EcoMetro Twin Cities

Use Clean Energy

EcoMetro Editors — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:47:00 GMT

Clean Energy
Solar Power Rocks (solarpowerrocks.com/minnesota) estimates that you can cover 50% of your electricity needs on a 400 sq ft roof and increase your property value by over $6,000 by installing solar photovoltaic panels. A solar hot water heater is significantly cheaper, just under $3,000 after rebates according to Solar Minnesota (solarminnesota.org). Solar hot water can reduce your hot water bill by 80%.

Your neighborhood, school, or place of worship can start a clean energy project with the help of Metro Clean Energy Resource Teams, or CERTs (cleanenergyresourceteams.org). CERTs will help connect you to resources, education, and volunteers to help launch your project, or set you up with a group already at work. One example is the Southeast Como Neighborhood Solar Thermal Project, where neighbors teamed together to receive a bulk discount on solar panels.

Purchase Green Power
The average customer of Xcel Energy (using less than 1,000 kWh per month) can buy 100% wind power for less than $25 per month. The program is called Windsource (xcelenergy.com), and it’s the largest voluntary renewable energy program in the nation. Great River Energy (greatriverenergy.com) reports that it receives approximately 23% of its electricity from renewables, though it depends on your co-op.

Home Wind Power Production
If you live in a rural area, or are part of a community with some extra space, you may be a candidate for producing wind energy with your own turbine and selling excess energy back to your utility through net metering. Wind Powering America (windpoweringamerica.gov) is a good place to start searching for state incentives and assistance for small wind projects. The Minnesota Department of Commerce (energy.mn.gov) will help you determine your Wind Resource Assessment and has information.

Make Your Cleaners

EcoMetro Editors — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:18:00 GMT

Scrub the tub Mix baking soda with water for an abrasive scrubbing paste, or substitute castile soap such as Dr. Bronner’s in place of water for extra power. To disinfect the bathroom, spray with hydrogen peroxide and rinse with water.

Claim the drain Pour baking soda in the drain, add 1 cup white vinegar, and watch the volcano, just like in grade school. Flush with hot water and repeat if necessary.

All hands on the pans Mix white vinegar with enough salt to form a paste, and watch the grease slip away. Add 1 tsp lemon juice for scent and extra power.

Lovin’ the oven An overnight soak is the trick. Sprinkle the oven with baking soda and water, and let sit. Pour salt on major spillage. Scour the next day.

See grass through the glass Pour a drink for yourself and use the remaining club soda on windows. In place of paper towels use newspaper. Club soda also makes stainless steel shine.

The floor is a chore Most wood floors can’t take harsh soaps, but 3 tbsp of baking soda in 3 gal of warm water will do the trick. For linoleum, dissolve 2 tsp of dishwashing or castile soap in 3 gal of water, mop, and follow with 1 cup white vinegar in 3 gal cool water.

Happy Green Holidays: Idea #1

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:52:00 GMT

Last month we shared ideas for making your Halloween festivities a little greener. Now that Halloween has passed, the holiday season is in full swing. For some of us this creates excitement, for others anxiety. Here is the first of a few of our favorite ways to feel good about the holiday season while lowering stress and guilt.

When unpacking those boxes of decorations you may come across a wad of twinkle lights that you can’t untangle or that are no longer working. This year you don’t have to throw them in the trash (or put them back in the box to deal with “next year”). The Recycling Association of Minnesota, in partnership with WCCO TV, Xcel Energy and Snyders Drug Stores, is launching "Recycle Your Holidays™," a first-of-its-kind effort. Minnesotans can drop off their old, broken holiday lights at any participating Snyders Drug Stores or the WCCO TV Plaza during the holiday season. Your tangled mess will be completely recycled, even the little bulbs. Free recycling bins are also available if you’d like to share this opportunity with your business, school, church, or organization.

For more information about this program, visit the Recycling Association of Minnesota or WCCO TV.

Image credit: allofolive/Creative Commons

Blue Sky Guide Green Gift Guide

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:37:00 GMT

The 2009 Blue Sky Guide Green Gift Guide is here! Filled with exclusive holiday offers, the guide is a must for helping you shop locally, give experiences and save money.

Shopping for the culturally inclined? Find exclusive offers from local arts groups.

Looking for a fun yet practical gift? Find ideas from supper clubs to bike commuting and yoga.

The Blue Sky Guide Green Gift Guide also contains information on reducing waste around the holidays and ideas for wrapping gifts and lowering your "carbon foodprint."

We wish you a joyous season and the chance to think differently about shopping and gift-giving.

All products and services appearing in Blue Sky Guide and the Blue Sky Guide Green Gift Guide meet our specific environmental and community criteria. Read more about our criteria. Let’s keep our footprint light, stretch our budget and have fun this holiday season!

Special thanks to the following groups for their support of the
Blue Sky Guide Green Gift Guide:

Urban Foraging: Harvesting Food From Your Neighborhood

Jennifer Morkunas, Celilo Group Media — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:43:00 GMT

Have you ever thought about what sort of food grows around your neighborhood? The bounty of edibles found right around the corner, from apples and nuts to rosemary and greens, is astounding. The urban landscape is filled with fresh, free food if you just know what to look for. Plants you might normally ignore, like dandelions or nettles, can be cooked into healthy, delicious meals.

Many people first experienced wild foods in their childhood—learning to mushroom hunt with their grandfather or picking apples from a neighbor’s tree. Looking for wild fruits, veggies, and nuts is a fun family activity that helps teach kids the value of local, fresh food. In addition to having kids help you forage for your own kitchen, you can volunteer to help harvest urban edibles for those in need (see resources below).

Urban foraging has something to offer everyone, from a locavore who wants to keep their food sources close home, to a baker who picks roadside berries for a pie, to a concerned community member who volunteers to gather extra food for those in need. Many cities have organized local movements centered on foraging and gleaning, but you need not be a local foods activist to explore your neighborhood’s wild food offerings. Get involved at whatever level you’re comfortable using the tips below.

Here are some tips to keep your foraging respectful and safe:

Ask permission before picking from others’ gardens. Many people are happy to share their abundance. Don’t forget to look in public areas such as parks or open lots.
Correctly identify the plant you’re harvesting. Correct identification can keep you from getting sick. Go foraging with people that know what they’re looking for, or check out one of the many helpful books on the subject, The Forager's Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants by Samuel Thayer. For an online guide, see http://plants.usda.gov/
Be aware of your foraging surroundings for food safety. Food found in an urban setting could have levels of toxicity, such as motor oil, car wash runoff or paint that might contaminate the sources you pick from.
Take only as much as you need. Consider how much can you carry and decide before you pick so that what you take won’t go bad. Just say no to over-harvesting.
Never disturb the plant roots. Pick from the top of the plant, where there is new growth and where most plants regenerate.
Familiarize yourself with the laws related to foraging in your area. These laws are usually set with the intention of preventing over-harvesting and protecting endangered plant species.

