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The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is hosting a Great Lakes Microplastics Summit to share research findings and raise public awareness.

First, experts from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy spoke to the importance of the newly declared "Microplastics Awareness Week." Then, a Michigan-born recipe developer and cook discussed her new book, Lebanese Baking, a more-than 100 recipe tribute to the flavors and techniques of Lebanon.

The week includes events in which the public can learn about microplastics, participate in cleanups and discover practical solutions to reduce plastic waste at home.

The previous House budget would have cut Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy by 19%, while the adopted budget reduces the agency’s funding by 7%.

This year Michigan began testing rivers and streams across the state for microplastics. The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has $2 million for the four-year project.

The now-canceled Solar for All program planned to invest in things like rooftop and community solar projects, energy storage and workforce development.

A coalition of environmental groups says it plans to sue the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) if it doesn’t move to set stricter ozone regulations in southeast Michigan.

Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy wants to create a septic system database. Michigan is the only state without a statewide septic system code.

The program is meant to help income-qualifying households cut back on energy costs and protect the environment.

There’s an in-person training session in Muskegon on April 25 and 26, and a virtual session on April 30.