Ferndale sustainability commission outlines residential energy, recycling, tree efforts and community outreach

Andrea Papovich, speaking for the Ferndale Environmental Sustainability Commission, summarized the commission’s work in 2025 and its 2026 priorities during a council presentation.

Papovich listed 2025 accomplishments: 137 new residential food-scrap signups (totaling 1,466 registered households), 205,000 pounds of food scraps composted, more than 800 pounds of batteries recycled, 100 trees planted in the year, Michigan Green Community certification (fourth consecutive year) and Tree City USA designation (24th consecutive year). She also described outreach events, home-efficiency workshops, radon test kit distribution and seed packages produced with a past grant.

Looking ahead, the commission plans to develop a draft residential energy-efficiency plan, continue public education and tabling, and review city ordinances including a tree ordinance, potential balloon-release restrictions and a plastic-bag ordinance. Papovich also described a new monthly quadrant-based neighborhood trash pickup and said the commission has two open seats for volunteers.

The presentation was informational; councilmembers asked a clarifying question about who chairs the commission (Papovich said she is currently chair but that the chair rotates). No formal council action was requested at the meeting.