Ann Arbor Sustainability Resources
Thank you for your interest in living sustainably in Ann Arbor. Below are sustainability and resident resources for tenants of 1012 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor that provide specific information on ways you can lower your footprint and advance local sustainability.
01 — SUSTAINABILITY SESSION
Take the Renter Sustainability Session
Ann Arbor offers a free Renter Sustainability Session that covers easy, high-impact actions you can take right where you live. We ask all Bell Tree tenants to attend or watch the recording within 60 days of move-in.
Why?
Ann Arbor is working toward carbon neutrality by 2030. Two-thirds of the city's emissions come from energy use in buildings, and 55% of the housing stock is rental — so renters like you have a real role to play.
How to attend
• Watch the on-demand recording at a2gov.org (link below)
• Attend a live session — schedule listed at the link below
• Send an email to belltree@lowertown.group letting us know if it was a good one (the city would like feedback)
02 — ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Three things you can do today to save energy
These hit the biggest categories of home energy use. Each can shave 3–10% off your bill.
1. Set your thermostat thoughtfully
Summer: 78°F (or as warm as comfortable). Winter: 68°F (or as cool as comfortable). Each degree adjustment can save up to 3% on your annual energy bill. Turn it down even more when you leave for the day.
2. Wash clothes in cold water, dry on low
Heating water uses ~90% of a wash cycle's energy. Cold water cleans almost as well for most loads. Bonus: clothes last longer.
3. Unplug devices when not in use
Phone chargers, TVs, laptops, and gaming consoles draw "phantom power" even when off. Smart power strips automate this and can save 5–10% on your bill.
Operating the systems in your unit
HVAC (heating + cooling): set a steady temperature rather than constantly adjusting. Big swings actually use MORE energy than holding steady. If you're chronically uncomfortable, contact us — we can call Koch & White (our HVAC vendor) for a service check.
Water heater: most units have an electric water heater set to ~120°F by default. Don't crank above 130°F (scalding risk + wasted energy).
Range hood: use the range hood when cooking — it ducts to outdoors and prevents moisture buildup that reduces heating efficiency.
Lighting: all Bell Tree-supplied light fixtures are LED. If a bulb burns out, replace with another LED — incandescents waste energy and die quickly.
Want to go deeper?
Schedule a free home energy assessment from the Ann Arbor Home Energy Advisor — they'll come to your unit and identify specific improvements. If you find air leaks around windows or doors, let us know — we can address them and may qualify for the Washtenaw County free weatherization program.
03 — LOCAL FOOD
Eat local in Ann Arbor
Producing, processing, packaging, and transporting food has a big climate impact. Local food is fresher, often grown more sustainably, and supports our community's food security.
Where to find local, sustainable food
Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Kerrytown)
315 Detroit St. · Open year-round · ~125 Michigan vendors. Fresh produce, prepared foods, artisan items.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Subscribe directly to a local farm and get regular boxes of fresh seasonal produce. Many farms near Ann Arbor offer CSA programs at various price points.
Double Up Food Bucks
If you use a Bridge Card (SNAP), Double Up Food Bucks doubles your spending power on Michigan-grown fruits and vegetables.
Argus Farm Stop
Year-round, sources from 200+ Michigan farms. Two locations: 1226 Packard St. and 325 W. Liberty St.
People's Food Co-op
Member-owned grocery focused on local + organic. 216 N. Fourth Ave.
Reduce food waste
40% of food in the U.S. goes uneaten. Small changes save money and protect the planet:
Buy only what you need — meal plan, make a list, stick to it
Store food properly — first in, first out; use clear containers; learn fridge zones
Love your leftovers — plan a weekly leftovers night
Freeze what you can't finish — small portions for easy reheating
Date labels are guidelines, not deadlines — "Sell By", "Best Before", and "Use By" mostly indicate quality, not safety. Trust your senses (look, smell, taste). Exception: infant formula.
04 — WASTE & RECYCLING
What goes where
Ann Arbor accepts certain items in recycling; everything else is trash or needs to be taken to a drop-off facility.
Recycling (Recycle Ann Arbor)
YES: metal cans, plastic bottles & tubs, glass jars, aseptic containers (Tetra Paks), mixed paper, cardboard & boxboard. Items must be clean, dry, and empty. Screw caps onto plastic; remove caps from glass; flatten cardboard.
NO: plastic bags & film, cups, Styrofoam™, batteries, electronics, glass dishes/ceramics, textiles, syringes, lightbulbs, automotive items, liquids, food waste.
Where to take what doesn't go in our dumpsters
Furniture & appliances → Recycle Ann Arbor Drop-Off Station or Recovery Yard
Electronics (TVs, monitors, computers) → Drop-Off Station or select retail stores
Construction debris (concrete, brick, lumber) → Recovery Yard
Hazardous waste (paint, motor oil, cleaners, pesticides) → Washtenaw County Home Toxics Center
Lithium / lithium-ion batteries → Drop-Off Station or Home Toxics Center
Logs, branches, large yard waste → Composting Facility
Drop-off locations
Recycle Ann Arbor Drop-Off Station — 2950 E. Ellsworth Rd. — (734) 971-7400
Recycle Ann Arbor Recovery Yard — 7891 Jackson Rd. — (734) 426-2280
Washtenaw County Home Toxics Center — 705 N. Zeeb Rd. — (734) 222-3950
WeCare Denali Composting Facility — 4150 Platt Rd. — (734) 477-0334
05 — SEVERE WEATHER ALERTS
Sign up for emergency alerts
Ann Arbor uses two systems to notify you of severe weather and public safety emergencies. Make sure you're set up for both.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA)
Automatic and nationwide — no signup needed. Pushed to your phone based on location. Used for tornado warnings, AMBER alerts, and other critical messages.
Everbridge (Ann Arbor local alerts)
Ann Arbor's local alert system for severe weather, public safety, and city emergencies. We strongly recommend signing up — it's how you'll hear about thunderstorms, winter weather, tornado watches/warnings, and any local emergencies that affect 1012 Pontiac Trail.
Need to reach us?
Questions about anything in this guide: belltree@lowertown.group
Maintenance request: submit through your Innago tenant portal
Emergency (active leak, fire, no heat in winter): call Hubert Raglan immediately — (917) 620-6282 — and 911 if appropriate.
Bell Tree is part of Ann Arbor's Green Rental Housing program. Information adapted from the Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations Renter Engagement Toolkit. Last reviewed 2026-04-27.