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Green pricing, wind energy, and more. Easy ways to green up your electricity.
July 21, 2010 5:22pm CST
 Want to make the electricity you use in your home or business greener?
Find out if your utility company offers a green electricity program
(sometimes called green pricing), a plan that lets you use electricity
from renewable sources like wind and solar. |
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Creative uses for phone books: Shot-puts, booster seats, mulch, and more
July 8, 2010 5:51pm CST
 What sorts of things can you do with those phone books piling up on your porch? The ones you never wanted in the first place? One local blogger has a few answers. And until an opt-in alternative becomes a reality, a rising crop of phone book artists from all over are providing unique tips on turning waste into useful objects--and shot puts. |
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Winds of change: U of M's Morris campus aims to be energy self-sufficient by end of year
July 7, 2010 2:20pm CST
 The University of Minnesota Morris campus has always been a green trendsetter: Since 2000, the campus has been a national leader in clean energy and sustainable food initiatives. Now, with the upcoming installation of additional wind turbines, the Minnesota campus aims to set the standards for energy efficiency. |
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All things green: A guide to understanding recycling, tax rebates, home-energy audits and more
July 7, 2010 1:15 CST
 Not sure if you can recycle that cereal box? (Hint: You can.) Don't
know where you can recycle batteries? What about that fridge? Never fear. We offer you an easy guide to
finding recycling info, disposal drop-off sites, tax incentives,
energy-saving resources, and more. |
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5 cool facts about the St. Paul fire station’s new green roof
June 25, 2010 2:05pm CST
 For the St. Paul Fire Department’s newest station
at W. 7th St and Randolph, the folks at city hall decided to get
serious about eco-friendly design. And the bossest feature of the place
is its multilevel showpiece 2-level 8,000 square foot green roof. Here
are some of the reasons other municipal buildings will be acting jealous
of the new green firehouse: |
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Crop mobs take root in the Twin Cities
June 21, 2010 1:05pm CST
 They descend on farms. Some of them carry pitchforks. Others wear gloves. They're called crop mobs, and in the Twin Cities it's becoming a growing movement as folks want to develop a larger relationship with their food, farmer, and community. |
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How to care for and feed your local watershed
June 17, 2010 1:02pm CST
 What exactly is a watershed? And how can you take care of it? A watershed is an area of land where all of the water--from rain, streams, creeks--passes through before winding up in our rivers, lakes, and streams. Think of it like your newest pet--or newest pet project. The lakes and rivers will thank you. |
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Five cool ideas Minneapolis could borrow from the most eco-friendly cities in the world
June 2, 2010 11:44pm CST
 Minneapolis is the sixth most eco-friendly city in the world, according
to London-based company Mercer, which compiles annual Quality of Living
and Eco-City rankings. But five cities stand between us and the summit. Here are five cool
ideas we could borrow from our competitors to make it to the top in
2011. |
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Guide to recycling in the Twin Cities
June 1, 2010 9:44pm CST
 Can all junk mail be recycled? What about those glossy brochures that come in the mail? Or the envelopes with plastic windows? Or all those cereal boxes? What about boxes from frozen food? LiveGreenTwinCities answers reader questions. |
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Easy tips for greening your summer get-togethers
May 20, 2010 1:22 pm CST
 Summer is finally here, and that means picnics, parks, celebrations, and long days in the sun are on order. So how do you do it green? LiveGreenTwinCities provides your essential guide to greening your summer gatherings. |
Top 10 tips for saving water this summer
 As much as 40
percent of our water use in the spring and summer goes toward our lawns
and gardens. Drastically reducing
the number of times you water your garden and lawn--or not using
municipal water at all to do it--could save thousands of gallons of
water a year, reduce CO2 emissions, and save you as much as 40 percent
on your summertime water bill. |
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Deepwater Horizon oil gush: "At least 75 more days."