Here are a few great resources to help you in your urban foraging journey:

The Minnesota Project, matches “donated” trees with groups of trained volunteers, who will pick the fruit. Volunteers take home some of the fruit they pick, and deliver the rest to local food shelves.
Neighborhood Fruit and Veggie Trader: find and share fruits and veggies in your neighborhood
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver: focuses on eating locally and discusses foraging
Fat of the Land: Adventures of a 21st Century Forager by Langdon Cook

Blue Sky Guide Events: Celebrate Halloween!

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:34:00 GMT

Devoured Puppet Show
Take in the annual BareBones Performance at Hidden Falls Park for a Halloween puppet show that you won't soon forget. This community created puppet "extravaganza" masterfully blends art, puppetry, song, dance and much more!
Fri-Sat, Oct 30 & 31, 7pm
Hidden Falls Park, 1305 Mississippi River Blvd, St Paul (.8 miles south of Ford Bridge)

The Nature of Halloween
Storyteller Roy Edward Power will lead a walk through the Nature Center as he shares tales of ancient Halloween customs.
Fri, Oct 30, 6:30-8pm
Carpenter Nature Center, 12805 St Croix Trail, Hastings
Call 651-437-4359 to register ($5/person)

International Dance Festival
Dance groups representing a wide variety of countries--including Africa, Brazil and Ireland--will perform in the Market's Central Plaza.
Sat, Oct 31, 12-4pm
Midtown Global Market, Lake St & 10th Ave, Minneapolis

Boo-ology
Come in costume to receive free admission and take part in hands-on science activities with a Halloween twist!
Sat, Oct 31, 1-4pm
Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul

Image: Flickr/Juushika

A Twin Cities' Green Halloween

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:27:00 GMT

-Sara Johnson, Sustainable Business Accounts Manager

Halloween can generate a lot of unnecessary waste and unsustainable behavior between the temporary decorations, cheap costumes, candy wrappers and parties. Here are a few actions I've taken this week to make my Halloween festivities a little greener.

Lots of the co-ops are selling locally-grown pumpkins, so of course I picked up a few of those to carve and put on my porch. Once they've lost their charm, I'll just toss them into my big compost pile rather than my trash bin. My mom re-gifted me one of her favorite Halloween decorations, a huge orange bag with a jack-o-lantern face to put your leaves into. Although the bag is plastic, my mom has lovingly cared for this big guy since the early eighties; the fact that I am able to reuse it now is pretty top-notch. When I am done displaying it out front, I'll drag the leaves to the back to put in my compost pile throughout the fall and winter.

Rather than buy a new costume at one of those Halloween super stores, I am opting to make one at home using what I've got. For the things I need to buy, I'm heading over to Arc's Value Village, Everyday People and Savers to get them secondhand. With a little creativity, I will transform into a low-waste, low-cost super beet! (Beets are the new witch this year.)

It's too bad we are past the days of giving out caramel apples and popcorn balls. I am unsure how to get beyond the waste and unhealthy nature of giving out Halloween candy. As I'd rather not be the house giving out dental floss, I'd welcome any ideas from readers.

Have a very happy, very green Halloween!

Image credit: Amanito/Creative Commons

EcoMetro Events: Day of Climate Action and Pumpkins Galore!

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:56:00 GMT

Day 350: International Day of Climate Action
Groups across the world are getting together to send a message: there is too much carbon in the atmosphere and it’s time to make a huge, worldwide change!
Oct 24, Worldwide
Click here for Minneapolis events
Click here for St Paul events

Image: Flickr/SoraZG

Midtown Farmers' Market: Day 350 Events
This Saturday, the Midtown Farmers' Market will be hosted by Metro Clean Energy Resource Team, Do it Green! Minnesota, and the MN Energy Challenge. Take the MN Energy Challenge, speak with an energy expert and try on the CFL light-bulb hat, all while perusing one of the last markets of the season.
Oct 24, 8am-1pm
Midtown Farmers' Market, Lake Street and 22nd Ave S, Minneapolis

Weekend Sale + 350 Event at Twin Cities Green
Head over to Twin Cities Green this weekend for up to 50% off select products, and while you're at it take part in their Day 350 event. Their goal is to get at least 350 people to take their picture in the 350 tree, which they will then send to Time Squares to be displayed along with other 350 Day artwork and messages. Help make history and add to the imagery of world citizens coming together to declare the need for real action around climate change.
Sale Oct 23-25, Day 350 Events on Sat Oct 24, 11am-7pm
Twin Cities Green, 2405 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

Pumpkin Palooza Weekend
It’s all about pumpkins at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum! Check out all sorts of varieties in the pumpkin display, enjoy a screening of 'Bill's Big Pumpkins' documentary and watch master pumpkin-carvers work their magic.
Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 24 & 25
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
Use your 09 coupon to get a 2-for-1 entry

EcoMetro Events: October 15 through October 21

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:15:00 GMT

The Mayhem Poets at the Children's Theatre Company
Use your EcoMetro online coupon to see the Mayhem Poets perform at the Children's Theatre Company. It's a two-for-one offer, so bring a friend to experience this energetic and energizing hip-hop slam poetry group.
Now through Nov 1
The Children's Theatre Company, 2400 Third Ave S, Minneapolis

Acorn Planting and Woodland Seed Spreading
Help restore oak woodland and plant diversity in the important forest habitat in Crosby Park in St Paul.
Oct 17, 10am-Noon
Crosby Park, St Paul

Image: Flickr/Andy Hay

CiderFest!
Make fresh apple cider using a 1896 antique cider press and learn how to make hard cider at home too.
Oct 17-18
Minnetonka Orchards, 6530 County Rd 26, Minnetonka

Coyote Stories at Heart of the Beast
Take in a Saturday morning puppet show for families at Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theater. This Saturday's tale reminds us the ways to celebrate life, through the lessons learned by Coyote.
Oct 17, Shows at 10am & Noon
HOBT Avalon Theater Lobby, 1500 E Lake St, Minneapolis
$5/person

Tim Flannery with Kerri Miller
One of the world’s leading scientists & thinkers about sustainability, Tim Flannery talks about his new book, Now or Never.
October 19, 7pm
Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E Exchange St, St Paul
$20 ($18 for MPR members)

Café Scientifique: Feeding and Fueling the World
Jonathan Foley, director of the University of Minnesota's Institute on the Environment, talks about another inconvenient truth: our complex global food and agricultural system. He takes up the question, "How will we feed and fuel more than nine billion people without destroying our environment in the process?"
Tuesday, October 20, 7 pm
Bryant Lake Bowl, 810 W Lake St, Minneapolis
Suggested donation; $5-$12

EcoMetro Events: October 8-14

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:13:00 GMT

Bike MN 350
Come find out about a 350-mile bike trek starting on Saturday and the 350 International Day of Climate Action coming up on October 24th. Hear from organizers of October 24th action events as well as staff and Copenhagen delegates from the Will Steger Foundation.
Oct 10, 10:10am-Noon
Harriet Alexander Nature Center, 2520 North Dale Street, Roseville

Image: Flickr/russell.bride

Goose Lake Native Planting Event
Great River Greening needs the help of 50 community volunteers to plant native grasses, forbs, and shrubs at the Goose Lake boat launch in order to improve water quality & restore the native plant community at this site.
Oct 10th

