‘Environment’ Archives
EPNI-CEF Collaboration Brings Energy Justice and Savings to Phillips Residents
By KYLE SAMEJIMA Cooperative Energy Futures (CEF), a local energy cooperative based out of Sabathani Community Center at 310 E 38th St, is actively partnering with East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI) on energy justice and community-owned renewable energy. EPNI and CEF recently won a Department of Energy Community Energy Innovation Prize for a proposal to develop the “largest urban solar array within two miles of a downtown in the United States.” The array would provide an estimated $9.4 million to the East Phillips community over a 25 year period, while contributing to a more cyclical and just localized economy. It would power an estimated 200 homes, and offset carbon emissions from the proposed indoor urban farm operations by 50%. The project is in the planning stages, and CEF is honored and thrilled to be an active partner with EPNI. The good news is that community members do not have to wait for the completion of this project to participate in the benefits of a [...]
Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic at ASI Creates Community & Decreases Waste
Photo courtesy Hennepin County Community Increased:Seventy-eight Hennepin County Fix-It Clinic volunteers attempted to repair 255 household items brought by 194 visitors. Repairs were completed on 218 items. Some are still in progress. The Fix-It Clinic was held at the American Swedish Institute Jan. 12th. The photo shows work in progress at the Larson Auditorium alongside the historic Turnblad mansion at 2600 Park Avenue, now the American Swedish Institute (ASI). (NOTE: ASI is one of five buildings in the Phillips Community on the National Registry of Historic Places). Waste Decreased:That was 1,396 pounds diverted from the trash, and an 85 percent repair rate.These Hennepin County Fix-It Clinics are provided as a free service to keep items out of the waste stream. They occur once each month at various locations. Learn more at hennepin.us/fixitclinic. Appreciation Kudos:“I love it! Great energy at the event.”“Whoever came up with the idea of a Fix-It Clinic is [...]
PaintCare Celebrates 10 Years of Paint Stewardship in Minnesota
By PAINTCARE Illustration by Jake Ryan PaintCare is celebrating ten years of helping Minnesotans recycle leftover paint through its Minnesota paint stewardship program. Minnesota became the sixth state to establish a statewide PaintCare program in November 2014, following the May 2013 passage of a paint stewardship law by Governor Mark Dayton. PaintCare, a nonprofit organization created by paint companies, makes it easy to recycle leftover paint, stain, and varnish by providing convenient paint drop-off locations at local paint and hardware stores and government facilities. In honor of its 10th anniversary and America Recycles Day on November 15, PaintCare has launched an “All-in Challenge” for Minnesotans to help make a difference. Help us celebrate a decade of responsible paint disposal by recycling your leftover paint. Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and ensure a sustainable future. To find a drop-off site near you, visit [...]