May 13, 2010 1:46pm CST
 Today's news about the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil gush isn't good. BP says it is going to take at least 75 days to complete relief wells intended to shut down the flow. By then, officials estimate, the slick will be more than twice the size of the
Exxon Valdez oil spill. |
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May's not-to-be-missed green events
May 13, 2010 3:39pm CST
 It's shaping up to be a cold, damp May in the Twin
Cities, but the wetter, the greener, right? From book clubs to happy hours to workshops to lectures that serve beer, here are a list of Twin Cities green events sure to keep you busy until the sun comes out again. |
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Tracking the Gulf Coast oil spill: 4.2 million gallons so far
May 10, 2010 1:50pm CST
 Since the oil rig erupted in the Gulf on April 20, an estimated 4.2
million gallons of oil have polluted the Gulf waters, threatening
wildlife refuges, the coast, and the southeast economy. The New York
Times provides a daily tracker of the BP oil spill, an estimate provided
by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. |
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Give mom the gift of green
May 6, 2010 10:48am
 Still stumped on what to get mom this year? From a sustainable brunch to all-natural manicures to locally grown roses and nature walks, we offer up some great, green last-minute gift ideas for Mother's Day that will keep mom and Mother Earth happy all year long. |
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Do it Green! Resource Center opens in Midtown Global Market
April 29, 2010 3:35pm CST
 Where can you go to get the deets on real ways to make your lifestyle more Earth-friendly? The new Do It Green! Resource Center in the Midtown Global Market is a place for people dedicated to sustainable living to exchange information, ideas, and products. |
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Plant a tree. Plant a seed. Hug a tree. It's okay. It's Arbor Day.
April 26, 2010 1:49pm CST
 Arbor Day is April 30th, but the little day has sprouted from a mere seedling into a celebration
lasting all through May. Called "From Small Seeds Grow BIG Dreams, " the month-long celebration encourages
planting, growing, and plenty of family-friendly, nature-loving fun and
education all month long. |
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Seasonally challenged: A guide to eating seasonal foods in Minnesota
April 23, 2010 12:04pm CST
 In seasonally-challenged Minnesota, it's hard to know what foods are fresh and
in season. After all, ripe and ready tomatoes gather on store shelves
even when the entire state is covered in a thick enamel of permafrost. But eating local
and in-season foods not only tastes better; it's better for your health and the environment. |
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Earth Day idea: Sign up for the Minnesota Energy Challenge and save energy all year long
April 22, 2010 12:02pm CST
 The Twin Cities are offering up plenty of ways to celebrate Earth Day:
River clean-up events; sales; free coffee at Common Roots. But if you're looking to make an impact every day, the Minnesota Energy Challenge offers a fun and easy way to give
nature a nod today and save money and energy all
year long. |
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Earth Day 2010: 9 ways to celebrate Earth Day in the Twin Cities all week long
April 14, 2010 3:22pm CST
 Earth Day is approaching, and what started out as a single day of environmental awareness 40 years ago has blossomed into a week-long series of eco-consciousness-raising events. The Twin Cities offers plenty of ways to celebrate Spaceship Earth while preparing her for a beautiful spring. Here are some suggestions for Earth Day-related fun. |
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Living Green Expo returns to the State Fairgrounds on May 1 and 2
April 12, 2010 4:05pm CST
 After getting canceled late last year, the Living Green Expo is back on, thanks to its many fans and supporters. The free event is now sponsored by the Minnesota Environmental Partnership, a coalition of more than 80 environmental and conservation organizations who have come together to bring back the beloved, eco-minded weekend event. |
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Target Field takes home title of greenest ballpark
April 9, 2010 2:08pm CST
 The excitement over Target Field has reached what we like to call a "fevered pitch," because we really like bad jokes. And now that the new Twins ballpark has received LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, green-living enthusiasts have plenty of reasons to cheer, too. |
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Spring clean-up: Doing your doodie for the environment
April 2, 2010 12:30pm CST
 Spring has sprung, which means the leaves are getting ready for their
big coming out party. But for many dog owners, an unmistakable sign of
spring is the sight of freshly thawed dog doo. Never fear! We show you eco-friendly ways to clean up after your four-legged friend. |
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Minnesota Twins add local flavor to Target Field
March 24, 2010 10:44pm CST
 The Minnesota Twins are bolstering their hometown credentials and giving a big boost to the local economy as they settle into their new home at Target Field.
