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Guerrilla gardens take root in the Twin Cities
July 26, 2010 9:48am
Last year  we told you about how guerrilla gardens were springing up all
over the world, taking root in the UK where thousands of vegetable
patches are finding homes on empty plots of land. Now guerrilla gardening is taking root in the Twin Cities, sprucing up parkways, abandoned lots, and neglected cityscapes. |
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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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What's in season? Tips for collard greens, spinach, and kohlrabi
July 12, 2010 12:10am CST
 If you're anything like me (and my deepest sympathies if you are), you open your CSA box, call the insides all "lettuce," and later
learn it was full of bok choy, collard greens, and garlic scapes. Bok
choy and collard greens? In Minnesota? It's entirely true, and how they came to be popular this far north is a
fascinating story. |
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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. |
Take control of energy-gobbling electronics
 Laptops, cell
phones, game systems, iPods and all of our favorite must-have consumer electronics
suck up about 15 percent of our entire household power use every day. And according
to reports from the International Energy Agency, that number could triple by 2030 to total the equivalent of the current residential power consumed by Japan and the U.S. |
Greening up your laundry
 Up to 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating water. And the second-biggest energy-sucker in your home? It's the dryer. . Sound dirty? Don't worry. You can still clean up your laundry without mucking up the environment. |
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St. Paul launches first of its kind metro composting project: Collection by bicycle
June 23, 2010 6:45am CST
 Minneapolis might be the fifth-most eco-friendly city in the world, but
its saintly neighbor is nipping at its big, green heels. In an effort to become a waste-free city by 2020, St. Paul and Eureka Recycling today
are launching a composting project in Mac-Groveland, the
first in the nation to test bicycle compost collection. |
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How much are phantom loads costing you?
June 18, 2010 10:52
 A new study from
the University of Wisconsin reports that on average, Americans have 30
or more devices in their homes, which account for 15 to 30 percent of a
household's total electricity use. And according to the U.S. Department
of Energy, 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics
and appliances is consumed while products are actually turned off. |
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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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Green weekend planner: Go garage sale-ing
June 8, 2010 9:10pm
 The average person generates about four pounds of trash per day, and the typical American family throws out
2,460 pounds of paper, 540 pounds of metals, 480 pounds of glass every year. Help reduce your impact by attending the annual Standish, Corcoron, and Ericsson Garage Sale and stop off at the nearby Powderhorn Garage Sale, too! |
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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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Beating the heat: 10 tips for keeping cool and saving energy
May 24, 2010 10:12am CST
 By taking a few simple steps during these longer, warmer
days--those few weeks of Minnesota summers where legs stick to car
seats and public spaces turn into temporary meat coolers--you can save
energy and money and still stay cool and comfortable. |
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Yards to Gardens brings together gardeners and folks with land to spare
May 23, 2010 2:54pm
 Looking to garden but don't have a yard? Have a empty yard but don't have a penchant for gardening? A new locally-created website promises to cut down on wasted dreams and missed connections.Yards to Gardens provides an online home for garden plot giveaways, tool swaps, mulch hunts, and more. |
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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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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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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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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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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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Rain barrels can help you save hundreds of dollars a year on your water bill
April 6, 2010 10:55am CST
 Here's a startling fact: As
much as 40
percent of our water use in the spring and summer goes toward our lawns
and gardens. That's a lot of water wasted. One solution? Rain barrels! They're easy to make, collect tons of
water, and can help you cut back on your water bill by hundreds of
dollars a year. |
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For some wannabe farmers, a Backyard Farm helps take the dirty work out of gardening
April 5, 2010 6:15pm CST
 Here is something you don't know about your own backyard: You have room for a farm. That's because the experienced gardeners of A Backyard Farm can take a small plot of
your land--that one neglected corner, or that unused spot snug up to
the house--and coax magical waves of delicious greens and veggies out
of it. |
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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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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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Shop local: 10 local Etsy artists turning recycled goods into must-haves
March 12, 2010 12:51pm CST
 Local artists and crafters are re-using glass bottles, old record covers, and vintage fabrics, and more to create baby clothes, jewelry, housewares and everything in-between. It's a simple yet revelatory
practice Americans are once again embracing: Use what you have. |
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"Cash for appliances" launches today in Minnesota
March 1, 2010 9:15am CST
 Tired of huge energy bills? Old, clunky refrigerators and appliances can account for as much as 70 percent of a home's energy costs. A new federal program, launching in Minnesota today, promises rebates of up to $650 for replacing those old Reagan-era fridges and appliances and improving energy efficiency. |
