Ronald McDonald House Charities are calling for all Ronald McDonald Houses to initiate energy saving changes to their facilities. The Ronald McDonald House of Western Michigan is responding to the recommendation with a plan to focus on sustainability and the goal of "going green".
Beginning early this year, the RMH of Western Michigan Board of Directors voted to change of all of the incandescent lighting to more energy efficient compact fluorescents. These new light bulbs will save the organization money and essentially pay for themselves in about 18 months.
The House recently completed the renovation of five of our guest rooms with green materials. The bathrooms feature low flow showerheads and toilets, as well as compact fluorescent lighting. The rooms have carpet and furniture that are environmentally friendly.
We're seeing big change outside the House as well. With the donation of nine trees from the Association of Grand Rapids Landscape Professionals, our grounds are literally greener. AGRLP chose the Ronald McDonald House as its charity partner for its annual Arbor Day Planting. The trees included three Accolade Elms, three Prairie Fire Crab Trees and three Rose Glow Crab Trees.
In the coming weeks, we will break ground on a new backyard play area for the children staying at the House. This project, funded by community donors including Harold Brander, Sr. and the Mary Free Bed Fund, is being directed by a group of West Michigan businesses, including Owens Ames Kimball Construction, Belden Brick, Sinclair Recreation, Christopher Metal Fabrication, Kappes Landscapes, DJs Landscape Management and Twin Lakes Nursery. ??Designed by local landscape architects Matt Heidloff and Chris Markham, the new playscape will be handicap accessible, include new play equipment for our children, and provide a healing garden and sitting area for the parents and families staying at the House.
For more information on how you can get involved with or donate to these projects, contact Joe Dulin, Director of Development, at 616-258-5736 or [email protected].