AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Katrina Kessler
Minnesota’s greenhouse gas emissions rebounded after the pandemic, but remain below 2019 levels
Minnesota’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions dropped by 14% between 2005 and 2022, according to a biennial report from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota …
They wanted to save the boulevard trees along six blocks of 29th Ave. and they came together to do just that. Then they celebrated together at Arbeiter Brewing. (Photo by submitted)
Motivated by a common goal
Residents along six blocks of 29th Ave. S have banded together to save 40 ash trees. “These are public trees that the whole community benefits from,” observed Loey Colebeck. “Many …
Erik Halaas is founder of Live On Minnesota, which aims to return the body to the earth after death, while conserving land and reducing carbon emissions. (Photo by Margie O’Loughlin)
Natural organic reduction
Live On Minnesota is working to become the first provider of Natural Organic Reduction (NOR) in the state of Minnesota. Also known as “human composting,” NOR is the safe and peaceful …
A second run leads to a home run
Longfellow resident Mary Haugh got a second run at life and decided to give vintage homes a second life, too. After surviving an aggressive form of cancer in the prime of her professional marketing …
The Minnesota Toy Library is for parents, grandparents, educators, occupational therapists, and mostly, for kids, to come and choose toys that are fun and that help them learn. MTL Executive Director Rebecca Nutter said, “We can’t just keep consuming things. We need to do better.” (Photo submitted)
Minnesota Toy Library opens third metro location
The Minnesota Toy Library (MTL) is a toy lending program for families with children ages birth to five years. Members can check-out up to five toys at a time, and take them home for 2-4 weeks. And …
Curious kids ask questions

Will we eventually have to send our trash into space if we run out of room on Earth?

Humans generate a lot of trash, but there are cheaper and safer ways to handle it than loading it on rockets.

Why does the Earth spin?

An astronomer takes us on a tour of the universe to learn about the birth of stars and planets and how they get their spin.

Why do we use gasoline for small vehicles and diesel fuel for big vehicles?

Both gasoline and diesel fuel are refined from crude oil, but they are good for different things and can’t be used interchangeably.

Thinking green
The wind and terrain can quickly change how a fire, like this one near Los Angeles in January 2025, behaves.

Fire spotters used to watch with binoculars from forest towers. Now, technology can help forecast fire behavior, but human experience is still essential.
Read more.

As erosion and floods swallow buildings, Washington's coastal communities strain to adapt

The Daily Yonder covers tribal and rural communities on the coast of the Pacific Northwest that are taking action to survive climate-change induced changes to their landscape.

Solar energy innovations consumers will love from CES 2025

(BPT) - Eager to discover the latest and greatest technology? If so, the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is the highlight of the year, and the 2025 offerings were bolder than ever. Consumers seeking …

Firefighting planes are dumping ocean water on the Los Angeles fires − why using saltwater is typically a last resort

A firefighting plane dumps water on one of the fires in the Los Angeles area in January 2025.
In emergencies, dumping ocean water on fires may be the best option. But seawater can have long-term effects on equipment and ecosystems, as a novel coastal experiment shows.

How the world fell in love with plastic without thinking through the consequences – podcast

Plastic waste expert Mark Miodowonik explains the history of plastic and why he believes manufacturers must be responsible for making sure plastic is recycled.

Ambitious L.A. water recycling plan could serve half a million households

LA Post reports on a new UCLA study that confirms LA's ambitious wastewater recycling initiative would strengthen the city's water security amid growing climate challenges and potential natural disasters.   
A Greener Home Starts Today: Save on ENERGY STAR Appliances with New Home Rebates
(BPT) - Energy efficiency isn't a trendy buzzword — it's quickly becoming the new normal for everyday Americans across the country. Beginning this fall and throughout next year, consumers will …
Coal plants are closing. What can be done with them?
(BPT) - The next generation of energy technologies is coming online, delivering energy that is more affordable, reliable and cleaner than ever before. But what happens to the older generation of …
Make a New Year's resolution to prepare your home
(BPT) - When it comes to goal setting for the new year ahead, why not put prepping your home for unexpected life moments top of the list? After all, your home is the center of your life, and the …
The Sun rises in Midland, Michigan, shortly after 8a.m. on Jan. 13, 2017.
How the Earth’s tilt creates short, cold January days
The winter solstice is past, but bundle up – January is when winter really arrives in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere.
End your year meaningfully with a gift that grows
(BPT) - With one year coming to a close and another about to begin, this is the perfect time to reflect on how you've been blessed this year, as well as ways to best live your values going forward. …

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips

3 Reasons to Ditch Your Laundry Detergent for Eco Strips
(NewsUSA) - The laundry industry would have you believe that in order to get brilliant, clean laundry, you need to use powders, liquids and pods that are diluted with water, and come in bulky, …

5 tips for staying safe during a winter power outage

(BPT) - Winter is in full swing. It's a beautiful season, but as the temperature drops and the snow, ice and cold approach, there's always the possibility of a power outage. When it's cold outside …