Seed Collection at the Sand Coulee/Rare Prairie
Enjoy a hands-on seed identification and collection training while enjoying a rare example of a sand gravel prairie.
Oct. 10th 9am-12pm
Sand Coulee Scientific and Natural Area, near Hastings

Fall Color with Ecologist Ed Cushing
Join popular field trip guide and University ecologist Ed Cushing on a walk that will highlight our transition into autumn. A great opportunity to learn winter botany skills from an expert.
Sunday, October 11, 2009, 2- 4 pm
Wolsfeld Woods Scientific and Natural Area
Registration required; $12, $8 members

Rain Barrel DIY
Save on your water bill by collecting, storing, & using rainwater to care for your garden & yard. Make a rain barrel to take home.
Oct. 13th 6-8pm
Hunt Utilities Group Campus
Adults ages 15 & Up (limit 10)
Cost is $30/person, snack provided

Ecometro Events: October 2-7

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 15:11:00 GMT

How Brenda Langton Keeps Food Fresh
The Mill City Farmers Market is the perfect place to taste new foods, meet food producers and watch local food artisans in action.
Oct 3, 10, & 17, 8am-1pm
Mill City Farmers Market, 704 2nd St S, Minneapolis

Image: Flickr/clairity

Apple Festival
Fall has arrived, so take time this weekend to celebrate one of falls favorites: the apple! Sip cider, meet Johnny Appleseed and enjoy a autumn hayride at Gibbs Museum's Apple Festival.
Oct 3-4, Noon-4pm
Gibbs Museum, 2097 W Larpenteur Ave, St Paul

Trash Bash
Trash Bash is the newest exhibit created by the Minnesota Children's Museum and encourages visitors to think about how much trash we create and envision ways to be more sustainable through recycling and waste reduction. During opening weekend, you can take Metro Transit buses to the exhibit for free by printing out a coupon from the museum website!
Opening Oct 3
Minnesota Children's Museum, 10 W 7th St, St Paul

Celebrate Sustainability Film Series!
A Convenient Truth: Urban Solutions from Curitiba, Brazil is an informative, inspirational documentary aimed at sharing ideas to provoke environment-friendly and cost-effective changes in cities worldwide.
Oct 6, 7 pm
2501 Stevens Ave S, College Center (located on the second floor of MCAD's Main Building)

FRESH: The Movie
FRESH celebrates the farmers, thinkers and business people across America who are re-inventing our food system. After the movie, eat delicious treats made from locally grown and organic ingredients courtesy of Chowgirls Killer Catering and hear a panel of speakers, including Todd Churchhill from Thousand Hills Cattle Company.
Oct 7, 7-10pm
The Ritz Theater, 345 13th Ave NE, Minneapolis
Cost: $10

EcoMetro Events: September 24-30

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:36:00 GMT

Know Thy Vegetables: Kale!
The first class in a series of hands-on cooking classes focused on more obscure vegetables. In this class learn all about kale, the leafy green vegetable that is a fall favorite.
Sept 26, 1-3pm
Mississippi Market, 1500 West 7th St, St Paul
$25/$23 (Non-members/members)

Image: Flickr/djprybyl

Build-Your-Own Scarecrow
Just when we were thinking our fall garden was needing something to spice it up, Bachman goes and throws its family friendly annual scarecrow build. Just bring clothes to dress your scarecrow and Bachman's will take care of the rest.
Sept 26-27
All Bachman's Locations

Whisker Whirl
Let the dogs out! This annual fundraiser for the Animal Humane Society is an evening of canine camaraderie and great fun. Includes a sit-down dinner for you and your dog!
Sept 26, 5-9pm
Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley
For more info, visit or call 763-432-4842.

Urban Assault Ride
The biggest bike scavenger hunt series in the world comes to Minneapolis again this September! The first team to hit all the checkpoints (and get through the obstacles at each checkpoint) wins a pair of New Belgium Brewing cruiser bikes and gets first access into the New Belgium beer tent.
Sept 27, 9am
Starts at Peace Coffee, 2801 21st Ave S, Minneapolis

Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
Celebrate the popular Asian family holiday by making your own moon lantern and watching lantern dances performed by the Hoang Anh dance group.
Sept 27, 4-6pm
Landmark Center, 75 W 5th St, St Paul
FREE

Putting Down Roots: Raingardens in Residential Settings
Learn what a raingarden is, how to build one, and why they are important for our rivers, lakes and wetlands.
Sept 30, 6:30-8:30pm
Mississippi Market, 1500 West 7th St, St Paul
FREE but pre-registration is required

Going Places: The Mystique of Mobility
Trace how mobility and transportation have shaped life in Minnesota for nearly 200 years, and reflect on ways to move transportation forward in the 21st century.
Ongoing, see website for hours
345 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul
Don’t forget your coupon for a free admission with one paid admission

EcoMetro Events: September 17-23

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:11:00 GMT

Policy and a Pint: No Impact Man
Colin Beavan tried to live for a year without making an impact on the environment: all in the heart of New York City with his wife and toddler! Hear him and Steve Seel (DJ from 89.3 The Current) discuss his “no impact year” and hear how he thinks it made his life better.
Sept 17, 5:30-7pm
UBS Forum at Minnesota Public Radio, 480 Cedar St, St Paul
$10/$5 for students w/ ID

Image: Flickr/zappowbang

8th Annual Minnesota Tile Festival
The MN Tile Festival is part arts festival, part trade show and brings together 40 of the most talented tile artists in the country. Be sure to bring your Blue Sky Guide coupon to receive one FREE admission with the purchase of one at full price (http://www.ecometro.com/twincities/location/Minnesota-Tile-Festival/988/).
Sept 19, 10am-5pm
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave S, Minneapolis

Woofstock
Woofstock is a day of special deals at local stores, agility demonstrations, dog-friendly exhibits, live music, a scavenger hunt, the Pooches' Promenade and the annual Dog Trick Contest.
Sept 19,10am-3pm
Linden Hills Business District, 43rd & Upton, Minneapolis, MN

Women’s Specific Cold Weather Cycling and Commuting Class
A class for women taught by women with safety tips for cold weather biking. Stay on the road longer with this helpful course!
Sept 19, 2:30pm
REI Bloomington, 750 W American Blvd, Bloomington

Minneapolis Bike Tour
The Minneapolis Bike Tour is not only a fantastic way to see the city of Minneapolis on two wheels, it also is doing much to go green. One fantastic example: the tour organizers are trying to reduce paper and plastic use by not having plastic “goody” bags on the day of the event and instead have all the information you need electronically on the website. On that note, check out the entire list of green initiatives and learn more about the tour here.
Sept 20, Registration from 6:30-8:30am
Parade Filed, 400 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis (next to Walker Sculpture Garden)

Forum of Women in the Environmental Field: Networking!
Join FWEF for an evening of conversation and networking around the theme of mentorship. Share your own story and connect with others to show how individuals working in the environmental field support each other.
Sept 23, 5:30-7:30pm
Wellstone Center, Anna Heilmaier Meeting room, #212, 179 Robie St E, St Paul, MN 55107
Cost: $10/$12/$18 (Students/Members/Non-Members)