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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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Think spring: Start your compost bin now
February 15, 2010 9:37pm CST
 The snow has yet to melt and the giant winter potholes have yet to recede, but already we're thinking about our beautiful lush gardens. First step? Creating the perfect compost bin and cut our waste in half. |
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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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How to halt junk mail and reduce waste
January 11, 2009 12:47pm CST
 Junk mail piling up? You're not alone. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans toss out nearly 5.8 million tons of junk mail in a typical year. That's more than 11 billion pounds of annual waste in junk mail alone. |
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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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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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2010 green resolution: Cut back, live simply, think green
December 18, 2009 3:55pm CST
 Starting your New Year's resolution's list early? At
LiveGreenTwinCities, we're already thinking of ways to live a better,
greener 2010. And Twin Cities author and architect Sarah Nettleton
helps us look at how we can simplify our homes, and our lives, to be greener, healthier, and happier this coming year. |
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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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Green holiday tip: An alternative to traditional wrapping paper
December 7, 2009 1:30pm CST
 Let's face it: Fancy wrapping paper sure looks pretty. But it doesn't make the environment so happy. According to Clean Air Council, an additional 5 million tons of waste is generated in the U.S. during the holidays. And 4 million tons of that is wrapping paper and shopping bags. |
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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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A Made in Minnesota gift guide
November 23, 2009 10:10am CST
 Minnesota 2020 recently released its annual Made in Minnesota Gift Guide, a wonderful and comprehensive guide chock full of locally grown gift ideas, from food to clothing to toys to pets and everything in-between. |
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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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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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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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Cool gadget alert: Local blogger tries out Google PowerMeter
October 15, 2009 2:23pm CST
 Ever wonder exactly how much energy your home or apartment is using every day? Google PowerMeter shows you in real time, and local blogger Ed Kohler put it to the test. |
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Finding the cracks: What a home energy audit can teach you
October 12, 2009 1:42pm CST
 Energy companies across Minnesota offer affordable home energy audits that can help you save energy, money, and the environment. For anywhere from $25 to a little more than $100, you can learn easy steps you need to take to ensure your home's maximum energy efficiency all year long. |
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Xcel Energy offers Minnesota customers CFL bulbs for $1
October 6, 2009 1:14pm CST
 Xcel Energy announced today its Minnesota customers can purchase energy-efficient CFL bulbs from participating retailers for as little as $1 apiece. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and save consumers a big chunk of money over the bulb's lifetime. |
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Heat's off: Minnesota gears up for its first passive house
October 6, 2009 3:15pm CST
 Forget passive-aggressive. Air-tight passive homes are making their way to Minnesota where the only heat and energy they need to stay warm on the coldest winter day is equivalent to that of a hair dryer. |
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Project ReEnergize offers Minnesota homeowners rebates for energy-efficient improvements
October 1, 2009 1:13pm CST
 Hey, Minnesota homeowners. Looking for an easy way to get rebates for energy-efficient improvements? Need help with maintenance, insulation, remodeling, and more? A web site from the Minnesota Building Industry Foundation aims to be your one-stop shop. |
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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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Will Allen bringing Growing Power to the Twin Cities
September 24, 2009 11:09am CST
 Urban farm guru Will Allen is launching a Twin Cities training center at Little Earth United Tribes in Minneapolis. Allen, who founded Milwaukee's Growing Power, focuses on affordable, healthy food and sustainability issues. |
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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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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 does the White House Victory Garden grow? By changing the nation's diet
September 2, 2009 2:07pm CST
 As first lady, Michelle Obama is helping to educate other busy families about the importance of healthy foods. This year the Obamas planted a vegetable garden at the White House to honor that mission. A new video provides a glimpse of how the garden grows. |
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Minneapolis couple celebrates wedding anniversary by installing rain gardens for the whole neighborhood
August 31, 2009 12:10pm CST
 For many 50th wedding anniversaries, the traditional gift is gold. But one Minneapolis couple decided to celebrate their half-century together by giving back to the environment and the neighborhood. |
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Feeling frugal: Minneapolis war posters showcase the origins of the green movement
August 25, 2009 12:04pm CST
 Treehugger has a great series of WWII posters espousing frugal and
green living. The posters promote everything from canning to saving gas
to recycling to staycations. And some of the best posters come
from the Minneapolis Library, which has an extensive collection of WWII
posters promoting gardening, canning, and--what else?--winterizing
homes.