From the ground up, the team is eager to use its new stadium to
demonstrate its Minnesota connections. |
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Twin Cities rank 11th in the nation for Energy Star buildings
March 24, 2010 10:44pm CST
 The Environmental Protection Agency has released its list of top 25 metro areas with the largest number of energy-efficient buildings earning the EPA's Energy Star rating in 2009. The Twin Cities landed at No. 11 on the list, a slight fall from its spot at No. 8 in 2008. |
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Got spring fever? Start a sustainable garden now
March 22, 2010, 9:10pm CST
 Forget waiting till June to get your hands dirty. Following these easy steps now will ensure you'll have a healthy, sustainable garden that produces plenty of food and flowers all season long. |
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1,000 gallons of water a day? Get to know your water footprint
March 22, 2010 9:12pm CST
 World Water Day is March 22, but we here at LiveGreenTwinCities are
declaring March World Water Month. And why not? All of us could learn a thing
or two about conserving water. And thanks to a handy-dandy web site, H20Conserve, we can estimate how much water we use every day and learn easy ways to conserve it. |
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Going green and saving green: Five easy ways to save money and the environment
March 21, 2010 11:01pm CST
 It's no secret that everyone's budget is getting squeezed tighter than, say, a ShamWow these days. Yet when it comes to going green, you can easily live a Honda-hybrid lifestyle on a bus-fare budget. |
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Nominate a Green Star
March 18, 2010 12:01am CST
 Know someone in Minnesota who is dedicating their days to creating a healthier planet? LiveGreenTwinCities wants to hear their story. From creating an urban farm to fighting against phone book waste to starting eco-friendly companies and grassroots campaigns, we want to hear about local folks taking green mainstream. |
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Fifth Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Conference to be held on March 13
March 1, 2010 11:51am CST
 Minneapolis has announced its agenda for its Fifth
Annual Neighborhood Sustainability Conference, where neighbors can
gather for an all-day event focused on sustainable issues and
grassroots projects like neighborhood energy conservation, rain
gardens, composting, community gardening, and more. |
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Crop mobs let wannabe farmers get their hands dirty
February 26, 2010 1:24pm CST
 Always dreamed of working on a farm but little things like not actually
having the land and super-long hours get in the way? A Crop Mob might
be the answer to your prayers. Crop Mobs, which first sprang up in North Carolina, are groups of
organic farm- and food-loving folks who gather once a month or so to
help out on an area farm, assisting in weeding, composting, harvesting,
and good-old fashioned hard work. |
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Plastic garbage patches invade the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
February 24, 2010 11:44pm CST
 The Great Garbage Patch covers an area of the Pacific Ocean as big as Texas. It's hundreds if not thousands of miles long. And more than 80 percent of it is plastic. And all of it is toxic. Now it's revealed that the Atlantic is filled with its own chemical-sludge island. So what happens next? |
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Asian carp invasion: What does it mean for Minnesota waters?
February 9, 2010 9:44pm CST
 They can weigh up to 100 lbs. They eat everything in their wake. They can leap right into boats. And in Minnesota, the Department of Natural Resources is working hard to keep them out of Lake Superior. |
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5 cool facts about the St. Paul fire station’s new green roof
For the St. Paul Fire Department’s newest station
at W. 7th St and Randolph, the folks at city hall decided to get
serious about eco-friendly design. And the bossest feature of the place
is its multilevel showpiece 2-level 8,000 square foot green roof. Here
are some of the reasons other municipal buildings will be acting jealous
of the new green firehouse:
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Tax time? How to claim your energy tax credit
January 25, 2010 1:48pm CST
 Though tax season doesn't officially "start" till March, W2s and other
forms are starting to pile up in mailboxes. The Department of Energy
provides an easy way for homeowners to start preparing their files and
receive the tax credits for energy efficiency they deserve.
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Minnesota to get an additional $12 million for green-jobs training
January 20, 2009 10:18am
 The U.S. Labor Department has announced its $150 million "Pathways out of Poverty" program, promising to inject $4 million in to the city of Minneapolis for green-jobs training. The grant comes in addition to recent awards to Minnesota organizations for job training in clean and renewable energy. |
Editorial: What Minnesota can do to fight climate change
 While engineering fixes such as hybrid cars, wind energy, bio-fuels,
and other ideas have been touted as the solution to the climate change
problem, it is ultimately Minnesota's geographical layout that produces the
greatest challenge to curbing energy usage. |
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Minnesota Twins and Target Field aim to set green standards
January 13, 2009 1:10pm CST
 The Twins and Target Field aim to reduce municipal water use by more than 50 percent, helping to save as much as 2 million gallons of water a year at the new ballpark. Like the TCF Gopher Stadium, Target Field is hoping to receive LEED certification. |