Twin Cities Green Events Sept 12-27

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:44:00 GMT

5k Run/Walk for the Monarchs & Minneapolis Monarch Festival
Celebrate the monarch butterflies' 2000 mile migration from Minnesota to Mexico. Start the day with the kids Butterfly Fun Run or 5k Run/Walk for the Monarchs around the lake. Spend the day enjoying music, dance, art-making activities, food, monarchs, native plants and more.
Sat, Sep 12, 8:45am-3pm
Lake Nokomis, East Nokomis Parkway & 50th St

Eating Green
An event for vegans, vegetarians and those who want to learn more (all are welcome) with music, speakers and information vendors. Email earthbornnutrition@gmail.com for more information.
Sat, Sep 12, 1-5pm
Indian Mounds Park, 10 Mounds Blvd, St Paul

Image: CreativeCommons/MikeBaird

People for Parks 5K Run, Walk & Stroll
Stretch your legs and help fund Lake Harriet improvements. Entrance fees are $15 for kids, $25 for adults (or $20 if you register in advance). Register online or pick up entry forms at local businesses.
Sun, Sep 13, 10:30am
Lake Harriet Bandshell

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour
Enjoy a 15-, 30-, or 45-mile route around St Paul, fully-equipped with rest stops, bicycle maintenance and support, food and cold drinks, live music and more.
Sun, Sep 13, Check-in from 7:15-9am, ride starts at 9am
Start location: South side of Summit Ave, just West of Cretin Ave

Clothes Swap
The change of seasons is an ideal time to clean out your closet and see what you don’t need. And the perfect place to bring your unwanted clothing is the Do it Green! fall clothes swap. All remaining clothes and donations will go to a local shelter.
Sun, Sep 13, 12-4pm
Do it Green! Resource Center @ Twin Cities Green, 2405 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

Next Year's Gardens without Digging
Organic Bob will give methods for creating rich organic garden beds without digging for use next spring. Learn how to let the microbes do the work for you. Email Sharon Kennedy at lindenhillswater@gmail.com to register.
Mon, Sep 14, 7-8:30pm
Linden Hills Park Building Art Room, 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis

Policy and a Pint: No Impact Man
Colin Beavan tried to live for a year without making an impact on the environment: all in the heart of New York City with his wife and toddler! Hear him and Steve Seel (DJ from 89.3 The Current) discuss his “no impact year” and hear how he thinks it made his life better.
Thu, Sep 17, 5:30-7pm
UBS Forum at Minnesota Public Radio, 480 Cedar St, St Paul
$10/$5 for students w/ ID

8th Annual Minnesota Tile Festival
The Minnesota Tile Festival is part arts festival, part trade show and brings together 40 of the most talented tile artists in the country.
Sat, Sep 19, 10am-5pm
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave S, Minneapolis

Woofstock
Woofstock is a day of special deals at local stores, agility demonstrations, dog-friendly exhibits, live music, a scavenger hunt, the Pooches' Promenade and the annual Dog Trick Contest.
Sat, Sep 19,10am-3pm
Linden Hills Business District, 43rd & Upton, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Bike Tour
The Minneapolis Bike Tour is not only a fantastic way to see the city of Minneapolis on two wheels, it also is doing much to go green. One fantastic example: the tour organizers are trying to reduce paper and plastic use by not having plastic “goody” bags on the day of the event and instead have all the information you need electronically on the website.
Sun, Sep 20, Registration from 6:30-8:30am
Parade Filed, 400 Kenwood Parkway, Minneapolis (next to Walker Sculpture Garden)

Know Thy Vegetables: Kale!
The first class in a series of hands-on cooking classes focused on more obscure vegetables. In this class learn all about kale, the leafy green vegetable that is a fall favorite.
Sat, Sep 26, 1-3pm
Mississippi Market, 1500 West 7th St, St Paul
$25/$23 (Non-members/members)

Whisker Whirl
Let the dogs out! This annual fundraiser for the Animal Humane Society is an evening of canine camaraderie and great fun. Includes a sit-down dinner for you and your dog. For more info, call 763-432-4842.
Sat, Sep 26, 5-9pm
Animal Humane Society, 845 Meadow Ln N, Golden Valley

Urban Assault Ride
The biggest bike scavenger hunt series in the world comes to Minneapolis again this September! The first team to hit all the checkpoints (and get through the obstacles at each checkpoint) wins a pair of New Belgium Brewing cruiser bikes and gets first access into the New Belgium beer tent.
Sun, Sep 27, 9am
Peace Coffee, 2801 21st Ave S, Minneapolis

Going Places: The Mystique of Mobility
Trace how mobility and transportation have shaped life in Minnesota for nearly 200 years, and reflect on ways to move transportation forward in the 21st century.
Opening in Sep, see website for hours
Minnesota History Museum, 345 Kellogg Blvd W, St Paul

EcoMetro Events: September 10-16

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:01:00 GMT

Monarch Festival
Celebrate our state’s official butterfly, the Monarch, with a fun run, monarch stewardship projects and art.
Sept 12, 9am-3pm
Lake Nokomis, near the Nokomis Naturescape Gardens

Image: Flickr/ingo.ronner

Eating Green
An event for vegans, vegetarians and those who want to learn more (all are welcome) with music, speakers and information vendors.
Sept 12, 1-5pm
Indian Mounds Park, 10 Mounds Blvd, St. Paul
Email for more information.

People for Parks 5K Run, Walk & Stroll
Stretch your legs and help fund Lake Harriet improvements. Entrance fees are $15 for kids, $25 for adults (or $20 if you register in advance). Register online or pick up entry forms at local businesses.
Sept 13, 10:30am
Lake Harriet Bandshell

Saint Paul Classic Bike Tour
Enjoy a 15-, 30-, or 45-mile route around St Paul fully-equipped with rest stops, bicycle maintenance and support, food and cold drinks, live music and more!
Sept 13, Check-in from 7:15-9am, ride starts at 9am
Start location: South side of Summit Ave, just West of Cretin Ave
Check website for route and ride details

Clothes Swap
The change of seasons is an ideal time to clean out your closet and see what you don’t need. And the perfect place to bring your unwanted clothing is the Do it Green! fall clothes swap. All remaining clothes and donations will go to a local shelter.
Sept 13, 12-4pm
Do it Green! Resource Center @ Twin Cities Green, 2405 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

Next Year's Gardens without Digging
Organic Bob will give methods for creating rich organic garden beds without digging for use next spring. Learn how to let the microbes do the work for you.
Sept 14, 7-8:30pm
Linden Hills Park Building Art Room, 3100 W 43rd St, Minneapolis, MN
Email Sharon to register.

A Better Fashion Cycle

EcoMetro Editors — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:28:00 GMT

Buy organic
Conventionally grown cotton is responsible for as much as 10% of pesticide use in the world and up to 25% of insecticide use annually, according to Grist. The chemicals can impact workers and leach into the groundwater. Because the United States produces more cotton than all countries except China, much of this is on our soil.

Next, ask about the processing method for cotton, wool, and other fabrics. Look for those that use natural dyes and avoid chlorine bleaching. Organic Consumers estimates that 1/3lb of chemicals are used in the production of a cotton T-shirt, so buying secondhand comes second to buying a product that avoids the conventional cycle.

