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May 2010
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Dear Living Green 365 readers,
While many of Minnesota's environmental problems are challenging to solve, they
become easier when thousands of people care, understand, and take action. The Living
Green 365 subscription list is now close to 10,000 people, and I am inspired by
the thought of each of you taking actions to help our environment. Thank you, Living
Green 365 readers, for all that you do!
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[Spring projects]
Landscaping to reduce energy use
May is a great month to plant trees. Trees benefit our environment and our communities
in many ways. Trees:
» Reduce the amount of energy used for heating and cooling
» Remove CO2 and pollutants from the air
» Catch and absorb rainwater
» Increase property values
» Reduce noise
» Keep asphalt and air temperatures cool
With all these great benefits, think about whether your yard could use another tree
or two.
The energy saving design
When possible, plant trees so that cold wind is blocked during the winter, and warm
sun is blocked during the summer.
If you let sun come in the south-side windows during the winter, you'll get between
5-20% of the total energy needed to heat your home! Don't worry about the summer
sun coming in through the south windows. In the summer, the sun is so high that
almost twice as much solar energy comes in the east and west windows as the south
ones, especially if there is a roof overhang on the south side of the house.
Shrubs and bushes
Planting shrubs, bushes, and vines next to your house creates dead air spaces that
also insulate your home in both winter and summer. Plant so there will be at least
1 foot of space between full-grown plants and your home's wall.
Choosing and planting your trees
Before you pick up a tree at the nursery, you'll need to consider which tree is
right for your location. Consider the size of the mature tree, your soil type, and
how much sunlight is available. Species that are suited to your location and that
are native to your region will be most likely to survive. Planting a diversity of
trees is also important so that when diseases and pests come along not every tree
in your yard will be affected.
Visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' Backyard Tree Care [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuK58kW_aoV9pWeo2hA7W0HcdRJZnMoFsBKrKTWHKdbiGCP4xxcxWbrymM-v5DyC6Y1uU1PFLW4P_GvGyH-LHIMFNBG80lzCok6dy90DUVfNFcmj-CkDCy17FV-I_4WLJGVyw_udGppSOA==]
webpage to help select your tree. Don't forget to read about proper planting [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuICU2wtIl1ZXvK_CPE7U1SWEyEqD0WYJLRLJKOgzmuLKajwU-oRGnXd_Yk9qBTXrg01y8qJ582iUnM5EuDBeSq2_x30QkbMF3yxwm_mbBL1-kmqJGlqbTFKMJLLLMSgZvQ7HFZr-HrDmcoll9FnmMdW]
and how to care for your tree [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuI5Kq4kbef90q1nxubbmAt_ZPwBGmMilGxIKmOY1yAMqYIXW1MWVcMMmStZcDMZNe7nQoG0xYnmtmSl-NTVy0fuT1KBWHs9Ft5r-LFEbiF6EGZ22IjipyY_yT_7xDkpRGEjCLXbeDgXmMpyk54_sNrf3u_QTX7lXQqyuBKKynCX0Yqs2qQ7CapSznlHPreSV8NOIJYa_kkJLRxH6NzFwf4rsmAL9D5QEQo=]in
the coming years.
Make a career of it
If you are interested in urban forestry as a career, you can gain experience in
the MPCA's Minnesota GreenCorps [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuK9WZylZ9Y9Rtp7hMcidhDeIgjJN9KVVmFlGQHnAg6RHyn1NTuN-RnPhPB8MCagfsmIo9T6vyxYb3bCeS7It5v6lNFoyYzo2Vzx3IP43IpGrtxYlk9zIg2164e7EAID1Qtk7M0EykZfWQ==]
program. Positions are also available in waste reduction, energy conservation, local
food, and living green outreach. Information about the 2010-2011 application process
will be available this spring.
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[Uncover the forgotten pile]
Using finished compost
Composting is easy and can cut your garbage by hundreds of pounds each year. If
you've never tried it and are ready to get started, visit reduce.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIUSgdR-MTy16yXYoXl-heRDdf2JF7ozaPWpsPngQf2zK1uuU4rRjYEnEckOhCE9RtSEfcDxA9yfz-K_yhMX6MlfwbVG74vzDVuUpoeSNnTXMsEVid6JUKd-LWG82IRtGg=].
If you already compost your lawn and kitchen waste, your compost may be ready to
use. Do you have a thick layer of dark brown material under your leafy top layer?
If you do, it is time to use your compost! Here are a few ways:
* Mix compost with your garden soil. In sandy soils, compost acts like a sponge,
retaining water and nutrients where it can be reached by plant roots. In clay soils,
compost makes the ground more porous, creating tiny holes and passageways that help
soil drain more quickly.
* Fill low spots in your lawn with compost or mix grass seed with the compost and
sprinkle it in thin spots in your lawn.
