DTE Energy Foundation expands "Greening" programs at Michigan festivals

DETROIT, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The DTE Energy Foundation announced today it will expand its support for its "Greening," or recycling, programs to the GrandJazz Fest in Grand Rapids and Muskegon's Lakeshore Art Festival.

The Foundation already supports recycling programs at the Detroit Jazz Festival and the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.

"Our goal is to reduce the carbon footprint of these festivals by recycling plastic, aluminum cans, glass and other materials," said Faye Nelson, DTE Energy vice president, Public Affairs, and Foundation president. "This effort is one of the many ways in which we partner with a number of environmental organizations and government agencies to preserve, protect and sustain our state's natural resources."

The Foundation will again partner with Kalamazoo-based Schupan & Sons, one of Michigan's largest recycling firms, to expand the impact of the recycling program. Schupan started at the Detroit Jazz Festival last year, where the Foundation has supported the recycling program for six years. The firm this year will handle recycling efforts at the festivals in Detroit, Grand Rapids and Muskegon.

"It is a pleasure to partner with an environmentally responsible organization such as the DTE Energy Foundation," said Marc Schupan, CEO of Schupan & Sons. "We applaud their increased recycling efforts and are excited to expand our part in those efforts. With the need to preserve our natural resources and decrease our carbon footprint, this is a win-win all around."

At the Detroit Jazz Festival, Schupan this year also will include wastewater and cigarette butt recycling, as well as the recycling of organic matter from food vendors. During the last three years, nearly 10 tons of waste has been recycled. Schupan also will recycle organic material at the Lakeshore Art Festival.

About the DTE Energy Foundation

The DTE Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of DTE Energy (NYSE: DTE), continuing the legacy of community support and involvement of its electric and natural gas utilities. http://www.dteenergy.com/foundation.

SOURCE DTE Energy