Author Archive
Living Near Major Roadways
How Phillips and surrounding South Minneapolis communities continue to be burdened with traffic-related air pollution By H. LYNN ADELSMAN Many statements and studies exist to promote that East Phillips deserves to be a “Green Zone” and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) confirms there are multiple negative health effects from air pollution worse in the central city. Yet for over 5 years the city continues to push for an expanded public works department storage and maintenance facility with over 100 diesel vehicles to replace the Roof Depot site in East Phillips. Why is there no effort directed to place this facility in the western or southern most neighborhoods of Minneapolis? This will increase traffic in Phillips and the surrounding communities to further add to existing high emission levels harmful to residents. The concentration of high traffic related air pollution (TRAP) in communities where there is less private property ownership and low equity [...]
BEANS ”“ Good for the Earth, Good for You, Good for Your Wallet
By MARY ELLEN KALUZA The Scarlet Runner Bean, native to the highlands of Mexico and Central America, is not only delicious and nutritious, it is lovely like a precious stone. The bright red flowers of the Scarlet Runner attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The pictured beans were grown right here in Phillips. World population is growing by 3 billion people over the next 40 ”“ 50 years, and with it is a growing demand for beef. Over the past 60 years, global production of cattle meat has grown over 40%. Cattle grazing accounts for 80% of the loss of Amazon forests alone. One acre devoted to beef produces just 15.6 pounds of protein. One pound of beef needs 1800 gallons of water to get to our table. Additionally, and alarmingly, all meat production accounts for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions, with beef taking in the lead at 2/3 of that. We need protein for repair and growth of cells, fighting disease, moving oxygen in our blood, and more. Meat is a good source of [...]
Random alley News
By LINDSEY FENNER Hennepin County Lead Paint Removal Funding Assistance: Hennepin County has a program to help eligible homeowners and landlords pay for lead paint removal, which includes a free home test and up to $12,000 for work, including new windows. Visit https://healthyhomes.hennepin.us/ to see if you qualify. Contact healthy-homes@hennepin.us Phone: 612-543-4182. In 2018, more than 200 children tested for lead in Hennepin County had blood lead levels high enough to damage their health.In young children lead ex-posure can cause: Brain and nervous system damageSlowed growth and devel-opmentLearning and behavior problemsHearing and speech prob-lems The government banned lead paint in 1978. Homes built before then likely have lead paint. Abbott Northwestern Parking Ramp Expansion Passes City Planning Commission: As part of their planned Allina/Abbott Northwestern campus renovation (see the February 2021 alley for project details) Allina has been granted [...]
