Environment

What is Blue Thumb?  The Blue Thumb outreach program was created by the Rice Creek Watershed District to help meet water quality goals. Now Blue Thumb has over 70 public, private and non-profit partners spanning Minnesota and western Wisconsin.  If you want to do your part to protect water right in your own yard, the Blue Thumb - Planting for Clean Water program can help. We aim to make it easy for residents to plan, purchase and plant beautiful native gardens, raingardens and shorelines. These cost-effective plantings require little watering and minimal care after established. They also invite birds and butterflies to your yard.

A nonprofit organization that promotes the responsible use of natural and economic resources.  CEE offers a full spectrum of financing, energy, environmental, and building rehabilitation services.  These services are provided through partnerships with neighborhood organizations, government agencies and businesses.

The shared recycling department for the Cities of Apple Valley, Eagan and Burnsville. DVR connects residents and businesses to recycling, composting and disposal information. Home of the ARROW program, recognizing area businesses for their environmentally responsible choices.

CushytOOsh Cloth Diapers & Eco Potty Wipes are all made in the US just right outside of Minneapolis. We have a nice line of baby & adult cloth diapers plus UnPaPer products. Our big seller is Eco Potty Wipes - the #1 Wipe which cuts down toilet paper usage by women at least 90%. We are all about the environment and families and helping them make better choices.

Twin Cities-based non-profit Eureka Recycling is the only organization in Minnesota that specializes in zero waste. The organization's services, programs, and policy work present solutions to the social, environmental, and health problems caused by wasting.

Fresh Energy is a nonprofit organization leading the transition to a clean, efficient and fair energy system. We promote energy policies that will enhance our economy, protect human health and communities, restore our environment, and establish energy independence. In our sustained and coordinated effort to promote a modern, innovative energy system, we provide research, advocacy and innovative policy models while engaging citizens to take action on the energy issues that affect us all.

Hennepin County provides information, programs and resources to help residents reduce waste, recycle more, properly dispose of hazardous items, improve water quality and conserve energy.

Founded as a nonprofit organization in 1980, Milkweed Editions is an independent publisher of transformative literature. Offering award-winning fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, our books are printed sustainably with the environment and future generations in mind. Many of the books we publish address critical environmental issues and expand ecological awareness. Browse online, in-person, and at your local bookstore!

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency provides educational resources for people trying to reduce their environmental impact in Minnesota and Education resources for teachers and environmental educators.  http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/living-green/citizens.html

This regional version of the Bioneers national conference in CA features the Bioneers plenary speakers presented via DVD and workshops with regional experts. Conference participants also experience topic dialogues, networking opportunities, and interact with 30+ exhibitors.  Watch for the conference in the Fall of 2012.