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New EPA standards could affect Minnesota
January 7, 2010 11:17am
 The Environmental Protection Agency proposed stricter health standards for smog on Thursday. The smog restrictions could affect Minnesota, which under Bush-era limits was exempt from restrictions. |
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How to recycle your Christmas tree in the Twin Cities
January 4, 2010 12:35pm CST
 Now that the holidays are over, it's time to take down the tree and stick to your 2010 resolution to go greener. Here are some easy ways to recycle your Christmas tree or enjoy it all season long. |
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North Dakota set to battle Minnesota over carbon tax
January 2, 2010 1:39pm
 While the climate-focused cap-and-trade program is still being hashed out in the Senate, Minnesota's plan to cut carbon emissions by adding a fee for every ton of carbon dioxide produced is getting serious pushback from our neighbors in North Dakota. |
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Twin Cities New Year's Eve: Go green
December 30, 2009 11:45am CST
 Looking for a festive and unique celebration this New Year's Eve? Head on out to these "parties" in the parks, featuring skating, nature walks, and more to inspire all those green New Year's resolutions. |
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Xcel customers in Minnesota will get solar incentives in 2010
December 22, 2009 11:42am CST
 Minnesota Xcel Energy customers are about to get a huge Christmas bonus. Starting in January, the energy company is expected to offer solar installation rebates of nearly 30 percent. And that's on top of the 30 percent federal stimulus tax credit. |
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Green gift idea: Wind energy
December 8, 2009 12:51 CST
 Looking for the perfect gift for the whole family? The folks over at
Minnesota Energy Challenge offer up a great green gift you can feel good about giving: wind
energy. For a small premium, you can buy blocks of wind energy from Xcel Energy or
purchase 100 percent Windsource. |
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Real or artificial? Greening your Christmas tree
December 3, 2009 11:54am CST
 Looking to go with a greener alternative this holiday season? Organic gardening expert Karen O'Connor answers the question: Is it better to have a real Christmas tree, or go with a reusable, artificial tree? |
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Minnesota launches new program to recycle old holiday lights
November 30, 2009 11:48am CST
 Getting tangled up in strands of holiday lights that just don't shine like they used to? Recycle Minnesota has launched its "Recycle Your Holidays" program, which lets Minnesotans recycle old lights for free and
keeps tens of thousands of pounds of holiday lights and cords from winding up in landfills every
year. |
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Northstar commuter line offers cheaper, greener travel
November 24, 2009 2:01pm CST
 Already making a New Year's resolution to reduce your carbon footprint? The Northstar commuter rail line offers an easy, relaxing way for
commuters to travel to work, shopping, sporting events, and more. And it also helps them save money while reducing their impact on the environment. |
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Cool event alert: Green Gifts Fair Saturday at Midtown Global Market
November 19, 2009 12:00pm CST
 Get your reusable bags ready. This Saturday more than 70 local retailers will be at the Midtown Global Market offering up their green, recycled, organic, and fair-trade gifts as part of the annual Green Gifts Fair. Clothing. Jewelry. Bags. Artwork. It's all local, green, and perfect for gift-giving. |
GiveMN makes contributing to a cause easy
 GiveMN.org, a new, comprehensive web site of local non-profits, connects donors all over the state to a cause. Now you can easily browse non-profits, learn about their platforms, and give to projects dedicated to the environment, health, human services, community improvement, and more. |
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Green gift guide: 40+ local, cool, and green gifts they'll love
November 15, 2009 12:01am CST
 Looking to give your loved ones the gift of going green this season? We
have it all. Cool home accessories and eco-friendly toys. Half-price
deals on clothes and green events. Free green makeovers and killer
deals at the greatest sustainable restaurants. We make your holiday shopping simple---and green. |
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Teaching your children's school about green cleaning
November 9, 2009 12:26pm CST
 A recent report by the Environmental Working Group reveals that common cleaning supplies emit more than 450 toxic contaminants into the classroom air. And now a growing number of organizations are offering easy ways for parents to educate school administrators about the benefits of going green. |
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A new way to opt out of receiving phone books
November 3, 2009 8:34pm CST
If you're a Twin Cities resident, you're probably getting about four phone books a year. Now a new web site helps you out from receiving any of the millions of unsolicited phone books that pile up on your doorstep--and in municipal landfills--every year. |
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St. Paul's RiverCentre aims to cut waste in half
October 29, 2009 3:50pm CST
 Going to a Minnesota Wild game this year? A concert at Roy Wilkins? Then you're probably contributing to the 2.8 million pounds of trash generated by events at the RiverCentre every year. But a new program aims to turn the RiverCentre green by cutting that waste in half in just two years. |
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The MPCA reveals 'What's In My Neighborhood?'