* Use compost as a mulch for landscaping and garden plants. Mulches cover the soil
around plants, protecting the soil from erosion and the drying effects of wind and
sun.
* Reduce your need to water potted plants by mixing compost into the potting soil.
Too much compost?
If you are a Twin Cities resident who has too much compost, you can connect with
another gardener who needs it through the Yards to Gardens [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuKKRvHkS3_LGwjVsA8I8mjXRv_EH3HyAMyC2atjfo3IngrTd3qNq54f_mj16T9uZYe9rugH8KL4BU9rOHwzG5O8MrPHmN76s5c=]
website. Whether you have extra space in your yard, extra tools in the garage, or
extra seeds or seedings, Yards to Gardens makes it easy to share what you've got
or find what you're looking for.
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[Days of our green lives]
Community events and resources
If warm weather isn't enough to motivate you to walk, bike, or take transit more
often, then consider joining the 2010 Commuter Challenge [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuJ_QTeGxDD7dGCWVQ_JlcW62hn9FcD1p5IwwVlCluy8Gg0NNdUrBdvZgLq9bR0jFv6GxZGnhbA2H8SY0quC2qjfS0FodUMWATaht-tJcWQcvm2MX8EaMkAz].
Your reward is a healthier planet, a healthier you, and the chance to win prizes!
Your entire family will enjoy Earth Tracks 2010 at the Lake Superior Zoo [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuLowx5256WN937g78VLdM-h3XiIY9q0ErJGOCeoJoHD084REOzTN5ARV_syZW6us6A7z6qPK1r4xvGR9HOGZVCWZ3OXMKynTDeGgjQrB2OAgPHKWQM0W1VtUpf2AxoMP9qbJPRO60T0Qw==].
The event will introduce children to the concepts of reducing, reusing, recycling,
and conserving land and energy, May 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Lake Superior Zoo (Duluth).
Don't miss WaterFest 2010 [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuKYk9okIp3fhxpeidyHwsIRV_t_yY9t1VQ0BEQn-pSCCyIlLosiDqsULuQE7V6jKoDxB22ziMMPyaWK4sPs5fk7QrFJPFzoV2Fl3uV_in9_5_cvRvmBzhtRWKaf5fTeO6u-NeDSFYeSJOdL46ZXHHOzpZgtf7UMH80JgYGaK9sQ2rsGIFtL3y-b5aMlpCT1R2CyQoM472WS1w==].
This celebration of our clean lakes is a family-friendly event and an opportunity
for hands-on learning about water. WaterFest activities include the 18th Annual
Solar Boat Regatta [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIZ3eYTrPbjEeucsmTZ9r9XEOzy1cZmRp-th_aA9dSP-SX0D7TeC6J5sMckrjcyQ6mhQtuahXeS6w2Rzd9PfaFOznoUL8AZWg4TPUcar5kY1gL0NKPZ5pv7orlmEgVJlimzVi_hDiAhKw==],
May 22, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Lake Phalen Pavilion (St. Paul).
Learn about Greening Transportation and the Northstar Rail [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIloj4_Y_VSqfbTf82rUcr5o01DZMy8XHrB2tDKmODd13pppdC9QJ3mxeHtw6b5goXVMQam-1J8SabnWtSi_95YkPAm5-rPHMuTho3vRwi2i6yR_K5RG6-7bCljWTUoynY7-HukS95bq2LTG3EXcJnU],
May 20, 3-5 p.m., MN Pollution Control Agency office (Brainerd).
Dive into renewable energy at Introduction to Renewable Energy Options & Opportunities
[http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuK5XHq1waeGCqpKDnK5w2udBsAdhFJMaZq5FGvgkPS0cfye3j0R09KnywFW2rZ-hRqBW2yAZ-KktUKnxiv1Jbe3n0mCEtaLG-wYzLGBqHY0AOl8d907VFm2_Xe3BLMBxvseF2IlGPZVtA==],
a workshop by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society, May 23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Wilder
Recreation Center (St. Paul).
Are you hoping to grow some of your own vegetables this summer? Depending on your
location, check out these workshops and seminars about gardening:
* Field Design and Layout by the Permaculture Research Institute [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuLWpNNLuGhuSrbfNkd_CcTs9spf8ovE1qQ5jXJbG_1OMAWuwtItoa_xwFABRDiAUE62IBfDdKiV9QWu6QwJnKhLCMzsS4F8p9-aVVkeacblJPJBU4UwI50DbpcVOhhuKyKKM2jUmvwSkzDYTcEkLhORXnG-IKQM2ng9n1F1Op0L5oXoiqSuAe26],
May 4, 6-8:30 p.m., Gordon Parks High School (St. Paul).
