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How shopping at these local businesses can help keep Michigan beautiful

By Lucas Henkel

December 4, 2024

Learn how these Michigan businesses are giving back to our state’s great outdoors through the “These Goods are Good for Michigan” program.

Love Michigan’s landscape? Same. That’s why we’re so excited about “These Goods are Good for Michigan.” 

The deal is that a group of local businesses teamed up with the state’s Department of Natural Resources to donate a portion of all proceeds to help preserve our state’s parks, trails, and waterways. From coffee to apparel, when you purchase from one of these businesses, you’re also giving to the Great Lakes State. 

Great Lakes Proud

Since 2011, Great Lakes Proud has been producing iconic designs to celebrate Michigan’s outdoor landscape. Austin Holsinger—an passionate outdoorsman and adventurer—created the company with a mission to ensure that our state’s Great Lakes were preserved for future generations of Michiganders. 

The Great Lakes Proud x Michigan State Parks Collection celebrates everything Michigan has to offer in terms of outdoor recreation, according to their website. The Morel Hunter Hoodie, for example, features a morel mushroom in the shape of our Mitten State and looks super cozy. 

Run for the Trees Happy Little (Virtual) 5K

Inspired by Bob Ross’ love of the outdoors, Run for the Trees: Happy Little (Virtual) 5K allows Michiganders from all over the state a chance to enjoy the outdoors while raising money for an important cause. All proceeds from the race support tree planting and forest protection efforts in state parks. 

Runners, walkers, and hikers can complete their 5K anywhere outdoors anytime between April 22-26. To learn more about the race and sign-up for the next here.

Expedition Detroit

Detroit is home to a bustling city, but there are plenty of outdoor adventures to be found outside of Detroit’s city limits. Expedition Detroit is helping locals discover the natural beauty by offering a variety of guided trips within several Michigan state parks in the Detroit area. Whether you want to take a nightly stroll at Maybury State Park or hike on one of the most technical trails in southeast Michigan, Expedition Detroit is ready to take you on your next adventure—no matter the season.

Whether you’re out walking in nature, at the gym, or recovering on the couch, Expedition Detroit has plenty to offer on their online shop. They even have their own branded camping ax. (!!) 

M36 Coffee Roasters

Rise and grind with a cup of coffee from M-36 Coffee! The Whitmore Lake-based company offers a line of six coffee blends that are inspired by Michigan’s state parks

If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, check out M-36 Coffee Roasters’ cafe located in the heart of the University of Michigan’s campus. From iced lattes and hot drip coffee to their own signature items from the cafe’s bakery, M-36 has a lot to offer patrons. 

Drunk’n Mosquito

Enjoy the outdoors even longer with eco-friendly bug deterrent sprays and candles from Drunk’n Mosquito. Each product can help repel all sorts of pesky insects—like gnats, ticks, mosquitos, and flies—and is made of chemical-free ingredients and a premium blend of essential oils.

All of the ingredients used in Drunk’n Mosquito products are approved for use by the American Kennel Club, which makes them dog-safe. 

Salmo Java Roasters

Grayling—a colorful freshwater fish and cousin of the salmon—were once abundant in the streams and rivers of Northern Michigan as well as parts of Canada and Alaska. However, overfishing and excessive logging caused the extinction of Grayling in Northern Michigan in 1936. 

Salmo Java Roasters is donating a portion of the proceeds from each bag of their Arctic Grayling Mexican Chiapas coffee to the Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative—an organization dedicated to helping bring the Grayling back to Michigan. This medium-dark roast blend is buttery smooths and features hints of vanilla, dark chocolate, and cranberry.


Michiganology

If you’re not a coffee person but still want to do your part in helping bring the Grayling back to Michigan, consider getting some fine art for your home. Michiganology is offering a number of limited-edition reproduction prints of “The Grayling” by Samuel A. Kilbourne. The painting displays the Grayling laying across a tree root with a stream behind it. Michiganology also offers other Michigan nature-themed accessories, puzzles, prints, apparel, and more.

Motor City Axe

Combining their love for lasting craftsmanship and passion for the outdoors, Motor City Axe creates custom axes and hatchets to withstand the test of time.

The Detroit-based company also sells vintage and refurbished axes, hatchets, hammers, and tools.

Nutcase Vegan

Family-owned and operated in Wyoming, Nutcase Vegan produces organic, whole-food, plant-based products for all Michiganders. The company donates a portion of proceeds from their Snack Sticks—packs of organic, nut-based, shelf-stable jerky—to “These Goods Are Good for Michigan.” 

The sticks are perfect for the Michigander on the go and come in several flavors, like mango habanero and Korean BBQ.

Iron Fish Distillery limited-release Arctic Grayling Rye Whiskey

Located in Thompsonville, Iron Fish Distillery doesn’t just make spirits that taste good—they do good for Michigan’s fish. A portion of proceeds supports research efforts related to the ongoing Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative through the Iron Fish Arctic Grayling Research Fund at the Manistee County Community Foundation.

Notes of oak, caramel, vanilla, black pepper, clove, and honey can be found throughout this farm-distilled rye whiskey inspired by the Arctic Grayling and its return to Michigan rivers. Iron Fish is taking pre-orders for their next round of bottles coming in March 2025.

Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company

Formulated to be low in acidity to ensure a smooth and gentle drinking experience, Deer Camp Coffee’s Camp Series is a great way to start your next adventure 

Among their multiple flavors, Deer Camp’s DOE-NUT Raspberry-flavored coffee is a tribute to the paczki—Michigan’s beloved Polish pastry.

Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association

Formed by a small group of local Ludington residents in 1987, the Sable Points Lighthouse Keepers Association (SPLKA) manages four historic lighthouses on the shore of West Michigan—including the Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Little Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington North Breakwater Lighthouse, and the White River Light Station.

In addition to cards, jewelry, and apparel, SPLKA sells miniature replicas and ornaments of the lighthouses they support on their online store.

Author

  • Lucas Henkel

    Lucas Henkel is a multimedia reporter who strives to inform and inspire local communities. Before joining The 'Gander, Lucas served as a journalist for the Lansing City Pulse.

CATEGORIES: LOCAL BUSINESS

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