October 26, 2009 1:59pm CSt
 Ever wonder how environmentally friendly your neighborhood is? A new web application from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency lets users get an environmental view of their community, including permits, hazardous waste, tanks and leaks, feedlots, investigations and clean-ups, contaminated sites, and more. |
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Have a green Halloween
October 26, 2009 12:23pm CST
 Chemical-free candy. Fair-trade chocolate. Eco-friendly costumes. Non-toxic make-up. Having a green Halloween is easy, and safer for you, your family, and the environment. And LiveGreenTwinCities has all of your green tips, tricks, and treats. |
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Minnesota ranks as 8th-most energy-efficient state
October 21, 2009 8:44pm CST
 Minnesota has been ranked the eighth-most energy-efficient state by the energy advocacy group the American Council for an Energy Efficient-Economy. Minnesota ranked high on the report for its utility programs and the high standards it employs for building and energy codes. |
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Minnesota Vikings add green to their purple reign
October 20, 2009 1:39pm CST
 Wanna park at the Vikings game for free? At every Vikings home game, the Gold Lot at the Mall of
America Field at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome becomes the “E85 Lot,” where
the first 25 flex fuel vehicles (which can use E85 or gasoline) can park for
free, rather than the usual $40 charge for a prime parking spot. |
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Twin Cities hosts local events for International Day of Climate Action on October 24
October 19, 2009 2:08pm CST
 On Saturday, October 24, people in more than 1,000 communities around the world will gather for International Day of Climate Action. And in the Twin Cities, numerous organizations are offering unique and family-friendly ways to express your desires for a greener world. |
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How can you benefit from Minnesota's weatherization program?
September 29, 2009 9:36am CST
 More than 16,000 Minnesota homes will feel less drafty on brutally cold winter days, thanks to the $66 million in Recovery Act funding. The state will use the funds to weatherize homes and reduce the toll excessive energy use takes on the environment. |
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Target Center roof gets a green makeover
September 29, 2009 2:32pm CST
 The green rooftop at the Target Center is complete. And aside from being Minnesota's biggest green roof and the first green roof installed on a U.S. arena, this green roof will capture more than a million gallons of stormwater per year and help keep Minnesota water bodies healthy. |
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Minnesota Vikings light up Metrodome with renewable energy
Septemeber 24, 2009 12:33pm CST
The Vikings are already leading in one area--promoting renewable energy. The team announced it will offset 100 percent of electricity used to power the Metrodome this year by purchasing renewable energy from Xcel Energy. |
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U.N. summit focuses on reversing global climate change
September 22, 2009 11:37am CST
 Nearly 100 leaders from around the world gathered for a climate change summit in New York Tuesday morning. President Obama urged leaders to move "broadly, swiftly, and together" to combat climate change and warned that action is needed now to avoid a "global catastrophe." |
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10 easy tips for turning your fall green
September 18, 2009 4:27pm CST
 The leaves might be changing colors, but there are simple steps you can take to ensure your fall stays green. LiveGreenTwinCities offers 10 easy tips for having a happy, green fall season. |
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Reader query: What exactly can I recycle? And how can I recycle household batteries?
September 16, 2009 12:11am CST
 It's a question we see repeatedly: What can I recycle? How can I recycle my computer? My batteries? My plastic? My wine corks? So we've put together a simple guide to make recycling in Minnesota easy. |
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Charting Minnesota's toxic waters
September 14, 2009 9:51am CST
 The New York Times has compiled an eye-opening database of water-pollution violations across the country. Included in it are the 1,998 Minnesota facilities monitored by the Environmental Protection Agency and the thousands of violations they have accumulated. |
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Mill City Farmers Market to become Minnesota's first zero-waste market
September 11, 2009 9:28am CST
 Mill City Farmers Market will become the first zero-waste market in
Minnesota, thanks to Eureka Recycling's "Make Dirt, Not Waste"
composting program. Head to the market this Saturday to learn more and get free compost. |
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How the Minneapolis bike-share program will benefit the city and the enviornment
September 10, 2009 9:08am CST
 Minneapolis will launch the biggest bike-share program in the country next May. At least 1,000 bikes will be at 80 different kiosks throughout the city, offering as many as 50,000 fuel-free rides a day. |
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Are you ready for some football? Greening your sports events
September 8, 2009 12:27pm CST
 There's no doubt that 50,000 people in a single space can create a carbon footprint nearly as long as a 50-yard pass. But there are easy ways you can reduce your environmental impact and still have a winning game day. |
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How to go green at the Minnesota State Fair
August 26, 2009 2:20pm CST
 1.7 million people. 500,000 corndogs. 22,000 rolls of toilet paper.
