By Jessica Rovie, Community Outreach Manager

She wore what? Did you see his hair? The 82nd Annual Academy Awards were presented last Sunday.  Listening to all the buzz around what the stars wore and whom they had on their arm got me thinking, does Hollywood have anything other than glitz, glamor and fashion to offer us? I thought I would highlight just a couple of my favorite eco-activist celebrities More...

Brief Encounter
Mid-February marks the opening of the Guthrie's latest show, rumored to be quite romantic and swoon-worthy: just in time for Valentine's Day. Use your Blue Sky Guide coupon to ask out that guy or gal you've been crushin' on.
Feb 11-Apr 3 (check website for show times)
The Guthrie Theater, 818 S 2nd St, Minneapolis

Happy Birthday Charles Darwin
Celebrate Charles Darwin's birthday at the Science Museum of Minnesota More...

Experience Waldorf Education
Interested adults and parents can come to class at our pre-K through 8th grade school. Experience first-hand what makes the Minnesota Waldorf School curriculum so unique and engaging. The event ends with a panel discussion of alumni and teachers, who can answer questions and share their perspectives.
Sat, Jan 23, 9:30am-Noon
Minnesota Waldorf School, 70 East County Rd B, St Paul

Advice for the Loaf-Lorn
Do you have an unrequited love for homemade bread? More...

Green Jobs Photo Project Gallery Opening
The Gallery will illustrate Minnesotans working in the green economy, including building trades, service, and industrial union members working in clean energy jobs.
Thu, Jan 14, 6pm-8pm
Common Roots Cafe, 2558 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis

Lakes A Love Affair: Film Screening
Local broadcaster and voice over artist Kerry McNally will be presenting his debut nature film. He will be available for Q&A after the screening.
Sat, Jan 16, 1pm
REI, 750 W American Blvd, Bloomington
 More...

Winter Kite Festival
The 9th annual festival includes kite flying, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice fishing, a kids' medallion hunt, snowshoeing and a marshmallow roast to top it all off.
Sat, Jan 9, 12-4pm
Lake Harriet Bandshell, South Minneapolis

Gluten Free Group of Friends: Hot Dishes
Hot dishes are a Minnesota staple and Whole Foods Chef Ani will teach you how to make this classic dish gluten free. More...

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 More...

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 More...

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 More...

Image: Courtesy: NASA / Goddard Space Flight Center

This week there are tons of great green happenings in celebration of Earth Day (and the arrival spring) in the Twin Cities. Just check out the number of times the words "Earth Day" and "celebration" are mentioned below to get an idea of the fabulous week ahead. Have fun and keep your Blue Sky Guide on hand for all your Earth Day shopping needs!

Spring Into Farming: Earth Day Fun
Meet the new (and cute) spring arrivals at Gale Woods Farm in celebration of Earth Day. An Earth Day scavenger hunt, wagon rides, and farm crafts are other highlights of the day.
Apr 18, 10am-3pm
Cost: $6/person, 20% discount for groups of 4+
Gale Woods Farm, 7210 County Road 110 W., Minnetrista, MN 55364

Earth Day Celebration at Minnesota Children's Museum
Earth Day at Minnesota Children's Museum is a celebration for all ages: parents can learn about green cleaning and get tips on how to reduce household waste, while the kids build a robot out of recycled materials.
Apr 18, 10am-4pm
Minneasota Children's Museum, 10 W 7th St, St Paul More...

Your top green building resources are MN Green Star and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's Residential Building. But we know that these times call for cash, so we've gathered your top money back options to aid your green remodel.

4 Areas to Check
Have you used our Personal Energy Analyzer yet? If you don't own a Blue Sky Guide, you can download it right here. Reducing your water heater temperature, lowering your thermostat (or raising it this summer), and eliminating phantom power suckers can save you money with zero cost up front.

Cash and Tax Incentives
We found the most comprehensive information through the Minnesota Energy Challenge, which you can sign up for online. While there aren't currently many rebates, being a part of the challenge will keep you informed when they become available.

Two low cost home improvements are upgrading  appliances and insulating you home. Use Energy Star's DIY guide to insulation and sealing to save yourself money. Calculate your potential Energy Star savings by appliance to determine which are the biggest energy users.

Coupons

• Recycled cotton fiber insulation is available at Natural Built Home. Your coupon will save you $5 off $25.
• Replace old windows with Green Seal certified windows from Renewal by Andersen. Your coupon will save you $60 off per window on 6 or more.

Get a Professional Audit
Xcel energy customers can get a $150 energy audit for just $35. Audits last 2 hours and the price is added to your next bill. Call 1-800-895-4999 to schedule yours. After the audit, improvements on your home may qualify you for a Home Performance Rebate. More...