When buying new household products (such as appliances, electronics, and lights), look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR®. They meet strict federal energy efficiency guidelines that save you energy and money.

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Audit Your Home's Energy Use

Conduct a home energy audit to identify places where your home is using energy inefficiently and learn ways to improve heat retention. Contact your utility to hire a professional energy auditor or conduct your own informal energy audit (U.S. Department of Energy). (For more information: Xcel Energy, 1-800-895-4999; Centerpoint Energy, 1-800-234-5800, ext. 5011).

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Eat Local

Minneapolis is full of great opportunities to grow and shop for locally produced foods. http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/sustainability/MplsFarmersMarkets.asp. (Take a pic of yourself doing this – maybe with a business owner at a farmer’s market, and/or with a farmer).

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Reduce Hot Water

Wash clothes in cold water and/or install a low flow showerhead.Using cold water saves a significant amount of energy. Clothes last longer and colors stay brighter. Line drying clothes saves even more energy. Switching to low-flow showerheads will use about six gallons less water per minute, dramatically reducing the amount of water and heat used by a shower.

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat

Program your thermostat to reduce your home’s temperature by 5 degrees when you are asleep or away. Wear a sweater and turning down the heat while you are home to save even more energy. In fact, each degree below 68 will reduce the home heating bill by about 3 percent (State of Minnesota Department of Commerce). (Take a pic of yourself installing the thermostat, or programming one, or wearing a sweater indoors to stay warm).

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Park Your Car

Leave your car home one day a week. Riding a bicycle, walk, take public transit or carpool to reduce your carbon dioxide emissions. You will also get more exercise and relief from commuter stress.

Minneapolis, MN

Challenge

Plant a Tree

Strategically plant a tree (or trees) in your yard to reduce heating and cooling bills. Trees provide shade, reducing air conditioning costs by up to 30 percent (USDA Forest Service). Evergreen trees are excellent windbreaks for homes, reducing heating costs and providing a beautiful year-round landscape. Trees also store carbon, which helps reduce global warming effects.

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Minneapolis

Food Justice In Minneapolis

Mother Earth Gardens

KLEENZ

Use ENERGY STAR® Products

Audit Your Home's Energy Use

Eat Local

Reduce Hot Water

Install and Use a Programmable Thermostat

Park Your Car

Plant a Tree

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Environment and Society

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