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Guerrilla gardens are springing up all over the world
August 17, 2009 1:42 CST
 Anything can become a greenspace, even electrical poles. And guerrilla gardeners all over the world are taking that idea to heart by planting "surprise" gardens in empty containers, flower boxes, medians, and more. |
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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. |
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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Cool class of the month: Organic farm school
June 18, 2009 12:41pm CST
 The Women's Environmental Institute has launched its Organic Farm School at the Midtown Global Market. And there are plenty of open classes--from courses on composting to biodynamic farm tours--that can help turn you into an urban eco-farmer this summer or, at the very least, become a little more knowledgeable about what "organic" really means. |
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How does your garden grow? A video tour of the White House garden
June 9, 2009 11:51am CST
 The White House vegetable garden is more than just fruit-bearing: It's
an education tool that spotlights the importance of
sustainability and eating
healthy, local food. Philadelphia Philly Ryan Howard recently visited the garden and discovered fresh herbs, a bio-cycling compost site, and a honey-bee hive that will produce about 100 lbs. of honey. |
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Green events this week: "Fresh" screenings; green experts; free all-natural beauty products, and more!
June 1, 2009 12:05pm CST
 This week's green events include the much-buzzed-about screenings of "Fresh," a film that looks at a new way of eating and spotlights the environmental pollution, food contamination, and continued obesity caused by processed foods and industrial farming. Also, an "ask the expert" green event and free, all-natural skincare products! |
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Green event of the week: Healthy yards, healthy lives at Seward Coop
May 27, 2009 1:07pm CST
 Looking for ways to turn your backyard into a source of healthy, delicious food? Or are you a new gardener looking to turn your yard into a native-plant paradise? Don't fear the soil, novice gardener! An afternoon course at Seward Coop seeks to answer all your questions about food production, native-plant use, garden design, and more. |
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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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Mother's Day green gift guide: 25 local and green gifts mom will love
May 4, 2009 3:34pm CST
 Still hunting for that perfect gift for Mom? From locally-grown flowers to co-op classes to wine tours and organic dinners and more, LiveGreenTwinCities offers up a guide to the
coolest Mother-approved green gifts in town. |
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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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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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Cleaning house: How two Minnesota women are making a business out of scrubbing out toxins
April 15, 2009 12:19pm CST
 Environmental experts say the air inside our homes is more toxic than the air outside, much of it caused by the chemical cleaners we use. But two Minnesota women are aiming to clean up their homes--and yours--with a line or all-natural cleaning and green products. |
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Calling all cell phone tossers: It's easy to recycle your phone during National Cell Phone Recycling Week
April 8, 2009 1:43pm CST
 Have a cell phone that's deader than a doornail? Recycle it or donate it in celebration of National Cell Phone
Recycling Week. Created by the Environmental Protection Agency to stem
the serious pollution and waste caused by the growing number of cell
phones in landfills, National Cell Phone Recycling Week serves to make
recycling cell phones convenient. |
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Help end "grocery bag disease." Get a reusable bag for free!
April 7, 2009 11:06am CST
 Let's face it: We're addicted to grocery bags. How many of us bring home a handful of them every month, toss them out at some point, and then bring home a bunch more? But you can help stop the disease--and the waste. Now the Minnesota Grocers Association is offering free, reusable bags in an effort to "Green Your Routine." |
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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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April showers bring...rain barrels and cheaper water bills
March 31, 2009 5:54pm CST
How can you save hundreds of dollars a year while also saving thousands of gallons of water? Rain barrels can supply water for the lawn and garden all season long while reducing your water bill by as much as 40 percent. And they can be as easy to install as hooking up a hose. |
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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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The Green List: This week's green events, workshops, and more
March 12
 From workshops on detoxifying your home to free green gatherings and more, LiveGreenTwinCities offers up a guide to the best green events in the Twin Cities for March 12-18. |
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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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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. |
