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Saint Cloud: GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESOURCES
Saint Cloud, Minnesota is a medium sized city with a
growing economy, an abundance of parks, and a state university. The city has a
population of approximately 67,000 people and resides 70 miles from
Minneapolis-just a quick trip on Highway 94. Its location in Minnesota puts it
in close proximity to many farms and thus local food sources, and the booming
university is expanding environmental activism on campus.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Environmental and Technological Studies Student Club
Red Wing: GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESOURCES
The National Trust for Historic
Preservation recently chose Red Wing, Minnesota as one of the 2008 Dozen
Distinctive Destinations. Less an hour southeast of St. Paul, Red Wing has a
population of 16,000 people. The city, which is nestled in the Mississippi
River Valley, is full of small-town charm and it's an excellent place to invest
in Minnesota-made art and products. The stunning landscape also makes Red Wing
a great location for year-round outdoor recreation from skiing and bird watching
to sailing and rock climbing.
BUSINESSES
The Greater Mankato Area: GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE LIVING RESOURCES
Mankato is a short 1-hour drive south of the Twin Cities.
Rich in arts and recreation, Mankato was ranked 7th on the list of top ten
"Dream Towns" nationwide by bizjournals.com. Mankato has a contiguous
population area of 46,173. There is a trade area population of more than
300,000. The Greater Mankato area supports green initiatives through city,
county, and independent business initiatives that strive to reduce the carbon
footprint and move the area to greater sustainability. In 2007-2008, over
15,000 trees were purchased and planted through the Million Tree Project.
The Do It Green! House Project THE GREEN REVOLUTION IS FINALLY HERE AND IT’S COMING TO OUR HOMES!
We've all seen growth in the green building sector and have
probably heard of LEED certification (The Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design Green Building Rating System). There are quite a few homes
being built from the ground up and shown as models or examples throughout Minnesota.
Yet, what can the rest of us homeowners do to remodel and live more energy and
water efficient in our existing homes?
What can homeowners, renters, landlords, and designers do to make
existing homes more resource efficient on any budget?
Strengthen Our Communities to Strengthen Sustainability
Minnesota has some of the highest levels of social capital and
volunteerism in the US However, community ties in the US have been declining
for decades. With most households needing two incomes and many people working
longer hours, time for neighborly pursuits can seem scarce. Perception of
danger on the streets keeps many indoors. Television and other indoor pursuits
are replacing face-to-face time with family and friends.
Host an Eco Party!
The Eco Party Kit created by the Do It Green! Minnesota Team is based
off of the idea of the 1980's Tupperware Party-offering a reason to bring
people together in any kind of environment, including your own home.
Here are some of my favorite ways to nurture community in my life:
Enjoy time with your family
outside. Fresh air, sunlight, and the elements help quiet the mind and
bring joy with loved ones.
Stay in touch with friends. Bless your house (or your local spot) with the sound of laughter.
Host a gathering. Block club parties bring surprising conversations. Try a local food potluck, eatlocalamerica.coop.
Join a Committee. Volunteer with your congregation, school, political campaign, or environmental club and meet new friends.
Community Building is Sustainability
Community Brings Happiness. How many of your
happiest moments have been spent with those you love? We are social creatures;
healthy family and community ties are the foundation for our physical,
emotional, economic, and spiritual health. Our common future will be built
through healthy community as we band together to solve climate change and
create clean, green, and local living economies.
Turning lemons into lemonade. By joining hands with neighbors, communities are turning lemons into lemonade.
Climate Cafés CONVERSING TOWARD A CLEANER WORLD
Climate cafés are a relatively new offshoot of the café
discussion movement, which takes its inspiration from philosophical discussion
groups tracing their ancestry as far back as Plato and Socrates. Recognizing
that it is too easy for people to become disconnected from their
community-particularly if their neighbors hold conflicting opinions on
important issues-discussion cafés offer a venue for respectful public
conversation on the challenging subjects facing us every day.
