The first Earth Day was celebrated on April 22, 1970. Due to Earth Day, you may notice more green events in your community than usual. Use this month to re-invigorate your commitment to living green!
Alternative transportation: Spring into action
Spring is great time to try alternative transportation: carpooling, riding the bus or train, biking and walking. Using alternative transportation is good for the Earth, your health, and your pocket book. Here are some helpful resources to get you started.
Carpool and vanpool: Reduce the number of single-occupant vehicles on the road by trying out Metro Transit Rideshare. Metro Transit provides free, online ride-matching.
Ride the bus and train: According to the American Public Transportation Association, "A single person, commuting alone by car, who switches a 20-mile round trip commute to existing public transportation, can reduce his or her annual CO2 emissions by 4,800 pounds per year." Map your route and learn how to ride the bus on the Metro Transit web site. You can also combine biking and transit by loading your bike on the bus or train.
Bike and walk: 40% of urban travel consists of short trips of 2 miles or less. Most of us could walk or bike this distance with ease. Visit the 2 mile challenge web site to map the 2 mile radius around your home. Every time you make a trip within your 2-mile radius, consider biking or walking. If you are new to biking, you'll find all you need to know at Bikewalktwincities.org. This helpful website includes how to choose a bike, what gear you'll need, and where to safely bike. Also visit Map My Ride or Map My Walk to plan your route.
Guaranteed Ride Home: Despite all these great alternatives, are you worried about those special days, when a family emergency comes up or you have to work late? Regional Guaranteed Ride Home is a free "insurance policy" that pays for a ride home for qualifiying commuters who use alternative forms of transportation.
Make a commitment to alternative transportation!
Celebrate Bike Walk Week, May 12-18. "Join up" to bike or walk and you can get a free breakfast on Bike Walk to Work Day, Wednesday, May 14.
Take the Metro Commuter Challenge. Pledge to use alternative transportation at least one time between April 1 and June 30 and you could win great prizes.
Reality TV gone green
Home and Garden TV is airing a reality TV show called Living with Ed, staring actor Ed Begley, Jr. Green-up your screen time by watching Ed explore and pursue an eco-lifestyle.
Living Green Expo: May 3 & 4
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Minnesota State Fair Grounds
The Living Green Expo, Minnesota's largest environmental event, provides real solutions for people to live better, healthier lives with less impact on the environment. The two-day event, free to visitors, connects people who are interested in making a positive difference both in their lives and in their communities.
Don't miss these highlights:
Events for kids, including an appearance by Bruce the Bug Guy.
Examples of renewable energy, including solar and wind demonstrations.
Happy Dancing Turtle is hosting an Organic Housekeeping Class, April 14, 6-8 p.m. Pine River-Backus High School (Pine River).
Get in-depth information about renewable energy at a Renewable Energy Options and Opportunities workshop by the Minnesota Renewable Energy Socieity, April 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (St. Paul).
Does recycling reduce your carbon footprint? Get your recycling facts straight at the Energy and Climate Benefits of Recycling, April 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Mankato).
Alternative transportation: Spring into action 
Reality TV gone green
