January

None of these need to happen all at once. Though urgent, its not a race. It is a process of noticing your habits, adjusting where it makes sense, and letting small changes compound over time.

Progress often begins with curiosity. One choice can lead to another. One habit can open the door to a deeper understanding of how personal actions connect to larger systems.

Managing the Higher Cost of Energy in Winter Months

Michigan winters demand constant heating. Long stretches of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and short daylight hours all push energy use higher. Many homes in Metro Detroit were built decades ago, before modern efficiency standards, which means heat often escapes through poorly sealed windows, doors, and attics.

Wind makes this worse. Strong winter gusts can force cold air through existing gaps, widen tiny cracks as materials contract in cold weather, and increase pressure differences that pull warm air out of homes. Even houses that feel “fine” most of the year can suddenly become drafty in January.

So, here's some things you can do:

Farmers Markets in the Winter

You can buy locally grown foods all year long.

When winter settles in across Michigan, its easy to assume local food systems pause until spring. In reality, Michigan’s agricultural network continues to operate year-round, mainly because of  innovation, storage, and strong community infrastructure.

Okay, how do they do it?

Michigan farmers use season extension methods to keep food growing even in cold months. One common approach is hoop houses, unheated or minimally heated structures that protect crops from frost and snow. These structures allow farmers to grow cold-tolerant vegetables such as spinach, kale, Swiss chard, salad greens, carrots, beets, and parsnips throughout winter.

Cold temperatures can actually improve the flavor of certain crops, increasing sweetness and texture. Winter produce may look different from summer harvests, but it remains fresh, nutritious, and locally grown.

The Role of Storage Crops

Michigan has long excelled at producing storage crops, which are harvested in late fall and stored for winter distribution. Apples, potatoes, onions, winter squash, and sweet potatoes can be stored for months using modern temperature and humidity controls. These crops provide farmers with off-season income and allow consumers to continue supporting local agriculture beyond peak growing season.

Using Community Resources

Michigan State University Extension supports local food systems across the state. Through education, research, and community programs, MSU Extension promotes year-round food access and provides tools to help residents locate farmers markets and understand seasonal food availability.

Buying local isn't all or nothing. It's more like choosing Michigan-grown options when available, staying connected to regional food systems, and supporting farmers who work year-round to feed their communities.

Local food systems are not seasonal trends. They are living networks that continue through winter, adapting just like the people they serve.

As we move through January and the rest of our year, remember that environmental stewardship isn’t about doing everything perfectly or all at once. It’s about paying attention to how we live, what we support, and how our everyday choices connect us to our communities and environment. This year lets make better choices and be consistent with those choices even in the middle of winter.