Green Living Science Recognized as Michigan Sustainable Business Forum’s Community Organization of the Year

The Forum recognized the Detroit non-profit as a Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum named Green Living Science as its inaugural Community Organization of the Year at its 12th Annual Triple Bottom Line Bash in November at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids. The Community Organization category recognizes a Michigan-based nonprofit organization that is working to advance sustainability in its community through its services, or by demonstrating leadership in its operations.  It is part of the Forum’s Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year awards program.

Green Living Science is leading the way in building a circular economy for Detroit by combining community education, increased recycling access, and citywide strategies to reduce waste.

It has helped more than 80,000 households gain access to curbside recycling since 2014, empowering residents to keep materials out of landfills. Each year, more than 18,000 students and teachers learn the science of reduce, reuse, and recycle through interactive lessons and hands-on programs that inspire lifelong sustainable habits.

Working with the City of Detroit, Green Living Science has shaped the city’s Waste Diversion Strategy, providing a roadmap for stronger reuse, recycling, and composting systems. 

“It’s truly an honor and a privilege to receive this recognition from the Michigan Sustainable Business Forum. This recognition reflects our deep commitment to serving the Detroit community and increasing access to recycling. We are dedicated to building a more sustainable future alongside the people and partners who make this city so special.”, said Natalie Jakub, Executive Director of Green Living Science.

The signature event of the state’s sustainability community, this year’s Triple Bottom Line Bash hosted more than 350 professionals, supporters and their families to recognize businesses, institutions and professionals from around the state.  This was the first year for the Michigan Sustainable Business of the Year Awards program, which had previously been organized as a regional event focused on western Michigan. Award winners and finalists were nominated by Forum members and selected by a committee of their peers.  

Finalists in the Community Organization category included Green Living Science, Hidden Harvest, and Metro Food Rescue.

“This year’s honorees are among the state’s most impactful circular economy initiatives, leading food recovery efforts in the Great Lakes Bay region and Metro Detroit respectively, working to address food insecurity and distribute product through their networks locally and statewide,” said Daniel Schoonmaker, Executive Director of Michigan Sustainable Business Forum.  “All wonderful initiatives, but In Green Living Science, we have the organization that made recycling possible in Detroit. Its educational programs and tactical interventions are changing the state for the better.”