And nearly three and a half times more materials getting recycled than get tossed out every year. It's Minnesota State Fair time, and
LiveGreenTwinCities is here to show you how to go green at the Fair. |
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As kids head back to school, the American Lung Association of Minnesota offers tips on clearing the air
August 24, 2009 6:00pm CST
 Just as the yellow school bus is about to make its way down Minnesota roadways again, the American Lung Association of Minnesota offers up easy ways to reduce bus and vehicle pollution, clean the air, and keep kids healthy. |
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The tale of the disappearing Minnesota moose
August 23, 2009 1:44pm
 In just 20 years, northeast Minnesota's moose population has
plummeted
from more than 4,000 to only 100 today. So what's causing the number of
Minnesota's great big deer to dwindle? Climate change and
parasites. And now the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is
trying to keep Minnesota's iconic moose from disappearing
altogether. |
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The future of Minneapolis looks bright green
August 17, 2009, 2:32 PM CT
 With bike paths, mass transit, farmers markets, and more, Minneapolis has always been at the forefront of sustainability. Now mayor Rybak and his team are busy hatching out plans to ensure the city stays there. But will building a greener Minneapolis bring us out of the economic blues? |
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What's in Minnesota's landfills? About $300 million dollars
August 17, 2009 4:49pm CST
 Don't toss out those food scraps so fast. They're about 25 to 75 times more polluting than our gas-guzzling vehicles. Local recycling expert Susan Hubbard lays out the dirty facts and explains how Minnesotans tossed more than $300 million worth of recyclables last year. |
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Green events: 15 cool things to do this weekend
August 13, 2009 11:25am CST
 It's Thursday, close enough to noon, which means it's officially the
weekend. And what better way to greet this summery week's end than
with free food, cooking classes, and more delicious food. |
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Minnesotans commit to reducing carbon output by more than 160 million pounds this year
August 4, 2009 12:17pm CST
 Have you signed up for the Minnesota Energy Challenge? More than 20,000 Minnesota households have signed up to save energy and the planet this year. That means a reduction of more than 160 million pounds of CO2 emissions and an annual savings of $15 million. |
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Minnesota stimulus breakdown: How much will your city receive for weatherization programs?
July 31, 2009 11:44am CST
 Just how much money will the Twin Cities get to help create green jobs and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions? According to the Department of Energy, Minnesota is eligible for about $132 million of the $2.6
billion energy-efficiency package, with the Twin Cities receiving $6.6 million for its own energy programs. |
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The new diesels: Are they right for you?
July 23. 2009 1:11pm CST
 At least 20 new vehicles with “clean diesel” engines will be coming to
Minnesota auto dealerships in the near future, and some are already on
the road. So how can they benefit you and the environment? |
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Winds of change: Wind power is growing in Minnesota
July 21, 2009 10:16am CST
 Minnesota now gets about 7 percent of its total energy from wind. But as new environmental initiatives are unveiled, that number is expected to grow. A new map from the U.S. Department of Energy visualizes that growth from 1999 through today. |
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Eating local: A trip to Riverbend Farm in Delano, Minn.
July 20, 2009 12:01am CST
 Lee Zukor of the local food blog SimpleGoodandTasty.com takes a trip to Riverbend Farm in Delano, Minn. to learn about local food, organic farming, CSAs, washing arugula, and what it's really like to work hard for the second time in his life. |
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Cold week in Minneapolis sparks climate change debate, financial challenge to bloggers
July 19, 2009 1:29pm CST
 Last week a host of rhetorical "Cold enough for ya?" questions were tossed around the Twin Cities like a volleyball. And now the temp dip has posed another question to bloggers/amateur scientists who are using it to dispute climate change: FiveThirtyEight.com asks, "Who's up for a challenge?" |
The next big thing in biofuel could come from your toilet
 A University of Minnesota researcher is finding a new source of biofuel in some unlikely places: the Minneapolis sewage treatment plant. He's using the waste to create single-celled algae that can be turned into biodiesel fuel. |
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This week's best green events
July 15, 2009 1:53pm CST
 Ice cream sales are up. Lily pads are forming floating lake cities. And the sun's rays are slanting through the trees. It can only be mid-July in Minnesota. And LiveGreenTwinCities offers easy ways to get out and go green this week. |
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Meet your local organic farmers
July 15, 2009 2:11pm CST
 Cow manure. Sun-basking ewes. A calf named Charlie. And a bunch of squawking chickens. A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of talking to local organic farmers for the Star Tribune publication, vita.mn. Here's what I learned about the people who grow our food. |
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MPCA warns of harmful algal blooms
June 28, 9:17pm CST
 Feeling the blue-green algae blues? With
the higher temperatures, sunnier days, and decades of fertilizer
pollution, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says blue-green algae blooms are on the rise and could be harmful to people
and animals. |
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Report: Climate change will turn Minnesota into a hot zone
June 25, 2009 3:13CST
 If pollution and climate change continue on the path they have been, Minnesota's average temp would rise by 12 degrees before the end of the century, according to a new report from the Union of Concerned Scientists. And the Twin Cities could see as many as 70 days above 90 degrees. |
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Green jobs: How to make them and how to find them
June 11, 2009 5:09pm CST
Green jobs might be all the rage right now, but where can you find them? And how can you make your current job a littler greener? LiveGreenTwinCities provides a guide to the greening workforce. |
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Rochester, Minn. man auctions off his carbon offsets on Ebay
June 10, 2009 10:36am CST
 Cap and trade has made its way to Rochester, where a man is willing to sell his carbon offsets on Ebay for $100. He stopped driving for a year and a
half--saving 19,000 gas miles--and is willing to do it for another year in if someone will pony up $100 for a new bike. |
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Tweet for trees: A tree will be planted for every follower
May 18, 2009 11:18am CSt
 Twitter really is good for something, and a new project from the United Nations World Environment Day is further proof about what we can do with a click of a button. The organization will plant a tree for every new Twitter follower between now and World Environment Day on June 5. |
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Green links round-up: news and notes from a green world
May 13, 2009 3:46pm CST
 Want to know how to avoid the chemicals in everyday products? Looking
for a green job? Want to learn more about cap and trade?