* Preparation and Planting by Do it Green! Minnesota [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuK0hGfR_CQWAfBwAFw-UjpJ-B-rfygBH9MQ_VPnCAA7KI5Ieg5-ADq7IhowILA91-iUdv6_z8gIQTMRzwEOE69q3xjlZfHcFAin4JLc4S7ZjwnU2e6iCbkl],
May 11, 7-9 p.m. (Minneapolis).
* Garden Essentials: Plan, Plant, Grow by Happy Dancing Turtle [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuKHJ2Xy8_njKU-xwKkONhm5qzXCHSrVD5EWvWP2V_omw81Xni7pxODZV2PFZSXm1of9AuBTeBTgyfKiYr-GHnUYLOO4LzKQZgDi1FClBAE_NMOPCUrt_WCH],
May 13, 6-7:30 p.m., Hunt Utilities Group Campus (Pine River).
* Three Square Feet of Gardening by the MN State Horticultural Society [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuKIEdd6VAtTrKHlUTWns069n05u2lEaDUsPOue1eAK_FvfElXk0KyZF5H1-qMD69iVGaeUgV4zvCEh8SoBMNQRVwfT7470dyovNJ4U8fo0-27w3-iqkv9m0_IfIXAOblT9XI4i6ZfnFoQ==],
May 22, 10-11 a.m., MSHS classroom (Roseville).
* The Community Garden Learning Network [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIo2TaK-5Nu6nxuMGjVGoneoDkqdOe_oeDIFXpRF9lHXvZq6TGg2r62a8sbIqiZ9NeM7JcmgN8NJU8UAUN4JdWWeMSVhgJBrm8vEhSoPLCQ57a0mc1cH0dc-_jM7TfhaScRsrdBXpm6iw==],
a monthy meeting hosted by Gardening Matters (Minneapolis).
Look for more events on the SEEK [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuLMYQQ5tDr6dSjl26ksLaoE9iPsvmYI9V197farBTb-NKVhqDP9T5Dx0HdgiMNz3PnfbCSd--NgUP5_KoBBQm5C7W7GE8whJ__Fz_nOHI_o3IAcZKxnGTyU9qkChdSG59s=]
and NextStep [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIIxVzbjNr0IyMctPh1O6rdY1bYLmjQEBzyeVHe9RzaoUhuL-y1cnNU601JfkG_PGf0Hae8LtKBiPhi-lV1ueR5BRIQtkFUuOqJLCP9msfKK3zf7MFKc9ZUg9b3f9NaWq0=]
calendars.
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[Quick links to other MPCA resources]
· The home of Living Green 365 on the web: livinggreen.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIJrHmvQUMRCSS0lQxVsHdOzY8hvMbWJSzJrWARxlUfqgUsiwpB5TZa_b4X1eJbV_UlTJfoHagCdqnPc5GkgXkvKXxnuCr-FHvZHIUan8mZbQ==]
· Our web site about reducing your trash: reduce.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuJi_mu7m_pF3AMUJJeXJz0GDdEZkrAHlRJ0f80UMPNH4X6ERZlnagCphO9ZVK75APqWUYFmbVi_lSOzhtu2jeMiHk6D4vOwb2mcC3lm8TtCew==]
· Resources for people teaching about our environment: SEEK [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuLMYQQ5tDr6dSjl26ksLaoE9iPsvmYI9V197farBTb-NKVhqDP9T5Dx0HdgiMNz3PnfbCSd--NgUP5_KoBBQm5C7W7GE8whJ__Fz_nOHI_o3IAcZKxnGTyU9qkChdSG59s=]
· A clearinghouse for sustainability tools and initiatives: NextStep [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIIxVzbjNr0IyMctPh1O6rdY1bYLmjQEBzyeVHe9RzaoUhuL-y1cnNU601JfkG_PGf0Hae8LtKBiPhi-lV1ueR5BRIQtkFUuOqJLCP9msfKK3zf7MFKc9ZUg9b3f9NaWq0=]
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You can read past newsletters at livinggreen.org [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuLNa7Vkon42HbpapGFZuUfZtiT4BB8qqIaxYyi2CO58s8HeI4XvfB95XGe48yqW6J6uGU3vOdec8IFREFeso_8d57ZF40_INGvHK603vOO5XQ==].
Send questions or comments about living green to the address below.
Sincerely,
Britt Carlson and the Living Green Team
livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us [mailto:livinggreen365.pca@state.mn.us]
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1103288630566&s=14296&e=001k_XHM4NlcuIgeHKRFFfE4ah3Fuq59_Shh31DrHXHgr_qOiyoJlI3ZCnl6s-ZH3lgKhlnMnAMPtbQZPOC1YYkYGIUuOpw27Tk_mHRC2lmNTmcTB2F4Im9mg==]
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Living Green 365 | 520 Lafayette Rd N | St. Paul | MN | 55155
