Best Brew on a Budget
Keith Tomlinson, the Head Roaster from Peace Coffee, will be at Linden Hills Co-op to talk about how to enjoy a great cup of coffee...on a budget. He'll discuss the best methods for coffee brewing that will excite your taste buds without straining your budget.
Feb 7, 10-11:30am
Linden Hills Co-op, 2813 W 43rd St, Minneapolis
Pre-register by calling 612-922-1159
FREE

The Second Annual Art Sled Rally
If you are wondering what exactly an art sled is, here's the official explanation: "Any contraption built to slide down a snowy slope in the most fashionable, ridiculous or artistic way."  Okay, so that doesn't clear things up entirely, but it certainly builds the curiosity and excitement.  This Saturday's Art Sled rally at Powderhorn park is the perfect time to embrace the fact that  living in Minnesota does bring with it some different, and special, perks. So design and build your own sled or just join in the fun as a spectator.  There will be live music, a warming tent and hot cocoa in addition to the sledding antics.
Feb 7, Midwinter Festival begins at 11am & the Art Sled Rally begins at 1pm
Powderhorn Park, Minneapolis

Dress up in your best recycled prom-wear and join leading experts on global warming, student garage bands and political leaders at this winter's Climate Change Eco-Prom.  Part of a national event called "First 100 Days National Teach-In" involving more than 1000 colleges, faith groups, civic organizations, and businesses across the country, the night aims to involve and inform people about the climate change crisis we are globally experiencing. The Eco-Prom will frame climate change as the social justice issue of our time and the role we all can play in shaping our future.  Beyond that, it also happens to be the perfect excuse to drag out that old 80's Prom dress you secretly still love.
Feb 5, 7-9:30 pm
Free, All-ages Welcome
Bell Museum Auditorium, 10 Church St, University of MN-East Bank, Minneapolis
Check out www.nationalteachin.org to learn more about this national event.

Image: Flickr/CreativeCommons More...

Go bowling at Bryant Lake Bowl

Learn how to blow glass with Foci Glass

Go roller-skating with friends

Page through the Entertainment and Family section of your 2009 Blue Sky Guide for more ideas!


Image: Flickr/Creative Commons

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It’s going to be a long cold, winter in Minnesota, so get out your 2009 Blue Sky Guide for inspiration on places to go and things to do! It will be easy to warm up your eco-spirit with these great activities.

Crafty Planet Classes
Crafty Planet offers a number of "beginner" classes in January, including crocheting, sewing and knitting. On January 6th, you can learn how to sew a tote, which will certainly inspire you to never again use those darn paper or plastic bags at the grocery store.
2833 Johnson St NE, Mpls
View the Blue Sky Guide coupon

Sustainability Series at the Wedge Co-op
This month the Wedge Co-op offers a number of cooking and health classes, as well as a special series taught by Terry Gips, President of Alliance for Sustainability. The three part series is offered on three consecutive Thursdays in January from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and covers a wide spectrum of ways to make your life more sustainable. The first class is called “Sustainability and Saving Money During Tough Economic Times,” which is something we can definitely get behind!
Cost: $30, or $25 for co-op members and Alliance for Sustainability Contributing Members.
2105 Lyndale Ave S
View the Blue Sky Guide coupon

Cross-country Ski Lessons
Three Rivers Park District is offering cross-country ski lessons for families and kids at Elm Creek Park Reserve, Maple Grove. Learn to ski as a family, or just sign the kids up for lessons and pass on your love of Nordic skiing. Reservations are required.
1 hour • ages 6-12 • $10 ($16 with ski rental)
Saturdays, January 10 through February 28, at 1 p.m.