What about cars running on chocolate? LiveGreenTwinCities offers a round-up of green tips, news,
conversations and more. |
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Minnesota becomes first state to up standards for diesel fuel
May 7, 2009 10:52am CST
 On Friday, May 1, Minnesota became the first state in the nation requiring that diesel fuel contain a 5 percent blend of homegrown, renewable biodiesel. The legislation is part of a plan to make Minnesota the first state using 20 percent biodiesel by 2015. |
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Bike Walk Week promises fun, free food. Yes, free food!
May 7, 2009 4:37pm CST
Twin Cities Bike Walk Week begins Monday, May 11. And a number of local restaurants are offering up free breakfasts and happy hour deals for those who bike or walk to work, school, shopping, and every place in between. |
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Event of the week: "Think Globally, Eat Locally?"
May 6, 2009 11:49am CST
 Want to learn about the best in local foods? Tonight, local food luminaries Dara Moskowitz Grumdahl of Minnesota Monthly and Scott Pampuch of Corner Table will detail how eating local, sustainable foods can benefit you and the community and give you guidelines on how to do it. |
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Ozone season begins in Minnesota
May 5, 2009 11:49am CST
 Spring marks the beginning of Minnesota's ozone season, when warm, sunny days can see an increase in ozone levels. And Wednesday's air-quality forecast in the Twin Cities is "moderate," due to increased ozone pollution. |
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Air-quality grades in Minnesota are tumbling
April 29, 2009 9:58am CST
 Minnesota has long scored high in air-quality ratings. But now, under tougher standards by the EPA, Minnesota counties are starting to see their grades drop, according to a report from the American Lung Association. And much of it can be attributed to particulate and ozone pollution caused by excessive vehicle exhaust. |
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Frozen in time: Local artist Chris Larson explores climate change in pictures
April 27, 2009 12:26pm CST
 St. Paul visual artist Chris Larson has been gaining national attention for his futuristic, ice-age images in "Deep North." Now through June 13, his disquieting but stunning portraits of a place frozen in time by climate change can be viewed at Chambers Kitchen in downtown Minneapolis. |
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Renewing Minnesota: The answer is blowing in the wind energy
April 23, 2009 1:36pm CST
 While the next steps in
America's energy-renewal programs and petroleum-weaning have yet to be entirely cemented, one thing
is clear:
Minnesota stands at the forefront of wind-energy initiatives, according
to a new report. |
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Earh Day events: movie premieres, tours, rallies, and more
April 21, 2009 1:13pm CST
 Franken! Coleman (ok, Chris)! Gorillas! Oh, my! Earth Day is tomorrow,
April 22. While we would never suggest skipping work, might we suggest
taking an "Earth Day"? Enjoy the sunshine, take in a gorilla party, a rally, and a movie premiere, and celebrate the Earth all in one day.
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How the stimulus package can help you go green
April 20, 2009 1:56pm CST
Minnesota legislators are in the process of hammering out how the stimulus package will be dispersed throughout the state for energy-efficient improvements and weatherization. And in the Twin Cities, mayors R.T. Rybak and Chris Coleman are looking at programs that would create new, green jobs and help area homeowners weatherize their homes and save energy. |
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Earth Week planner: Green and family-friendly events for the week of April 18-25
April 17, 2009 5:14pm CST
 Earth Day is Wednesday, April 22, but there are number of ways you can take part in fun, earth-friendly events all week long. Check out our handy events guide to learn more about eco-home tours; parks clean-up; events featuring local farmers; as well as networking events, kids' parties, business expos, and more. |
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U of M study: Ethanol production requires three times more water than previously believed
April 14, 2009 10:24am CST
 The ethanol controversy continues to grow like a weed: According to a new University of Minnesota study, ethanol production from corn requires about three times more water than previously believed. In 2007, ethanol production required approximately 861 billion gallons of water, the study says. |
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Minneapolis: We're not (totally) wasteful!
