The upper Mississippi River, which starts at Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota, is in great shape until pollutants flow in from farmland and cities. By the time it reaches Minneapolis, it no longer meets water quality standards for river life and recreation. Results from a new study by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) highlight […]
Go Green
A space for articles pertaining to the benefits of nature, environmental justice, and sustainable energy initiatives, with an emphasis on conservation and money-saving tips.
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The “Myth of the Climate Change 97%”
Skeptics dispute number of scientists who believe humans cause global warming The so-called “Myth of the Climate Change 97%” refers to the argument made by climate skeptics who dispute the notion that 97 percent of climate scientists have achieved consensus that global warming is occurring and is caused by human activities. Oklahoma Republican Senator James […]
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Take Action MN organizes to combat issues causing pollution
On January 12, Take Action Minnesota, a group “working to realize racial and economic equity across Minnesota,” according to their website, hosted an event to discuss climate change in Minnesota and to educate the public about some of the issues regarding pollution around the state. The event started out with a meet and greet followed […]
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Applications open for Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program
Program has supported over 1,000 solar projects in past three years SAINT PAUL – Applications for the fourth year of the Made in Minnesota Solar Incentive Program were open as of January 1, 2017, and will end at 4:30 pm CST on February 28, 2017. Administered by the Minnesota Commerce Department, the program helps fund […]
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Federal environmental policies we expect to see from Donald Trump
Like many Americans, environmental advocates are alarmed at the results of the 2016 election. What worries them most is Trump’s call for reneging on the landmark Paris climate accord, which secured commitments from the world’s largest polluters to scale back emissions. The agreement just went into force and the U.S. is committed to it for […]
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Give an energy-efficient holiday gift that keeps on giving
This holiday season you can give a gift that keeps on giving for years to come with energy cost savings. All it takes is selecting appliances, electronics or lighting that carry the Energy Star label, a symbol that guarantees your gift meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An […]
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Bias hinders diversity in hiring for environmental organizations
Diversity at the leadership level in the environmental sector remains low despite a high proportion of well-educated and qualified people of color in the United States, according to a report recently released. The problem: systemic bias in the hiring process, but also environmental organizations’ unwillingness to mandate diversity when using a search firm. Diversity Derailed: […]
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Save energy and money
’tis the season to brighten your holidays with LED lights Are you still stringing the same old incandescent decorative lights for the holidays? The Minnesota Commerce Department advises that you can save money this year and for many holiday seasons to come by replacing outdated, energy-hogging lights with high-efficiency, long-lasting light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs. When […]
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Ideas for greener holidays
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, residential waste increases by more than 25 percent. But the holidays don’t have to be a time to waste; they can be a time to give back to our environment and community instead. Reducing waste around the holiday season can be fun and easy. The gifts we give, how […]
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Why switching to LED bulbs makes a difference
It may seem like a small detail, but the way you light your home can have a big impact on the environment and your energy bills. Indeed, widespread use of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States, according to government findings. Add it up Using at […]
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The time is now to support ReUSE Minnesota
Reduce, reuse, recycle: you know, that phrase that’s been ingrained into your mind since elementary school. Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t forget the holy trifecta of the 3 R’s. What if I told you that one of these options is a little overrated? It’s not reducing, because most of us can make do […]
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Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s first Environmental Justice Advisory Group
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner (MPCA) John Linc Stine, with the assistance of a selection committee, has invited 16 individuals from around Minnesota to advise the MPCA on matters related to environmental justice. The group will provide input and recommendations about ways to incorporate the principles of environmental justice into the agency’s work. Along with […]
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Protesters rally against pipeline and its catastrophic potential
Hundreds gathered to rally support from the Minneapolis City Council on Wednesday, August 31. Demonstrators pushed the Minneapolis City Council to stand against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which would run from the Bakken Oil Field in North Dakota, along the Minnesota/Iowa border, to Patoka, Illinois, which is around 1200 miles. Across the country, cities including […]
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Taking care of our trees
The emerald ash borer and options for managing ash trees Trees are important in our community as they provide numerous benefits. Trees improve our air and water, improve our health, reduce urban heat, provide wildlife habitat, save energy, and increase property values. The biggest current threat to our tree canopy is the emerald ash borer, […]
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Clean power celebrates its first anniversary
Minnesota’s Clean Power Plan is now a year old. Activists, elected officials and others recently celebrated the anniversary at the Minneapolis Urban League’s Northside headquarters. The plan was first announced in August 2015 by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the first national effort to reduce carbon pollution from existing power plants. Minnesota Pollution Control […]
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Clean water education grants available
Project pre-proposals due September 14 Have a creative idea for teaching people about keeping our lakes, streams and wetlands clean? Apply for a grant from the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District (MCWD). The MCWD is now accepting proposals for grants of up to $15,000 from the Cynthia Krieg Watershed Stewardship Fund. The grants assist local community […]
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It’s time to rethink your recycling routine
Do you recycle everywhere you can at home? It may be time to refresh your laundry room, revamp your bathroom or rethink your home office by adding a bin, bag or basket to collect recycling. About half of home recyclables never make it to the recycling bin. We do well recycling kitchen items, but our […]
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Blacks currently lag in clean energy jobs boom
Green energy leaders say economic policies need to ensure racial diversity Clean energy jobs are growing in every Midwestern state, including Minnesota, according to a new report. “Clean Jobs America,” a report released in March by Environmental Entrepreneurs, a national non-partisan advocacy group, states that clean energy jobs are growing at about 4.4 percent annually […]
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African Americans discuss a lack of diversity in nature
Last of a three-part series Educators and others who work in areas that “advance the children and nature movement” talked about the importance of understanding equity and inclusion in nature, to a full room of attendees at the Children and Nature Network Conference that occurred during May of this year in St. Paul. It was […]
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Give back to nature with organics recycling
About 30 percent of what we throw away is organic waste, which includes food scraps and food-soiled paper products. Organics recycling is an easy way to reduce waste and create a valuable resource that improves soil, reduces soil erosion and decreases the need for chemical fertilizers. Organics recycling programs involve collecting fruits, vegetables, meat, bread, […]