Michigan ends state park fees

The Detroit Free Press reports on the new Michigan bill that ends state park fees to be replaced by a $10 car registration surcharge.

Motorists would pay the extra fee instead of paying $24 for an annual state park sticker or $6 for a daily permit. Also, boaters no longer would pay fees at 838 access sites.

Park officials could check license plates to see whether motorists paid the fee; violators could be fined up to $100.

Out-of-state residents would continue to pay $29 for an annual permit and $8 for a daily pass.

Read the full story: Senate passes bill to end park fees, add surcharge

Photo montage by Michigan Department of Natural Resources website

Cars made with recycled plastic

The Detroit Free Press reports that car manufacturers are using recycled plastic to help offset rising costs:

"The savings range from a few cents per pound to half the price of new plastic, which accounts for one-third to one-half of the price of many components."

The recycled plastic is mixed with new material to be made into parts such as bumpers, mud guards, or dashboards.

Auto parts can't be made from 100 percent recycled plastic because they won't be strong enough to withstand impact; bumpers for example usually contain 20 percent recycled plastic.

Recycling plastic is also becoming a growing industry. Scott Melton, president of Flint, Michigan recycling plant ACI Plastics, "expects the company's $17 million in sales to grow 20% next year."

Read the full story: To help cut costs, auto industry gives plastics a second life

Tours with preserving the environment in mind

The Houston Chronicle published a Detroit Free Press story on how to choose environmentally responsible tour companies. They also list five tour companies that "aim to provide tours that gently help preserve what tourists go to see in the first place."

It is noted that four of the companies were recommended by Conde Nast Traveler, so luxury is also most likely included. Although Ecotravel News is skeptical that luxury can go along with eco...

Read the full story: Tour companies become more socially responsible, ecofriendly