Image: CreativeCommons/Cosmic Kitty

Buy and sell secondhand
Organic clothing can be (but is not always) more expensive than its counterpart. Buying your major cotton items like socks and basics in organic cottons still leaves a wardrobe to fill. Secondhand stores range from kids and babies to high end, giving you plenty of options to take in your own clothes and receive credit towards shopping, all without spending more (hopefully) or contributing to additional clothing production. Most stores buy with the immediate need in mind, so select items that are seasonally appropriate and turn them in clean and neatly ironed. Fixing small faults, like a button, can make the item more likely to be accepted.

Recycle or donate
As colder weather sets in and a shabby looking jacket appears from the closet, first look into donating to a store like Goodwill. If it’s too beat up or broken, call the company and ask about their recycling program. Many clothing companies, especially outdoor companies, have a system for recycling their high performance fabrics. At Patagonia, if something on the garment has failed such as a zipper, they’ll replace it with a new one for free.

Logos to look for: 1% For the Planet, Green America’s Business Seal of Approval

View our directory for:
Eco fashion
Used clothing

EcoMetro Events: August 21 through August 26

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:58:00 GMT

Reviving the Community Canning Kitchen
Preserve the local harvest with the help of Mississippi Market and their weekend of community canning workshops. In the 1940s and 50s it was common for groups to can together, and now with a day of canning basics and a day of canning together, it’s like we have gloriously gone back in time!
August 22, 4 Sessions from 10am to 5:30pm; $12-$14/session or $45-$53/all four (Member/Non-Member)
August 23, Group Canning Day, 12-4pm; $20-$24 (Member/Non-Member)
Register by calling 651-310-9499
Mississippi Market West 7th Store, 1500 West 7th St, St Paul

Image: Flickr/CreativeCommons

Night Owl Classic
Explore the city of Minneapolis by bike under the stars: a family-friendly as well as a long-distance option are available to suit all experience levels.
August 22, Family Ride @ 7pm, Long Course at 8pm
St Anthony Main, Minneapolis

Fair Trade Banana Split! at Ten Thousand Villages
Izzy's Peace Coffee Ice Cream + Equal Exchange Chocolate Syrup + Equal Exchange Bananas from Ecuador = the best Fair Trade banana split this side of the Mississippi! Ten Thousand Villages is serving them up for free on Sunday, so get yours while supplies last.
August 23, 1:00pm (until supplies run out)
Ten Thousand Villages, 867 Grand Ave, St Paul

Conserve Water, Save Energy!
Learn how simple, low-cost conservation measures and behavior change can save you money and help the environment. Featuring Vicki Carey, a veteran energy auditor, on a practical approach to green building and conservation, and Diana McKeown, coordinator of Metro - Clean Energy Resource Team, on behavior change and no-cost conservation opportunities.
August 25, 6:30-8:00pm
RSVP via email or by calling Agatha at 612-278-7142
The ReUse Center at the Green Institute, 2801 21st Ave S, Minneapolis

Putting Down Roots: Raingardens in Residential Settings
Learn what a raingarden is, how to build one and why they can be important for our lakes, rivers and wetlands.
August 26, 6:30-8:30pm
Rice Street Recreation Center, St Paul

Basic Mending Techniques
Learn from the Minnesota Chapter of the American Sewing Guild how to fix those clothing items in need of repair. Bring along an item in need of a mend so you can try what you learn.
August 26, 6-7:30pm
Do it Green! Resource Center @ Twin Cities Green, 2405 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

EcoMetro Events: August 14 through August 19

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:22:00 GMT

Minnesota Garlic Fest
The premier event for garlic lovers, promoting gourmet and sustainable garlic farming in Minnesota.
August 15, 10am-7pm
McLeod County Fairgrounds, Hutchinson

Image: Flickr/CarbonNYC

Second Saturday Samplin’ and All-Local Potluck
Sample local foods in the earlier part of the day and join with other Eastside Co-op shoppers for a late afternoon all-local potluck. To participate, bring an entrée, side dish, salad, snack or dessert made with local ingredients to share.
August 15, 11am-3pm
Eastside Food Co-op, 2551 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis

Our Clean Energy Future: A Dialogue with Bill McKibben and Will Steger
Join author and founder of 350.org, Bill McKibben, and explorer Will Steger as they share their experiences and perspectives on climate solutions from the global to the local level.
August 18, 7:30pm
Leo Flick Auditorium, Edina High School

Using Electricity to Save it with eBilling

Scott Thomsen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:15:00 GMT

Every now and then you run across a situation where instinct tells you to zig when you really ought to zag.

For saving electricity and keeping a few more dollars in your bank account, THIS SPACE is about to bend your mind around the idea of using electricity to save it.

This week’s ONE THING you can do to conserve energy is to try online billing for your utility bills and any other payments you need to make. The switch will increase your time on the computer, which would seem to increase your energy consumption, but this is a situation where one step back can lead to two or three steps forward.

Here’s why.

When you receive your bill and pay it online, you eliminate the need for your utility to print the bill and mail it to your home. There’s a whole lot of savings going on there, including the electricity to process wood pulp into paper, run the printing presses, stuff the envelopes and sort that mail.

That’s not even considering the trees that make that paper, or the gasoline to run the vehicles to deliver the raw materials and finished product at the various stages of the production and delivery cycle or the return trip with your payment.

Shifting to electronic delivery of the bill eliminates the physical production and distribution cycle. Less energy use means less impact on the environment, particularly in the area of greenhouse gas emissions tied to climate change.

For the customer, there’s the added convenience of being able to receive and pay a bill without tearing bill stubs, licking envelopes or remembering to drop the payment in the mail box. The customer also gets the immediate savings of 44 cents by avoiding the use of a stamp.

Another part of the savings is indirect for the customer.

When your utility can cut its billing costs, those savings translate into lower rates.

I’ve been steadily adding online billing to my different accounts recently and find myself struggling a bit when I have to pay one with a traditional check in the mail. I’ve grown accustomed to the convenience and my miserly side comes out when I have to attach the stamp to a paper bill.

So give electronic billing a try. If you hate it, you can always go back to the tactile sensations of getting a dead-tree version in the mailbox. If you like it, your bank account and your environment will thank you.

EcoMetro Events: August 6 through August 13

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:15:00 GMT

Thousand Hills Cattle Company Open House
Learn more about how Thousand Hills Cattle Company’s sustainable practices benefit the environment and create a delicious, healthy product.
Friday, August 7, 11am-3pm
Grandpa’s Garage, 31846 65th Ave S, Cannon Falls
RSVP by emailing Todd

Image: Flickr/iLoveButter

2009 Uptown Art Fair
Creative and original works abound at the 2009 Uptown Art Fair. One-of-a-kind finds including paintings, sculpture, photography and jewelry.
Friday, August 7, noon-8:30pm
Saturday, August 8, 10am-8:30pm
Sunday, August 9, 10am-6pm
Intersection of Lake St & Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

18th Annual Powderhorn Art Fair 2009
180 artists displaying their work in picturesque Powderhorn Park, as well as great food, entertainment, and kids' activities in a grand promenade around the lake! Event proceeds support programs at Powderhorn Park.
Saturday, August 8, 10am-6pm
Sunday, August 9, 10am-5pm
Powederhorn Park, Minneapolis

Minnesota Monthly Fresh Taste Festival
2nd annual organic, sustainable food and wine event, highlighting local foods as well as organic and biodynamic wines.
Sunday, August 9 from 11am-4pm
Nicollet Island Pavillion, 40 Power St, Minneapolis

Garden Fresh Flavors #4 – Tomatoes
Explore and create dishes that take advantage of the abundance of August’s favorite local star: tomatoes!
Thursday, August 13, 6-8:30pm
$30/$35 Members/Non-Members
Seward Co-op, 2823 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis

Minneapolis Back to School for Adults with Classes

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 00:07:00 GMT

Community based classes are a great way to learn a new skill from another citizen at low cost. We've picked out the upcoming classes most relevant to eco-minded Twin Cities dwellers.