Worm Composting workshops
If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, Eureka Recycling is still offering worm-composting workshops to teach people how to turn kitchen scraps into a powerful natural fertilizer year round. Registration required.
Sunday January 11, 2 pm at Griggs Recreation Center, 1188 Hubbard Ave, St Paul
Wednesday January 21 6:30pm at Merriam Park Recreation Center, 2000 St Anthony Ave, St Paul
Cost: $5 or FREE with this coupon

Classes at the Yarnery
Learn how to knit that scarf you’ve been dreaming of with beginner to advanced knitting classes at the Yarnery. Check out their website for class details.
840 Grand Ave, St Paul
View the Blue Sky Guide coupon

Dance Class with Two Right Feet
Winter is the perfect time to learn something new or improve on something you love. Taking a dance class with Two Right Feet also sounded like a great way to avoid the couch-potato-winter-blues.
3139 2nd Ave S, Mpls
View the Blue Sky Guide coupon

Gardening Like the Forest Series
Learn how to create a food-producing backyard ecosystem with Dave Jacke, the award-wining author of “Edible Forest Gardens.” The theory, practice and design of cold climate permaculture will be covered during three events.
First lecture: “Home Scale Ecological Food Production” January 16, 7pm to 9pm
MCAD 2501 Stevens Ave, Mpls
Cost: $10

Nothing melts away the winter blues quite like a yoga class. Check out these great Yoga studios that have coupons in Blue Sky Guide to take a class today!

Blooma

Inner Strength Fitness

One Yoga

Tree of Life Yoga More...

Smart Winter Cycling 101
Learn how to become a safe cyclist year round.  This very comprehensive (10 hour) course will educate riders on all sorts of important things including how to prevent crashes, efficiently use a bicycle, and ride comfortably and safely on snow and ice.  At the end of day one, riders will go for a night ride to practice their new skills.  Steve Clark of Transit for Livable Communities and Nick Mason of Dero Bike Racks will co-teach the course.
December 5, 5:30pm to 8:30 pm and Saturday December 6
Midtown Greenway, 2834 10th Ave S, Minneapolis
Contact Nick Mason to register: nickmason@dero.com or 612-986-6096
Cost: $50

No Coast Craft-o-Rama
This is a not-to-be-missed December event and the place to stock up on one-of-a-kind holiday gifts!  The No Coast Craft-o-Rama features handmade goods from a variety of regional artists, designers and crafters.  On Saturday you can also watch local crafters compete in a CRAFT-A-THON. For those already handy with a glue-gun and popsicle sticks, the entire weekend is going to take it to a whole new level!
December 5, 3pm to 8pm and December 6, 9am to 5pm
Midtown Global Market
FREE

2008 Worm Composting Workshops
According to Eureka Recycling, a typical household in the Twin Cities area throws away around 10 pounds of compostable material every day!  No wonder they are offering worm composting workshops throughout the winter and backyard composting workshops starting this spring.  The next worm composting workshop is Saturday, December 6th, but there are others throughout January if you aren’t quite ready to dig in yet.  And if the Blue Sky Guide coupon providing you with free admission isn’t motivation enough, take it from a gardener: come spring your garden will go crazy for this very potent, natural fertilizer.
December 6, 10am
Merriam Park Recreation Center, 2000 St Anthony Ave, St Paul
Registration Required: Call Eureka Recycling at 651-222-7678 to register
Cost: $5 or FREE with this coupon.

Craftsmas
To be fair, the entire first weekend of December is an all out craft-spectacular in the Twin Cities, and it would be wrong to rate one as the “best of the best.” So after you are satiated from the No Coast Craft-o-Rama, head over to the equally quirky and cool Craftsmas, put on by Handmaidens Minneapolis.  There will be plenty more treasures in store for sure!
December 7, 10am to 5 pm
Uptown VFW, Lake and Lyndale
FREE

Merry Thriftsmas
Through the end of December, Arc’s Value Village will be selling unique gifts and holiday items including ornaments, decorations, tableware, greenery and much more.  The great selection of nearly new and vintage items at Arc’s Value Village is a great reminder of how to be a little thriftier this holiday season.
Through the end of December
Three metro locations, use your Blue Sky Guide Coupon at the location closest to you.

Benefit Night at Ten Thousand Villages
Ten Thousand Villages provides customers with a unique opportunity throughout the holiday season to shop on special nights and stock up on holiday gifts while giving back to a local nonprofit. Ten Thousand Villages is a fair trade retailer with distinctive gift items from around the world, so on the benefit nights your purchases will support both local and global communities!  The December 9th benefit night will provide 20% of sales to the Minnesota Environmental Fund.  Use your Blue Sky Guide coupon and buy something extra to give even more back to the MEF.
December 9, 5pm to 8pm
867 Grand Ave, St Paul
Here’s the coupon.

