MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - On Feb. 4, the Meridian Township Environmental Commission heard a Green Themes Presentation from Julie Powers, Director of the Greater Lansing Housing Coalition. She proposed the idea that housing design can have direct impact on the environment.

"Did you know a really badly designed houses can cause a lot of really negative side effects for a community?" asked Powers. "It can cause acid rain, climate change, ozone depletion, air pollution, rain forest depletion. It can reduce biodiversity."

In contrast, right housing planning can be environmental friendly and benefit future generations, said Powers.

In the particular case of Meridian Township, she suggests developing more dense communities which can save space and make full use of transportation system and amenities. Thus she hopes to see more diverse houses in the Township.

In the end, Julie Powers reminded the Environmental Commission to think in advance while planning. For example, building houses around future bus transits, and avoid constructing any more residential places near the red cedar river, as it has high chance of flooding.