meijer on a new paving technique using the equivalent of almost 1 million bags. 

About 12,500 pounds of “recycled polymer modified asphalt” was used to create a parking lot at a Meijer supercenter in Holland, Michigan. 

A Meijer official says it’s the largest in-state project of its kind. 

All of the recycled plastic used for the project was deposited by Meijer customers through the retailer’s in-store plastic film recycling program. 

This year, Meijer expects to recycle 6 million pounds of plastics through the program. 

Dow has worked on similar projects in the Saginaw Bay area and at the University of Missouri. 

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2 – Speaking of recycling plastics, it was America Recycles Day earlier this week. 

Michigan officials took the time to remind people about the basics. 

While it’s possible to find a new use for virtually all plastics, several factors can affect this. 

Most important is to recognize the item’s shape.

Containers such as shampoo bottles, milk jugs and yogurt cups or similar food tubs are the easiest to recycle and in highest demand by recycling centers and U.S. manufacturers.

Michigan’s environmental agency says the bottom line is to ask your local recycling provider what kinds of plastics it accepts and make sure to put only those in your recycling container.

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3 – Winter begins Tuesday, Dec. 21, when the Winter Solstice hits. 

But Pure Michigan has already launched its winter travel campaign. 

Officials are pitching adventures like downhill skiing, fat-tire biking and snowshoeing along with winter getaways in the state. 

About $3 million will be spent on TV, online video, digital ads and social media to promote tourism here.

Spots will air in regional and in-state markets including Flint, Saginaw and Bay City.

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The launch of the Pure Michigan campaign comes just ahead of the opening of many of Michigan’s ski resorts for the year. 

Michigan is home to more than 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, 3,000 miles of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails and is second in the nation for ski areas.

In 2020, winter tourism generated $3.6 billion in Michigan, according to the state’s Economic Development Corp. 

See michigan.org/winter for more information. 

– Mr. Great Lakes is heard Friday mornings in Bay City, Michigan, on Delta College Public Radio 90.1 FM (listen). Follow @jeffkart on Twitter #MrGreatLakes

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