Read Up!Eva Lewandowski If you’ve watched a local television station in the past week or so, you’ve probably seen the commercials for “Goodwill Halloween”, or more specifically for the costumes and decorations that you can find at your local Goodwill Industries retail thrift store. Reuse is a key component of a sustainable lifestyle, and thrift stores like the Goodwill, Salvation Army,…
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BlogBy David Riviera
I am a meat eater. My uncles and cousins raised hogs for as long as I can remember. My parents bought their meat from local butchers with livestock direct from the farms. Meat and potato meals were the staple of our diet. I know and understand the climate impacts of producing meat, but it is a tradition tied to generations of my family’s livelihood. I’m no stranger to plant-based meals. Vegetarian and vegan options are often available at many large conferences and events, and these menu choices can be found on a wide variety of local restaurant menus. I think…
By Heidi Meyer
There are many ways to be a conscious consumer and to leave a smaller footprint on our planet. One thing we all buy a lot of is food. We all have to eat! With seemingly endless trips to the grocery store week after week, we vote with our dollars as we choose which foods to fuel our bodies. These choices affect not just what is produced and what we see on the store shelves, they also directly impact the environment. I started my green journey by focusing on buying organic whenever available after learning about this option while earning my…
By Kate Marnach from Tare Market
Have you heard the phrase “zero waste” before? If not, you’re not alone, but this trash-free movement is quickly gaining traction around the world, thanks to the realization that we are steadily drowning the planet in trash. Over the past few decades, we have all heard talk about switching to green energy sources, reduction of water use, and ceasing the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides–but what about our trash production? Until a few years ago, I had never heard of zero waste and never really thought a whole lot about the trash my family was producing, though I considered…
Sponsored by UW River Falls Sustainable Management Online Programs Presented by: Family of Trees panel Join us for a discussion on what environmental justice looks like in our community and…
Sponsored by UW River Falls Sustainable Management Online Programs Presented by: Unny Nambudiripad from Our Wellness and Liberation Taking care of the earth starts with taking care of ourselves! Please…
Sponsored by UW River Falls Sustainable Management Online Programs Presented by: – Kristine Kvamme, Do It Green! Minnesota – Colleen Hetzel, MPCA – Kim Erickson & Ashley Kennedy, Zero Waste…
Sponsored by UW River Falls Sustainable Management Online Programs Presented by: – Amanda Goetsch, Program Manager at University of Wisconsin Extended Campus – Angela Whitaker, Program Manager at UW-River Falls…
Sponsored by UW River Falls Online Programs in Sustainable Management Presented by White Bear Lake Seed Library Founder Pam Larson Frink Learn how to save vegetable, flower and native plant…
Picture your favorite places in Minnesota. What will they look and feel like in the future with a changing climate? Join us for a presentation and discussion on Minnesota’s changing…
Community Gardens are community spaces that are communally cultivated and cared for; these spaces may consist of individually-worked plots, multiple person caretaker areas, sitting areas, and small-scale children play areas. Some say community gardens are the last existing opportunity Americans have to reclaim common spaces. This article offers great information…
A programable thermostat can save $100 per year. Set it 2 degrees higher in summer and 2 degrees lower in winter for an additional money and energy savings. Check out the Home Energy Checklist for more great ideas!
Did you know that the average Minnesota household throws 15 pounds of compostable materials into the trash every single week? Composting is an easy and simple way to have an immediate personal impact by diverting trash from the landfill or incinerator. Backyard composting takes leaves, grass clippings, veggie scraps, coffee…
If your office doesn’t have a recycling program, consider being a catalyst for big change by starting one yourself. See our full list of tips on how to get started (including identifying a Recycling Coordinator and selecting a Recycling Company) in our article, Green Your Office.
Your family can save 13,000 gallons of water per year with a low flush toilet, 2,900 gallons with a low flow shower head and 700 gallons with faucet aerators. Reducing temperature and usage of hot water will also save money and energy. Find more great water saving tips with our…
Purchase durable, long lasting reusable items for serving and eating food such as silverware, glasses, bowls, mugs, plates, and cloth napkins. When you choose reusable over disposable, even if it costs more up front, it will save money and be less wasteful. Think about the amount of trash you can…
Many people do not realize that rain carries pollutants from our houses, yards, streets, sidewalks and parking lots to the nearest storm drain, leading directly to local lakes, streams and rivers. Rain gardens are designed to have a center depression to help rainwater seep into the soil. This infiltration helps…
Travelers can generate a lot of waste and pollution, even with the best intentions. But it isn’t hard to make a few changes that can help us avoid a lot of trash and otherwise green up our time away from home. It is our responsibility to take care of the…
