A $4.99 turtle can teach you a lot about the unexpected energy costs of owning a pet, so choose wisely. More...

AHHHH.....I just had a good workout, not a hard workout, trust me I dove off my elliptical a few times in agony, but a good workout as it was one I needed and I saw all the way through. As I was sweating it out I was thinking about this blog and how and what I want to write on it.  More...

Right now Pacific Leatherback Turtles are racing across the Pacific Ocean, having laid their eggs on the beaches of California and, on the opposite side, in Indonesia. In a savvy effort to raise awareness of the struggling species (nearing extinction with less than 25,000 left), the Leatherback Trust has created The Great Turtle Race II to monitor and map 11 tagged turtles as they race 3,200 miles to the center of the ocean. More...

With temperatures soaring lately, it feels as though summer’s finally come.  We can shake off the shackles of limiting our seasonal menus to forced greens, potatoes, and jams from last year, and start thinking about what’s ready now.  When I think of summer, I know that one fruit in particular leaps to the forefront of my culinary imagination:  the strawberry. More...

We've all heard about Oprah's 21 Day Cleanse, which calls for veganism. But for the  newbies, the limited recipes listed on her website are not going to cut it for 21 days or longer. Vegans, thankfully, have started a slew of excellent online food blogs. I've rounded up my favorites to take you through your day, from lunch to dinner party, and from  BBQ to birthday. More...

Check out this nifty illustration of household plants and the common household toxins they filter from Good Magazine. The strangest is benzene, which causes drowsiness and vomiting but "has a pleasant smell, which is why it used to be a common ingredient in aftershave." According to the graph, benzene is now present in detergents, synthetic fibers and inks and can be countered with Peace Lily and Chrysanthemum. I'm pleased to already own a Maginata, a pretty bright green plant that helps mollify both benzene and trichloroethylene, which causes long-term damage to the liver and is present in dry cleaning and paint. Quick, someone send me some Gerbera Daisies!

Find a nursery near you in our green directory.

via inhabitat. More...

By Kate Rime, Market Director

Last Wednesday was Blue Sky Guide's fourth and final hosting of Twin Cities Green Drinks at the Red Stag Supperclub (see our coupon for buy-one-get-one-free lunch special).  It's been a fantastic experience and we've had 30-50 attendees at each Green Drinks (that might be a record for the Twin Cities!). Green Drinks was especially exciting last week due to a visit from the dynamic YERT (Your Environmental Road Trip) team.  More...

I moved to Portland for two reasons: 1) so I could commute by bike, and 2) so I could work with trash and recycling.  Imagine my joy last weekend when I met Graham Bergh, the founder and president of Resource Revival, Inc. -- a company that makes bottle openers, pictures frames, clocks, wine racks and signs out of old bike parts (mostly chains and cogs).  They give new meaning to re-cycling, and local Twin Cities bike shops are participating. More...

EcoMetro April Calendar

The Commuter Challenge Begins!

Take the Commuter Challenge! Between April 1 and June 30, pledge to take the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, telework, bike or walk — anything except drive alone on trips to work, school or for errands.  See www.metrotransit.org for more information!

April 1- June 30

Green Drinks

Special Guests are the always-fun Ryan & Tina North of TC Green and Re-Gifts! Join our Blue Sky Guide staff for an eco-friendly social gathering at Red Stag Supper Club (Minnesota's first LEED certified restaurant). Charge your eco-spirit, make some new connections,a nd learn a thing or two. Red Stag offers a wide variety of organic/locally-sourced dishes, fine wines and local brews. ALL ages are welcome.
April 9th, 6-7:30ish

Red Stag Supper Club, 509 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis

*Use your Blue Sky Guide coupon at Red Stag for buy 1 get 1 free lunch specials. More...

EcoMetro April Calendar

The Commuter Challenge Begins!

Take the Commuter Challenge! Between April 1 and June 30, pledge to take the bus or train, carpool, vanpool, telework, bike or walk — anything except drive alone on trips to work, school or for errands.  See www.metrotransit.org for more information!

April 1- June 30

Green Drinks

Special Guests are the always-fun Ryan & Tina North of TC Green and Re-Gifts! Join our Blue Sky Guide staff for an eco-friendly social gathering at Red Stag Supper Club (Minnesota's first LEED certified restaurant). Charge your eco-spirit, make some new connections,a nd learn a thing or two. Red Stag offers a wide variety of organic/locally-sourced dishes, fine wines and local brews. ALL ages are welcome.
April 9th, 6-7:30ish

Red Stag Supper Club, 509 1st Ave NE, Minneapolis

*Use your Blue Sky Guide coupon at Red Stag for buy 1 get 1 free lunch specials. More...