EcoTuesday Holiday Party
Gather this holiday season with other eco-minded individuals to network and connect.  This months EcoTuesday will be hosted at Twin Cities Green.  If you bring in a non-perishable food item, you will receive a 10% discount on anything you purchase during the event.
December 16, 6:30pm to 9pm
Twin Cities Green, 2405 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis

Hot Chocolate Walking Tours
Learn about winter birds, animals and “seasonal nature lore” with a one-hour walk led by an Arboretum naturalist.  Warm up with complimentary hot chocolate in the restaurant afterwards.
Dec 17, 10am
Oswald Visitor Center, MN Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska
Cost: $5
 
Third Thursday: Chill Out
This month’s third Thursday event at the MIA gives plenty of reasons to come in from the cold: jazz vocalist Christine Rosholt and her band will be performing; Stuart Klipper will talk about shooting photographs in Antarctica; costumed guides will lead tours through period rooms; and a screening of Dr. Seuss’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will cap off the evening.
December 18, 6pm to 9pm
Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 Third Ave S, Minneapolis
Cost: Free, Snacks and Beverages Provided at a cost

‘Tis a Gift…18th Annual Holiday Exhibition
Work from more than sixty regional and national ceramic artists is on display through January 4th at Northern Clay Center.  The selection of unique, hand-made objects created by contemporary craft artists is worth checking out, as NCC is known for its beautiful and high-quality selection of ceramics.  For the ceramics lover in your life, ‘tis the season!
Through January 4
Center Hours: Tues-Fri: 10am to 7pm, Sat-Sun: 10am to 6pm
Northern Clay Center, 2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, 612-339-8007 More...

This holiday season give the gift of Blue Sky Guide – a one-of-a-kind resource and coupon book, offering more than 300 valuable coupons for all aspects of life. Help your friends and family explore the Twin Cities with the guide for shopping and saving locally.

Check off the names from your shopping list and make the most of our December Holiday Special! Save $5 on each copy of Blue Sky Guide (regularly $20) at select retailers listed below or receive free shipping at our online store ($5 value).

While getting copies for friends and family, remember to grab an extra for yourself! Blue Sky Guide offers great gift ideas and the opportunity to stretch your dollar.

Click on the store names below for locations and hours: More...

13th Annual RAM/SWANA Conference
Over 300 attendees and 30 exhibitors will be taking part in the annual Recycling Association of Minnesota/Solid Waste Association of North America conference at The McNamara Alumni Center. Find a list of educational seminars and register online.
November 6
The McNamara Alumni Center, 200 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis
Go Greener: Bus Routes 16, 21, and 50 will get you there

Chris Dorsi discussion on The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency
Chris Dorsi has over two-decades of experience in the energy conservation business and with his new book, The Homeowner's Handbook to Energy Efficiency, he is sharing his expertise with all of us.  His straightforward and informative book will teach readers simple ways to make their homes more efficient while also increasing their value (the two do go hand-in-hand!)
November 12, 7:30pm
Magers and Quinn Booksellers, 3038 Hennepin Avenue S, Minneapolis, 612-822-4611
Bring your 2009 coupon to browse the great used-book selection before and after the discussion.
Go Greener: Bus Route 6 will get you there

Author Steven Kazlowski on "Facing the Truth of a Warming World"
He brought worldwide awareness to the impact global warming is having on polar bears with his book The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World, and now wildlife photographer Steven Kazlowski will speak at the Bell Museum of Natural History about his time spent in the arctic.  Kazlowski will share images, observations and stories from the arctic, as well as ideas on how to fight global warming.
November 13, 7pm
Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St SE, Minneapolis 612-624-7083
$7/$5 museum members
Use your coupon to explore the museum with a friend before the lecture.
Go Greener: Bus Routes 2B and C, 6, 16 and 52 will get you there

A Taste of Thanksgiving
Welcome Thanksgiving early this year and benefit the St Joseph Worker Program, which empowers young women to serve those in need through working with local organizations.  The event will feature organic wine and beer-tasting, delicious food and a silent auction.
Friday, November 14, 7pm to 10pm
Lumen Christi Great Room, 2055 Bohland Ave, St Paul
Tickets: $35/person ($25 is tax-deductible)
Go Greener: Bus Route 84 will get you there

