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. More...

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. More...

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. More...

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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). More...

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) More...

-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. More...

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 More...

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 More...

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 More...