SUSTAINABILITY
Permaculture Research Institute
Plastering Strawbale Benches Help use clay plaster to finish the benches at the community garden. August 8 Free, RSVP
Permaculture Systems Workshop Participants must have completed the Intro to Permaculture Workshop or equivalent. Learn to manage organic matter, raise chickens, and capture water in a tour of the Welch Permaculture Gardens. A potluck follows, participants are also welcome to bring family and camp. August 29 $75 non-member
Gardening with Insects This 3 part lecture series will cover pest management, habitat, and attracting beneficial insects. $20 per lecture non-member

ARTS
Northern Clay Center
Hot Heat, Cold Treats Learn to craft a vessel from clay. $45 for 2 people August 8. Other classes offered are Beginner Pottery, Ceramics 101, Dinnerware, The Anatomy of Japanese Pottery, and more all offered in 10 week blocks. Cost: $250-$300

Two Right Feet Dance
Learn swing, ballroom, Latin, Irish, and other dances by private appointment.
Individual: $40, Couple $50

Out On A Limb Dance Company
Take lessons in adult ballet, karate, jazz dance, tap, or musical theatre.
*Coupon Receive 50% off 3 months of lessons

Minnesota Glass Art
Introduction to Glassblowing September 26 &27 $330
Beginning Glassblowing November $300
Sculpting Glass November 14 &21 $250

Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Paste Paper August 15 $85 non-members
Museum In My Pocket Sculptural books August 22 $95 non-members
A Weekend Introduction to Letterpress August 29-30 $195

Crafty Planet
*Coupon Save $5 on your purchase of $25 or more
Sewing Workshops with Lisa Every Friday $15/2 hours or $20/3 hours
Caroline Girls Dress Sew a dress for your child August 9, $35
Beginning Knitting August 12-26 $40
PJ Bottoms or Boxer Shorts August 15
Beginning Embroidery August 16 $25
First Skirt – It’s a Wrap August 1
Beginning Quilting August 20, $50

HOME AND GARDEN
Cooks of Crocus Hill
Tomato Temptations Learn to use your backyard tomato crop in a variety of recipes. August 26 $65
Savory Desserts from the Vegetable Garden September 9, $65

Vine Park Brewing Company
Make your own beer with a Brew Coach in a 2 hour session, wait 2 weeks for fermenting, then bottle your creation and mark with customized labels. Wine can be created from white or red grapes with a fermentation time of 1-9 months.
Available weekday and weekends, make an appointment.
Cost: Beer batch: $130-$175, wine batch: $155-$175

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
*Coupon Receive one adult admission free with purchase of another
Hostas and Companion Plants Learn to grow hostas and visit Hosta Glade. August 15, $40 non-member
Designing and Creating Rain Gardens August 15, $30 non-member
Watercolor Painting September 10, 11, 12 $225 non-members
Cooking from the Garden Take a stroll through the garden with chef Mike Phillips of Craftsman Restaurant while he picks ingredients for a seasonal 3 course meal. September 24 $55 non-member

EcoMetro Events: July 30 through August 5

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:29:00 GMT

Eat Local, America!
From August 1 through 31, the 11 Twin Cities area food co-ops invite Twin Cities residents to make a point to eat food produced close to home in the “Eat Local, America!” challenge. Various co-ops will host a number of events to celebrate our local farmers and the food they collectively bring to our tables, but you can start at your own home by taking advantage of the bounty at local farmers markets & co-ops.
Aug 1-31

Image: Mykl Roventine/CreativeCommons

Weekend Farmers Market Highlights
It's all about sweet corn at Mill City Farmers Market, while St Paul Farmers' Market boasts of organic blueberries. Kingfield Farmers Market gives a $2 off coupon to the first 100 market goers on Sunday, and Midtown Farmers Market always has fabulous music to accompany your shopping.
August 1 or 2 (depending on location)

Family Fun Tuesdays at Caponi Art Park
Celebrate the art of storytelling at this Tuesday's Family Fun Tuesday: the summer-long children's series that provides families with the chance to explore a variety of art forms, ideas and cultures.
Aug 4, 10-11am
Caponi Art Park, 1210 Diffley Rd, Eagan

National Night Out Celebration at Trotter's Cafe
Live local music, local tap beer and wine, and locally sourced meals make Trotter's Cafe the perfect place to get together with neighbors and celebrate National Night Out! Also, be sure to check out other National Night Out celebrations going on in Minneapolis and St Paul.
Aug 4, 6-8pm
Trotter's Cafe, 232 Cleveland Ave N, St Paul

Art Monday: Secret Worlds on the Streets

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:59:00 GMT

Artist Helen Nodding creates tiny, hidden worlds among the loose bricks and sidewalk splits that are usually taken as signs of decay in our cities. With a change in scale, the nooks and crannies becomes destinations. See a world tucked beneath a floor and a wall crack turned countryside on her website Stories from Space.

The Subtle Art of the Roll Up

Travis A. Wittwer — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 04:35:00 GMT

This morning, I took a train to Seattle to teach at a conference. It is one of the joys in life. I bike to the train station, work on a crossword as the scenery passes by, and then bike around Seattle which, by the way, seems to be made entirely out of hills.

Today, I entertained myself with a new distraction, the subtle art of the roll up. For those of you unfamiliar with the term, a “roll up” is when a cyclist folds, or in some way “rolls” up, his or her pant leg to avoid it getting caught in the chain. Roll means fold. It’s so clear. A thoughtfully folded pant leg is a style I don’t often sport because my bakfiets has a chain guard. However, today I took a commuter bike on my trip to Seattle, and with 3 hours to kill on the train, I mastered some pretty awesome roll ups. Check them out. Let me know what you think.

TRADITIONAL: Nothing fancy. Textbook functionality for keeping the pant leg out of the chain assembly. The style most often used.

TRADITIONAL PLUS: A bit of a deviation in the sense that this roll up would get some looks as you rode by due to the excess exposure of your calf.

TALL CUFF: Looks good on the ladies. Gentlemen, don’t do it. Seriously. Don’t. You have been warned.

PIRATE RAWWWL UP: Keep your peg-leg-covering pants out of your buccaneering bike chain. Can I get a “Yar!”?

MARTHA STEWART: Anything you can do, Martha Stewart can do better and with more style. Accept it.