The Green Goober Opening Celebration
Come celebrate the opening of the newest eco-business in the Twin Cities, Green Goober, a store offering children's toys that are eco-friendly as well as fun!  The weekend-long opening celebration will feature activities for the whole family and a special offer: 5% of your subtotal will be donated to the school of your choice.  
November, 14, 15 and 16 (see website for store hours)
5411 Nicollet Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-823-2222
Go Greener: Bus Route 18 will get you there

3rd Annual Green Gifts Fair
This holiday season give green and local.  Stock up on your green gifts at the 3rd Annual Green Gifts Fair with over forty local artists and retailers (including Blue Sky Guide) selling green, recycled and organic gifts. There will also be an eco-fashion show, local musicians and the official kick-off of the 2009 Do it Green! Magazine.
Saturday, November 15, 10am to 5pm
Midtown Global Market at Lake Street & 10th Ave, Minneapolis
Go Greener: the Midtown Global Market is at the Chicago/Lake Transfer Station and right off the bike greenway

Join the Mission of One Yoga: A Celebration Event
To celebrate it's new status and their increased ability to "reach out to individuals who traditionally lack access to the benefits of yoga," One Yoga is hosting a launch event!  The event will include information on their new community partnerships, yoga practice, refreshments, music and chanting.  Check out the website for schedule of events and more information about One Yoga, A Non-Profit Studio.
Saturday, November 15, 3:30pm to 8:30pm
2100 B Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis 612-872-6347
See their coupon.
Go Greener: Bus Route 4 will get you there

Book Arts Fest, Presented by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts
Browse a variety of handmade gifts and keepsakes by local artists including artist's books, handmade journals, prints and letterpress cards at the seventh annual Book Arts Fest.  Describing itself as "some of the most unique holiday shopping in the Twin Cities", this festival also features free holiday ornament-making activities, artist demos and special sales on merchandise in the The Shop at MCBA. Go Greener: Various routes will get you there, so check metrotransit.org to find your route!
Saturday, November 15, 10am-5pm and Sunday, November 16, 12pm to 4pm
MCBA Studios and The Shop at MCBA at Open Book, 1011 Washington Ave S, First Floor, Minneapolis
And don't forget your 2008 coupon, you'll have just enough time to use it.

E3 2008 Conference- The Midwest's Premier Energy, Economic and Environmental Conference
Presented by the University of Minnesota's Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment, this year's E3 conference features breakout sessions and research posters along five different tracks: Renewable and Sustainable Fuels and Products; Renewable and Sustainable Electricity; The Nexus of Energy, the Environment and the Economy; Conservation and Energy Efficiency; and Special Topics.  The sessions will highlight leaders in wind and solar energy, biofuels, green marketing and much more. Read all the details at the conference website.
November 18
St Paul RiverCentre, 199 Kellogg Blvd W
Go Greener: Bus Routes 21A, 53A, 64 and 65 will get you there

MCAD Art Sale
The Minneapolis College of Art and Design opens its doors on November 21st and 22nd, offering Twin Cities residents the chance to purchase thousands of unique pieces of work by students and alumni.  The items for purchase range from paintings and prints to toys and jewelry, and each purchase directly supports the artist who made it. The MCAD Art Sale is known for being affordable and forward-thinking, so it's the perfect place to add to your local art collection or find that perfect, one-of-a-kind gift.  
Friday, November 21, 6pm-9pm ($35-$40) and Saturday, November 22, 9am-5pm (FREE)
MCAD Main Building, 1st and 2nd Floors, 2501 Stevens Ave, Minneapolis
Go Greener: Routes 11 and 18 will get you there

MN Waldorf School Holiday Fair & Artisan Marketplace
Around forty vendors will be showing their wares at the annual Holiday Fair and Artisan Marketplace at MN Waldorf School.  There will be unique clothing, jewelry, dolls and toys, books, paper goods, and eco-friendly products to boot.  Other highlights of the fair: live music, puppet shows, gourmet food and even a "mysterious gnome cave."  
November 21st, 5:30 to 9:30pm, Adults-only shopping and social time
November 22, 10am to 4pm, Fun for the whole family
Minnesota Waldorf School, 70 East County Road B, St Paul
Go Greener: Carpool to get there!

