Community Resources
There are many sustainable options across the Michiana area, our favorites are highlighted below.
South Bend Division of Sustainability
The city of South Bend Office of Sustainability seeks to make a positive impact on energy consumption and usage throughout South Bend and focuses on several key components including: Renewable Energy, Building Efficiency, Transportation Efficiency and Innovation, Municipal Regulation, Recycling, and Waste Management.
The Center for a Sustainable Futureat IU South Bend
The Center for a Sustainable Future is taking the lead role in further turning IU South Bend into the ideal green campus: one that has turned itself into a learning organization in which every person on campus understands the basic principles of sustainability and are putting them into practice one step at a time.
Community Recycling Information
Need to recycle something and you aren’t sure how or where to do it? What you can recycle at home can vary from what is recycled on campus. These links provide information on many of the most troublesome recyclables and where you can take them.
Specialty Recycling Drop-Off: Tri-Power Recycling
Circular Indiana — Find out more information about recycling in Indiana
South Bend Farmers’ Market
Established in 1924, this South Bend staple offers up some of the best produce in the area. This market setup allows you to develop a personal connection with each family-owned or small-scale business.
Purple Porch Co-op
The Purple Porch Co-op is a member-owned cooperative enterprise in South Bend that is committed to growing a local, sustainable economy through the purchase of locally produced foods. They aim to connect people in Michiana who want to buy local, organic and/or fair trade food with local growers who produce that food.
Unity Gardens
With over 55 gardens of all shapes and sizes, Unity Gardens helps to feed our community by offering free gardening classes to teach the community members how to grow their own food. They also offer free cooking and preserving classes to show how to cook healthy and save your harvest.
Niles Community Gardens
The Niles Community Gardens provides earth-friendly garden space to educate, helping people in Niles produce their own vegetables and fruits while learning how to exist more sustainably in Southwest Michigan.
Food Bank of Northern Indiana
Since 1993, the Food Bank of Northern Indiana has been feeding the hungry in the six counties it serves. Today, the Food Bank actively partners with local and national manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, food growers, packers, and brokers to procure food.
Organic Resources
While self-loaded materials are free, larger amounts require a small fee.