April 1, 2009 12:35pm CST
 Just how wasteful are Minneapolitans? According to a new survey, Minneapolis ranks as the seventh least-wasteful city in the nation. That's because a majority of us are buying second-hand items, using recyclable containers, and using energy-efficient light bulbs, the survey finds. So where do your rank? |
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Lights out: Minneapolis city buildings will go dark on Saturday night for Earth Hour
March 26, 2009 11:49am CST
 In less than a month the number of cities participating in Earth Hour has more than doubled. On Saturday, March 28 at 8:30pm local time, Minneapolis will join millions of homes and buildings across the globe as they go dark for one hour to cast their vote for finding a solution to climate change. |
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Power-up Campagin launches in the Twin Cities this weekend
March 24, 2009 1:57pm CST
 This weekend, more than 192 meetings are taking place nationwide as part of the Power-up Campaign kick-off. The goal is to start a grassroots groundswell that will pressure Congress to enact legislation to create green jobs, stabilize the economy, and combat climate change. You can join the St. Paul meeting on Saturday or the Minneapolis meeting on Sunday afternoon. |
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Green jobs guide: 10 new and cool careers for the week of March 18
March, 18 2009 2:10pm CST
It's no secret jobs are scarcer than a pig's wing these days. But if
there's light at the end of the tunnel, economists are predicting it's
a bright green one. LiveGreenTwinCities
brings you a guide to this week's local cool and green jobs. |
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Green list event of the week: "The Business Case for Going Green"
March 17, 2009 2:45 CST
 Not getting enough "green" on St. Patrick's Day? On Wednesday, March 18, the day after the "greenest" day of the year, Enterprise Minnesota is offering a morning seminar in Minnetonka called "The Business Case for Going Green." From 8:00am till 11:30am, organizers will discuss ways your business can grow, save money, and be kinder to the Earth. |
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Little Falls, Minn. green team nominated for Heart of Green award
March 16, 2009 1:32PM CST
 The Daily Green's second annual Heart of Green awards includes Minnesota nominees the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls. The members of the organization's Campus Green Committee were honored for their commitment to greener practices and healing the Earth. |
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Homegrown harvest: How to find a CSA
3/16/2009
 Spring has officially sprung in Minnesota, which means it's time to start thinking about fresh produce and farm-fresh goodies. Here's a handy guide to finding a Community Supported Agriculture farm (CSA) that offers pick-up or weekly delivery of organic goods from the farm to your table. |
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Taking off: Bike-sharing lands in Minneapolis
3/10/2009
Minneapolis has the
second-highest bicycle-commute rate in the country. Now a new
bike-share program will put another 1,000 bicycles on the streets in an effort to reduce the Twin Cities' high rates of congestion and pollution while promoting sustainability and community health. |
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Lights out: Minneapolis will go dark for Earth Hour
3/9/2009
 On March 28th at 8:30 p.m. CST, nearly 1,000 cities across the world will "go dark" in honor of Earth Hour, a grassroots initiative designed to educate citizens about climate change. Now the city of Minneapolis is joining the cause, vowing to turn off all uses of electricity in municipal buildings and encouraging residents and businesses to do the same. |
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Van Jones named Obama's Green Czar
3/9/2009
 Author and environmental activist Van Jones has been tapped to serve as President Obama's "Green Czar." Jones is the critically acclaimed author of the New York Times-best seller, The Green Collar Economy, and is the founding president of the environmental organization Green for All. |
Will Minnesota join Midwest pact to reduce carbon emissions?
 Minnesota's plan to reduce carbon emissions could get an overhaul.Wisconsin, Kansas, Iowa, Illinois, and Manitoba plan to reduce carbon emissions by 15 to 25 percent by 2020 and as much as 80 percent by 2050. Will Minnesota join? |
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Green Star: Meet Ed Kohler, phone book vigilante
March 1, 2009, 11:36 AM CT
 Wanna go phone book tossing? There's only about 1.3 billion pounds of them. Join Minneapolis tech junkie, web consultant, blogger, and Juicy Lucy fanatic Ed Kohler as he fights waste and greenwashing, one giant phone book at a time. |
