What is your Connection?
You know the beauty and sacredness of the Straits of Mackinac if

• you have crossed the Mackinac Bridge,
• stood on the shores either north or south,
• witnessed the counting of raptor birds,
• attended the “Water is Life”  festival by Council of Three Fires on Labor Day weekend,
• know that a high risk of devastation violates the Treaty of 1836 by 5 Indigenous Tribes,
• know that 40 million people drink this water,
• fished, boated or observed the beautiful nature of these waters,
• you have dipped your body into these waters,
• you understand the sacredness of fresh water…because Water is Life, then

you know the danger of an aging pipeline (engineered for 50 years) can impact 20% of the world’s and 95% of U.S. fresh surface water. It travels for 645 miles over 400 inland bodies of water. Pipeline 5 carries 23.5 million gallons of light crude oil, light synthetic crude, and natural gas liquids (NGL) every day to refineries in Sarnia, Canada, with 5-10% going to Michigan. Basically, Pipeline 5 is a shortcut for Canada to get their oil to their refineries for large oil companies to sell and export.

My favorite websites for getting accurate information about Pipeline 5 include  Oil and Water Don’t Mix and FLOW (For Love of Water). You will see different sets of “facts” between the reports of Enbridge Pipeline Company versus those of advocates against the Pipeline 5 and the building of the tunnel. Building the tunnel is a huge question right now, with environmental risks. Always question the intent of the source.

Lately, many ads have been sponsored by oil companies and unions about the jobs and benefits that the “tunnel” will supply. These are short term jobs, and many will be filled by out-of-state workers. An alternative would be jobs building solar arrays, geothermal systems, and wind energy all around the state. These jobs would be ongoing and pay well and be located near every hometown in Michigan. There are alternatives, always.
 
The big picture is that “climate change threatens to destroy the ability of humans to live on Earth.”  Let this sink in, and then decide long-term what is more important – fossil fuels threatening our Great Lakes or reaching out for alternatives.  Make a “connection” that inspires you to take an action!!!

Why buy and eat locally? It is better for our health, our environment, aids the local economy, and creates community and connection. The GreenTree Co-op increased their working staff by 40% with their recent move. Some might say that prices are high, and with inflation rearing it’s ugly head, we have choices. How many
folks in the United States who live in urban households are willing to pay more for local food? 95%.
Statistics say that approximately 38% are willing to pay up to 5% more for local food. Globally people in the United States spend 6.4% of their family income on food - the very least in the whole world according the stats from the World Economic Forum. Where we spend our money is important. Cooperatives give back to the buyer and the community. Check out the 7 Cooperative Principles and be delighted that we have this choice. How exciting to improve and expand the Green Tree Cooperative Market in Mt. Pleasant, and see the profits go back into our community.​