General | Page 66 | Do It Green! Minnesota

MRES 24th Annual Solar Boat Regatta

May 9, 2017

Teams will demonstrate knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to design and build boats powered by the sun. They will compete in a number of races, culminating with a one-hour endurance race.

2017 Midwest Solar Expo and Smart Energy Symposium

May 9, 2017

The 2017 Midwest Solar Expo returns to Minneapolis for its 4th annual conference, exhibition and Smart Energy Symposium. Join us as we continue the dialogue on Midwest solar, gain insights from industry experts, receive hands-on product training and network with 450+ solar industry leaders from across the country. Leave with the tools to expand your…

Landscape Revival Native Plant Expo & Market

May 8, 2017

Expo: Learn about native plants and their many benefits from local conservation organizations. Market: Purchase plants native to Minnesota and accessories from a variety of local growers. No cultivars, no systematic insecticides. Cash/check only.

Help tend the rare prairie at the Sand Coulee SNA

May 1, 2017

On the summer evening of Thursday, June 22, from 6:00-8:00 pm, volunteers will work with Friends of the Mississippi River’s restoration staff and ecologists to identify and help halt the spread of cow vetch, spotted knapweed, and other encroaching plants deemed by the Department of Natural Resources as a threat to the health of the Sand…

Tend native prairie plants at Crosby Farm Park

May 1, 2017

Spend an evening with Friends of the Mississippi River on Thursday, June 15th, from 6:00-8:00 pm tending the volunteer-planted demonstration interpretive native prairie at Crosby Farm Regional Park! Crosby Farm Park is a natural oasis in the heart of the city, nestled at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota rivers. Volunteers will help weed…

Green Tips

Start an Organics Recycling Program

Establishing an organics recycling program is a great way to reduce the amount of trash an organization or household disposes. Organics include all food waste and non-recyclable or food-soiled paper products and can make up approximately 25 percent of what we throw away. This article offers tips on how to start your own program.

Contact Your State Legislator

As a constituent, you are your local legislators’ highest priority. Why not share your views with them and ask them to support your position? It may seem like your letters and emails will get lost in a deep, dark political hole, but don’t despair. Whether you call, fax, email or visit in person, this article offers tips on how to effectively communicate with your elected officials and get them to listen.

Learn from Woodbury

Is it possible for one of the fastest growing cities in Minnesota to be sustainable? The City of Woodbury has committed to try. Since adopting its initial Sustainability Resolution in 2006, the City has progressed toward becoming a sustainable community through several initiatives. You can read more about them in here. Can your city follow suit?

Support Strong Towns

The automobile era spurred the expansion of highways and the fragmentation of natural habitats and communities. Now, the suburban American lifestyle had led to an obesity epidemic, high levels of resource consumption, and oil dependency. Strong Towns is a nonprofit that helps cities focus on resiliency instead of growth. Find out more.

Plant a Seed, Grow a Community

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 about the many benefits community gardens provide.

Check Windows and Doors for Energy Efficiency

Here are some easy tips for Home Energy Savings:

Leaky windows, doors and frames can let out the air you paid to heat or cool. Once a year, check the caulking around your windows, doors and joints to make sure everything is sealed tightly.
Install weather stripping around any leaky windows and doors.
If you use storm windows, check them each winter to be sure they provide a good seal and are not cracked.
If you have only single glaze windows, you can purchase do-it-yourself plastic storms that just tape into place.
If you use window air conditioners, take them out for the winter. If they are attached to the wall or too big to move, make sure they are well-covered with insulating material to avoid leaking a lot of your warm air.
If you have a fireplace, install a glass door that reduces hot air loss.

Keep Learning

Minnesota is a national leader in environmental education and offers a number of resources to help you stay on top of the latest information. This article offers brief descriptions of some of Minnesota’s key environmental education programs, publications and organizations.

Make an Action Plan

Wait. Scratch that. Don’t make your own list of simple things you can do today to make a positive difference for the climate—use ours! This list offers 20 easy things you can do that will help you and your family lighten your load on the environment, keep more money in your pocket, and inspire you to find even more ways to tread lightly on this earth.

Learn from Winona

Environmental change is coming fast to the historic Mississippi River town of Winona. Learn about collaboration at its best in this article. It describes how Winona’s major public institutions—the city, county, Winona State University, and Winona Public Schools—are joining forces to become an ISO 14001 community.

Make Your Own Non-Toxic Cleaners

Many of the chemicals found in the average store bought household cleaner are associated with health and environmental concerns. You can reduce your exposure to toxins at home by using fewer chemicals and making your own Non-Toxic Cleaners.

Non-Toxic Cleaner Recipes

How Our Food Choices Effect the Planet