On-Going Green Events:

Eco-Tuesday
Fourth Tuesday of the month.  A forum to network and engage with socially responsible business leaders.

Green Drinks
Second Wednesday of every month at 6pm to 7:30ish.  Recharge your eco-spirit with other local folks!

Walker Art Center, Free Thursdays
Free Admission to the Walker Art Center every Thursday More...

Coupon: http://www.ecometro.com/twincities/location/Minnesota-Landscape-Arboretum/1432/ More...

Live: Bryant Lake Bowl Rock for Democracy Block Party
Live music, organic foods & drink, and flea market.  Featuring music by: Brass Messengers, 1st Communion Afterparty, Revolver Modele, Maria Isa, Prairie Sons, & Now and Now Every Children.
September 13, 4pm-10pm
All ages, FREE
810 W Lake Street, Minneapolis 

Play: Tour de Chaska: 13th Annual Tour de Sprawl
Explore first hand the history, bike trails and new developments of Chaska, MN, named "8th Best Small Town in America" by Money Magazine. The ride highlights include: food, speakers,  and post-ride music and also promises to be a zero waste event.
September 13
Registration at 9:15am, Ride begins at 10am

Go: Urban Assault Ride
Part bike ride, part scavenger hunt, part obstacle course, this hugely entertaining bike ride promises to be "a pedal-powered urban adventure."  Teams choose their own course in checkpoints throughout the city where they have to complete obstacles courses before moving on.  Just a few teasers: Big Wheels, Bike Jousting and slides are in store.  The first team to go to all the checkpoints and cross the finish line wins the races!
September 21
Freewheel Midtown Bike Center, 2834 10th Ave South

Live: Buy Recycled: 100% Postconsumer Recycled Copy Paper
Eureka Recycling’s Recycled Paper Co-op allows individuals, businesses, and organizations in the Twin Cities area to purchase recycled paper at a reduced cost. By combining smaller orders, we get a bulk discount from the supplier and pass the savings on to you. Buying through our co-op is the easiest and most affordable way for you to purchase environmentally friendly copy paper for yourself or your office. Place your order by Tuesday, October 14th. More...

EcoMetro Green Events

Live: Parade of Community Gardens
In it's third year, this metrowide event features 45 community gardens across the Twin Cities, Stillwater, Mankato and Northfield.  Participants can take a self-guided tour (download the brochure from www.gardenworksmn.org to map your route) or hang around their neighborhood garden to acquaint themselves with the people who make these community spaces happen.  The parade will feature a variety of attractions including: "music, labyrinth, cool treats, massage, chickens, heirloom tomato festival, a beehive" and much more!  Check out www.gardenworksmn.org for all the details.

August 16, 10am-2pm

Live: Minnesota Garlic Festival
The summer event for garlic lovers!  This family friendly, "fragrant" festival is the place to stock up on local, gourmet garlic--the fest features Minnesota garlic growers with over 100 varieties available. The festival also features music, artisans, games, local food and cooking demos.  Most importantly though, the Garlic Festival supports "a healthy environment, sustainable farms and vital rural communities in Minnesota."
August 16, 10am-7pm, $5 for adults, $3 for kids under 12
Wright County Fairgrounds, Howard Lake, MN (About one hour west from Minneapolis)

August Fashion Special

Local Fashion Merchants in Blue Sky Guide

• Arc's Value Village ($10 OFF)
• Bibelot (20% OFF)
• Birch ($10 OFF)
• Everyday People (25% OFF)
• Fast & Furless ($10 OFF)
• Heavenly Soles ($10 OFF)
• HempQueen ($5 OFF)
• Lula ($5 OFF)
• My Sisters' Closet ($5 OFF)
• The Nest ($5 OFF)
• Nu Look (10% OFF)
• Once Upon a Child ($5 OFF)
• Pacifier ($5 OFF)
• Patina (UP TO $20 OFF)
• Peapods ($10 OFF)
• Prestige Cleaning Center, Uptown Cleaners ($5 OFF)
• Ragstock ($5 OFF)
• Rewind (20% OFF)
• Tatters (25% OFF)
• Trade Winds (20% OFF)
• Treadle Yard Goods (10% OFF)
• Via's Vintage (20% OFF)

 More...