ORIGAMI: Not often seen due to the skill one must master before attempting this roll up. Great to look at.

THE STRIPPER: All skin, all the time.

SOCK-IT-TO-THEM: Technically not a “roll up” but serves the same purpose. A nice alternative to the all-too-often-seen roll up.

I-SHOULD-HAVE: An attempt to solve an already destroyed pair of pants by doing a roll up too late in the game. Fourth-quarter foul.

DOUBLE WHAMMY: Hey, the chain is only on one side, but why let that decide your fashion sense. What would happen if the chain suddenly shifted sides and grabbed on to the other pant leg? Better to be safe and do them both up.

MINIMALIST (or would that be a roll down?): Just enough fold to classify it as a roll in the world of competitive roll ups. However, this roll up would not survive more than a leisurely jaunt to the grocery store for a bottle of Shiraz.

BONUS: This is not one from the trip. However, it is something I created a few years ago out of a pant leg so that this "cover" would keep tight my pant leg, like a roll up does, and the cover would act as a shield from any grease or road grit.

There are so many options out there for the roll up. I decided on the “traditional” for my ride through Seattle. The conference went well and biking through the city was wonderful. And for the train ride back to Portland, I will keep myself entertained one leg at a time.

Thank you to Tana for the leg modeling.

Art Monday: The Artist in the Trees

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 19:27:00 GMT

Image: D'Arcy Norman/Creative Commons

Treehugger has a new review up about a book/DVD set wittily named Treedom. It tells the story of Takashi Kobayashi, who tires of his secondhand clothing shop and sets out for more, becoming a famous treehouse builder after reading another book, Treehouses. He also credits the World Treehouse Builder Association Conference as a major influence. Looking to create an escape for yourself? The conference takes place in October in Washington and Oregon, but you can start your reading now.

EcoMetro Events: July 16 through July 22

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Third Thursday at the MIA: Tour de Force
Every third Thursday, the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts has a museum-wide special event revolving around a theme. This month is all about bikes, so take advantage of the free bike valet service at the Third Avenue entrance and get ready for a real (/wheel) good time. Among other activities: create your own "vintage" French bike poster, take a self-guided tour honoring all things transit, and view the 1948 Italian classic film The Bicycle Thief.
July 16, 6-9pm
Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, 2400 Third Ave S

Livin' La Vida Local Salsa Contest
Prizes in three salsa categories will be awarded at the second annual Linden Hills Co-op Salsa Contest: best use of local ingredients, best tomato-based salsa, and best fruit salsa.
July 16, 6:30-9pm
Linden Hills Co-op, 2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis

Tour de Fat
Parade with other bike enthusiasts around Lake of the Isles in your craziest, most over-the-top costume and then spend the day with New Belgium Brewing to support area non-profits who are building a bigger, healthier and more sustainable bike culture here in the Twin Cities.
July 18, 9am-4pm
Parade Athletic Fields (Just west of the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden), Minneapolis

Minnesota Water Garden Tour
Tour various water gardens located north of the I-394/I-94 corridor. Check out the map to get a sense of what makes each garden unique.
July 18 & 19, 10am-5pm

And don't forget to start Reading for the August 12 book club at Ten Thousand Villages! August's book is Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson, the inspiring story of one man's mission to build schools in Pakistan, believing education is the key to peace. Mortenson happens to have Minnesota roots, which makes this an even better summer read! Check out Ten Thousand Villages' website for more details on the Village Readers.

Cruising the Sundays Parkways in Portland

Travis A. Wittwer — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 20:39:00 GMT

Sundays Parkways is a Portland Department of Transportation event where a loop of city roads are closed to vehicles to create a space for pedestrians, cyclists, and community booths.

The last Sundays Parkways happened on Father’s Day, when Portland closed off 7.5 miles of roadway in North Portland. I would like to thank Portland for doing so specifically for me, Daddy-Travis. The route was great, joining together several neighborhoods with events and sights along the way. Families on bikes were most notably seen, however, Sunday Parkways drew a wide audience of cyclists, walkers, and runners.

As a family, we rode the loop that included Peninsula and Arbor Lodge parks. We pedaled past Peninsula, knowing that we would hit it on the way back so on we went. Throughout the route we rode over chalk drawings and statements of celebration for the day.

Volunteers stood by at many of the side streets to assist with questions and help people driving cars make it to their houses. Police stood at the intersections to main streets waving the Parkway users on through, smiling and saying “hi” to all the kids.

We stopped at Arbor Lodge Park for music and a drink. Our sons tried the unicycles without much luck. I would like to say that I mastered a unicycle, but I cannot. The park was filled with every bike imaginable, even the elusive “Bullitt” cargo bike about which I have only read. Yes, I touched it.

The kids jumped in the box and we were off to our next destination. Peninsula Park was our second stop, just before our house. Here we perused the vendors a bit more, stopping to check out Zip Car. Of course we did take a moment to breathe in the glory that is the Rose Garden of North Portland before heading home.

I was unable to attend last year’s Sunday Parkway so I reveled in the fact that the planets aligned to make it happen this year. I was told by a woman we met at the Peninsula Park stop that this year’s route was larger and there were more sideline attractions—food, vendors, music, and “people just watching”. It was a lovely way to spend the afternoon on Fathers’ Day (my day), surrounded by bikes, enjoying the calm and simplicity, and being with family.

The day ended as perfectly as it started and we headed off to a friend’s house for a BBQ where the driveway was packed with bikes; it was a sight.

Image: Screenshot from City of Portland, Office of Transportation

Keeping life moving on a bike.

Art Monday: Moss Art and Moss Graffiti

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:05:00 GMT

Looking for a way to decorate your patio wall or a patch of ground? With a little coaching and watering, grow moss into shapes such as a poem, an eco statement, or animals.

Full instructions are on Instructables.

Image credit: Flickr/aaron13251

EcoMetro Events: July 9 through July 15

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Bicycle Film Fest
Join other bike enthusiasts for a week-long celebration of the many ways bicycling can transport us. The festival includes art, film, and musical performances about bikes.
July 8-July 12
For a complete list of events click here

Greener is Greener
Learn how to green your home affordably by taking the right steps for testing, diagnosis, and planning. Pre-registration is required.
July 11, 9-11am
Whole Foods Market, 3060 Excelsior Blvd, Minneapolis

Go Green with a Splash Party Weekend
As part of the Arboretum’s on-going Waterosity summer exhibition, they decided to throw a party! The weekend's line-up includes fun family activities such as performances by Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre and helpful information on ways to conserve water in your home and garden.
July 11-12, 11am-3pm
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska

Image: iMorpheus/CreativeCommons

3rd Annual Minnehaha Creek Clean-up
Join volunteers from across the metro area to clean Minnehaha Creek from litter and invasive plant life starting at Lake Hiawatha moving upstream. The morning starts with a free pancake breakfast to fuel your clean!
July 12, 9-11am
RSVP by calling 612-331-5600 or emailing

Responding to the Global Food Crisis
Jim Harkness, president of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy and former adviser for the World Bank and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, will discuss the causes of the global food crisis and solutions for how the U.S. and the world can build a stronger, healthier global food system.
July 14, 7pm
Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis

Big Back Yard at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Mini-golf has gotten incredibly cool (and educational) at the Science Museum of Minnesota. The Big Back Yard outdoor exhibit and mini-golf course illustrates the evolution of landscape, river dynamics and biodiversity. After 5pm, golf costs only $5 when you stop by the box office and pick up a special sticker.
Science Museum of Minnesota, 120 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul
Cost: Big Back Yard free with museum admission; Mini-golf between $3-4.50 with museum admission or $5 after 5pm

Art Monday: Eco Roofs of the World

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 20:38:00 GMT

Eco roofs, and their more visible cousins vertical gardens, are inspiring pieces of architecture which are usually difficult to view, since getting on top of a building is often prohibited or just a hassle. The California Academy of Sciences roof, pictured above, makes it a little easier to take in the benefits and beauty of rooftop greenery. Here is an entire photo gallery devoted to eco roofs of the world, and here is a Flickr pool.

