By Alexis K. Armstrong, Sustainability Coordinator at Ford House

When I stepped into the role of Sustainability Coordinator at Ford House, I knew I was walking into something special—a rare opportunity to help shape what sustainability can look like for historic homes and cultural institutions, not just in Michigan, but across the country.

As a strategist and community leader, I focus on advancing resource conservation, building circular economy strategies, and leading shoreline restoration efforts. These aren’t just technical terms—they’re active steps toward a healthier planet, and I’m proud to see them come to life here at Ford House every single day.

As Co-Founder and Director of Eco Journey Detroit, I’ve spent years advocating for sustainability education and community-driven solutions. Now, at Ford House, I get to put those principles into action in a place where history and innovation meet.

Here’s a look at the work Ford House is doing and how you can join us in making a difference

Visitor Experience: Greening Every Guest Interaction

One of our biggest wins has been transitioning our entire ticketing and visitor policy system to digital—cutting down our paper usage by 85%. In the gift shop, we’ve replaced plastic bags with paper alternatives and made it a priority to support local and minority-owned small businesses. In the kitchen, we minimize food waste by using ingredients across multiple dishes and partner with a food rescue organization to donate what’s left.

We also use compostable products in the kitchen to reduce landfill contributions and avoid single-use plastics.

Try This at Home:

• Choose digital tickets and receipts.

• Use reusable bags when shopping.

• Support local businesses with sustainable practices.

• Plan meals to avoid food waste.

Materials & Culture: Every Action Matters

In our Materials & Culture department, we keep energy-saving protocols top of mind—turning off lights and equipment when not in use, selecting eco-conscious materials, and extending product life through repair and reuse.

These simple shifts add up.

Try This at Home:

• Unplug electronics and turn off lights when not needed.

• Use eco-friendly cleaning products.

• Repair instead of tossing household items.

Preservation: Sustainability with Integrity

Preserving the beauty and history of Ford House doesn’t mean we ignore our environmental responsibilities. We’ve transitioned to digital recordkeeping and prioritize reusing original materials wherever possible, all while staying true to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for historic preservation.

Try This at Home:

• Scan and store important documents digitally.

• Repurpose old materials in creative ways—like turning vintage wood into shelving or décor.

Facilities: Waste Less, Recycle More

We’ve partnered with a local company that recycles paper, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, electronics, and even batteries. These partnerships allow us to keep tons of materials out of landfills while leading by example in sustainable operations.

Try This at Home:

• Set up a home recycling system for paper, plastic, and electronics.

• Take your old electronics to an e-waste facility.

Education: Planting Seeds for the Future

I’m especially proud of the work we’re doing with youth. Through hands-on environmental learning opportunities, we’re helping the next generation see themselves as environmental stewards. When kids understand nature, they care for it. And that’s where change begins.

Try This at Home:

• Let kids help with gardening or composting.

• Talk to them about where food comes from and why recycling matters.

Communications: Sharing the Why

Our Communications team is helping spread the word about everything we’re doing—and why it matters. Sustainability isn’t just about behind-the-scenes work. It’s about bringing people along for the journey, educating and inspiring them to make more conscious choices in their own lives.

Try This at Home:

• Share your own sustainability efforts on social media.

• Talk with neighbors and coworkers about eco-friendly tips and tricks.

Administration: Small Changes, Big Results

Sometimes the biggest shifts come from the smallest places—like our staff breakroom. We’ve moved away from single-use coffee creamers and sugar packets to bulk dispensers, and we’ve swapped disposable tableware for real mugs, plates, and utensils. It’s all about minimizing unnecessary waste wherever we can.

Try This at Home:

• Use reusable containers, cups, and dishes.

• Buy pantry items in bulk to avoid extra packaging.

Landscape: Where Nature Leads

Our Landscape team is truly leading the way with sustainable practices across the estate. We’re restoring the shoreline, composting yard waste, tapping maple trees, and growing native plants and herbs—many of which go right into our kitchen. We’ve installed bioswales, an irrigation system, and a rainwater harvesting setup, and we even mow our lawns with electric equipment.

Try This at Home:

• Plant native species in your yard.

• Collect rainwater to nourish your garden.

• Compost your leaves and grass clippings.

Stewardship in a Historic Space

At Ford House, we’re redefining what it means to be a sustainable museum and historic estate. My role allows me to bridge the legacy of the past with the responsibility of the future—and I’m grateful for that every day.

Sustainability in Michigan isn’t just about protecting land and water—it’s about leading by example. Whether you’re managing a nonprofit, running a household, or working in a historic home like ours, know that small, consistent steps make a real difference.

Let’s keep moving forward—together.

Plan Your Visit to Ford House
Explore Our Sustainability Initiatives
Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan

This winter, we’ll focus on a significant tree care project as we remove several trees impacted by Dutch Elm disease. Dutch Elm is a fungal disease spread by beetles that has devastated elm populations across North America. Infected trees can quickly die off, posing risks to other trees and overall landscape health. With our own elms succumbing to this disease, we have decided to remove the affected trees to prevent further spread and ensure the safety of our grounds.

Timing is important in this process. To minimize soil compaction and disruption to the landscape, we’ll wait until the ground is frozen to begin tree removal. This thoughtful timing helps us protect the surrounding vegetation and maintain the integrity of the grounds. Frozen ground allows us to safely bring in the necessary equipment without causing undue stress on the landscape—a priority for our dedicated Landscape team.

The work doesn’t end with the removal of these trees. In alignment with our commitment to preservation and historical accuracy, we’re taking this opportunity to restore the landscape carefully. For each tree removed, we’ll be planting a new tree in its place, selected specifically to reflect the types of trees that would have originally been on the property. This restoration includes species such as American elms and other varieties historically found at Ford House. We’re not simply planting new trees—we’re restoring the natural beauty that the Fords originally enjoyed, recreating an authentic look and feel for future generations.

This project reflects Ford House’s broader mission of preserving our historic buildings and gardens and the landscape itself. These trees are part of Ford House’s legacy and, like all elements of our historic site, require thoughtful care. By taking proactive measures, we ensure that our landscape remains vibrant, safe, and historically accurate.

We understand that tree removal can be concerning, and we want to be fully transparent with our community. Our goal is to create as little disruption as possible while protecting the health and beauty of our grounds. This work is necessary, but it’s also a vital opportunity to bring renewed life to the estate’s landscape by planting young trees that will flourish for years to come.

When you visit Ford House this winter or in the coming spring, you may notice the new plantings beginning to take root. Over time, these trees will grow to create a lush, thriving canopy that respects the estate’s history while contributing to its future. We appreciate your understanding and support in this important work, as together, we continue to honor the beauty and legacy of Ford House.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Every step we take helps to preserve Ford House’s story and its connection to the natural world, ensuring that its beauty endures for generations to come.