Living Green 365 Newsletter

March 2008: We're back....

We're back online with a new member of the Living Green Team. Britt Carlson has a Masters Degree in environmental education from the U of M - Duluth and a broad knowledge of sustainability issues. Let her know about topics you want to explore, or get answers to your Living Green questions.

Green wheels: Reduce your emissions

Green Wheels The vehicle you drive and how you use that vehicle may have a greater effect on the environment than any other choice you make as a consumer.

Nearly half of all the air pollution in Minnesota comes from vehicles, contributing to breathing and heart problems and aggravating asthma. Reduce pollution and emissions from your car by following these tips.

Choose carefully

Right size: When purchasing a vehicle, choose the size and type that meets your daily needs. If you only carry large loads a few times per year, consider borrowing or renting a large vehicle, trailer, or car-top carrier for those occasions.
Fuel efficiency: Look for the miles per gallon rating on the label for new vehicles. The more miles per gallon a vehicle gets, the more efficient it is, the less pollution it will generate, and the more money you'll save.

Drive efficiently

Drive the speed limit: Every 5 miles per hour (mph) over 60 mph reduces your miles per gallon by 7%.
Avoid idling: Idling results in zero miles to the gallon.
Accelerate slowly: Jackrabbit starts waste fuel.
Maintain your vehicle: Keeping the tires properly inflated and changing the oil regularly helps fuel efficiency.
Drive less: Try alternatives to driving, such as carpooling or using public transit. Our April newsletter will include tips and links for getting around on foot and bike.

Learn more

MPCA's Motor Vehicle Pollution page.
The federal Fuel Economy web site helps you find a fuel-efficient car, and offers tips for using less fuel when you have to drive.

Survey says...

December's online survey generated important feedback to help us improve the Living Green 365 newsletter.

Nearly 44% of respondents have forwarded the newsletter to someone else.
77% of respondents have taken action or changed behavior because of an idea featured in the newsletter.

Thank you for your ideas for improving our newsletter. Some of our readers would like to see more in depth articles. For these readers, I am going to recommend more books and "dark green" actions—actions that are challenging, but will significantly reduce your environmental impact. You can find a shade of green that is right for you!

Thank you to everyone who filled out our survey. Five respondents were randomly chosen to receive the Twin Cities Blue Sky Guide. Congratulations to: Annalee G., Pat B., Stephanie D., Diane I., and J.K.

Land of 12,000 lakes: Monitor rivers and lakes in your area

Did you know that there are 92,000 miles of streams and rivers and more than 12,000 lakes in Minnesota? Did you know that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has a citizen volunteer program to help monitor those rivers and lakes?

Data collected by volunteers allows us to assess Minnesota's waters, look for trends in water quality, and determine if a stream or lake is impaired. In many cases, this data is the only information that we have.

Get involved in the Citizen Stream-Monitoring and Lake-Monitoring Programs. Stream and lake monitoring is easy and fun. We provide you with all of the equipment and training you will need. Check out our Web site for more information or call 800-657-3864 toll free.

Days of our green lives: Community events and resources

Mark your calendar for the 2008 Living Green Expo, May 3-4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds (St. Paul).

Other green events include the Green Living Show, April 19 & 20, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., at River Hills Mall (Mankato) and the Plymouth Yard & Garden Expo, April 4-5 (Plymouth).

The 4th Annual Spring Garden Resource Fair, put on by GardenWorks, will provide gardening resources and green thumb networking. Saturday, March 29, 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., First Christian Church (Minneapolis).

Rain Garden Education Workshops by Metro Blooms can help you plan a watershed-friendly garden. Choose from many dates and locations throughout the spring.

For ideas to improve your neighborhood, check out The Great Neighborhood Book, by Jay WallJasper, who spoke at the Neighborhood Sustainability Conference on March 8.

Look for more events on the SEEK and NextStep calendars.

Missed an issue? Read past newsletters in our online archive.

livinggreen365@pca.state.mn.us

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