Image Credit: Arex/CreativeCommons

EcoMetro Events: Local & Green Ideas for the Holiday Weekend

EcoMetro TwinCities Team — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:40:00 GMT

Fantastic Fourth at The Walker
Celebrate independence day in The Walker sculpture garden with music, art-filled activities (including an Art Bike contest) and hula-hooping lessons.
July 4, 10am-3pm
The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden at The Walker, 1750 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
FREE

Picnic Time at Mill City Farmers Market
Learn how to create delicious picnic treats with your market produce from the chefs at Mill City Farmers Market.
July 4, 8am-1pm, cooking demo at 10am
Mill City Farmers Market, 704 2nd Street S, Minneapolis

Concerts in the Park: A Minnesota Summer Tradition
A quintessential Minnesota summer evening involves packing up a picnic, gathering a group of friends and heading over to one of the many local parks that offer free music in the evening.
Throughout the summer in Minneapolis and St Paul

Midtown Farmers’ Market
Starting in July, the Midtown Farmers’ Market is open Saturday and Tuesday, adding one more glorious day of local produce for the pickin’.
Tuesdays 3:30-7:30pm through October, Saturdays 8am-1pm through October
Midtown Farmers’ Market, Lake Street E & 22nd Ave

ecometro.com Scavenger Hunt

EcoMetro Editors — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:42:00 GMT

Have you ever wondered what your neighborhood is doing to reduce its environmental impact? How about using a scavenger hunt to find out? We were surprised to find a home with solar panels that we'd never noticed right around the corner, but couldn't uncover a single rain barrel. Think you can photograph everything on this list?

The winner with the most items found will receive a $50 gift card to REI. Three runners up will receive a 2010 Blue Sky Guide hot off the presses in August, before they hit stores! The theme for the 2010 books is DIY, and we have new coupons and coupons from established businesses that we think you'll love to use.

Look for:

Solar panel (photovoltaic or hot water)
Eco roof
Community garden
Rain barrel
Clothes line
Compost bin
Home vegetable garden
Chicken coop

Extra fun:

The coolest bike
Public art that's lesser known
A photo from inside a form of mass transit
Greywater system

Once you have your pictures, share with others by adding them to our Sustainable City pool on Flickr for a chance to win. Our hope is that collecting the evidence in one place will inspire others to jump on board, and serve as photographic evidence of our progressive city.

Good luck! We found that a slow bike ride is the best way to explore. (And yes, photographing your own home is ok!)

Entries must be added to our Flickr pool by July 31st to be considered for the prize, though we hope you'll add green living photos to the pool year round.

The Fine Print:
You must submit your own photos, do not submit photos which you do not have permission to use. In the event of a tie, a winner will be randomly chosen. Contest is void where prohibited. Winners will be contacted by FlickrMail for their address.

WeGo Cargo at the Cirque du Cycling Bike Parade

Travis A. Wittwer — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:43:00 GMT

Cirque du Cycling, the Portland bike parade, came and went like…well…a parade. People lined up and down Mississippi Avenue to witness the spectacle of collected bike groups. Our family rode with a group of cargo/utility bike users. Aside from all being larger bikes, this group shares the belief that bikes are superb vehicles for moving large objects from place to place. James--seen in the photo below with his dog Louie who sits in a custom made box atop his Xtracycle--made our banner, which pretty much summed up our group’s thinking: WeGO Cargo!

Kael and Soren, our two eldest sons, tossed candy to the crowd, probably the highlight of their time, snatching a candy or two for every handful tossed. Our youngest rode behind his mom on a trail-a-bike, occasionally helping to pedal the way.

Jamie and Phillip of Metrofiets were performing bunny hops on their cargo bikes. That's a sight I have not seen before and it got me thinking…Hmmmm, there's possibility for a whole new pastime—Extreme Cargoing. Would a bike jump be too much for a cargo bike? Anyone?

A contingency of Xtracycle bikes were on hand. What I like about Xtracycle is that it extends the back of the bike to provide a cargo area, and the extension is not so much that it makes the bike handle weird. I see these as the station wagon of bikes (sorry for the car comparison).

Image used with permission from Metrofiets. Photo by Diana Rempe.

Clever Cycles, of Portland, loaned us their BIG cargo bike. Citing from the WorkCycles web site, the company that hand makes these bikes, "Please note that these trikes are really big and heavy . . . suitable for essentially flat terrain such as in Holland." A big hand to Scott Mizee, who piloted the trike to and from Clever Cycles with his four children aboard and plenty of room for a couple of bails of hay. I am sure his legs got a workout that day.

An unexpected showing of naked riders appeared at the end of the parade, probably getting a jump on the World Naked Bike Ride that was to occur that night. It certainly caught the attention of our sons and provided topics for the ride home after the parade. I feigned being out of breath for some of the topics. I mean how do you explain ... ? Nevermind.

Ar right, enjoying life by bike. Take one out today and ride. Photo credit: Diana Rempe.

More photos are on my Flickr.

Art Monday: Underwater Sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor

Carissa Wodehouse — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:41:00 GMT

On Art Mondays we bring you innovative, inspiring examples of artists working with and for the environment.

Sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor creates cement figures from models--including students and a BBC presenter-- and then places them underwater as artificial reefs, where sea sponges and worms can collect on the hard surface and attract fish and other underwater residents searching for a stable home. Check out the images of the works changing over time, it's both eerie and beautiful how the sea overtakes the forms.

One more image after the jump. All images courtesy Jason deCaires Taylor.

These are from work located in the West Indies. Taylor also works above water, most interesting is UnStill Life II, a stone box cut with hundreds of holes and filled with compost and seeds.

EcoMetro Active: Freezing Veggies and Berries

EcoMetro Editors — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 19:02:00 GMT

Imagine stocking up on your favorite vegetables and berries at the farmers market, then opening the freezer months later and having them available to you again.

Vegetables need to be blanched in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to stop the growth of the plant. After boiling, immediately dunk them in ice water then spread individual pieces on a cookie tray and freeze.

Berries should be washed, dried thoroughly, and frozen on a tray. Transfer the pieces to a freezer bag. Whenever you have a hankering for the taste of summer, pour out a few pieces and cook with them as you would fresh produce.

Did you try this? Have another tip? Comment below!