Each month, Sustainability Sam will answer your questions about how you can be more sustainable. Send your questions to SustainabilitySam@tangletown.org for a chance to be featured in an upcoming response. We also are now offering a monthly (or less) Sustainability Sam email newsletter which will feature sustainability news, resources, events, and more. Sign up here to never miss an edition of Sustainability Sam.
Heat Pumps: What are they and how do they work?
Dear Sam, I keep hearing about these things called heat pumps. What are they, and how do they work? Sincerely, […]
E-waste: Knowledge is Power
Hello Sustainability Sammers! I’ve got great news for you this month. Hennepin County has awarded the Tangletown Neighborhood Association’s Environmental […]
Electrify everything?
Dear Sam, I have read that the key to future low-emission energy consumption is to “electrify everything,” but if everyone […]
Sustainable way to play
Dear Sam, I have a 2 year old and I am having trouble keeping up with the demands of her […]
Environmental Justice: Advocacy in action
Dear Sam, I’ve recently heard some buzz about the Tangletown Neighborhood Association’s Environmental Committee adding environmental justice advocacy to their […]
Climate Equity Plans for Minneapolis
Dear Sam, I am hearing a lot about a Minneapolis Climate Action Plan and a People’s Climate and Equity Plan. […]
Electronics Recycling Event Recap: Electronics and Appliance Recycling
Dear Sam,I’m curious about what happened with the Electronics Recycling Event last fall. Do you have an update? Sincerely,Harold Dear […]
What To Do About Radon
Dear Sam, I saw a recent Facebook post urging Minneapolis residents to test for radon levels in their homes. Can […]
Financial incentives for installing solar panels?
Dear Sam, I am considering installing solar panels on my roof. I heard that there might be a financial incentive […]
Sustainable Beauty
Dear Sam, I’ve just begun hearing a little about sustainable or clean beauty. Can you explain these terms to me? […]
What can I do about a Minnesota drought?
Dear Sam, What can you tell me about the drought conditions in Minnesota? Are there steps that individuals can take […]
Climate Change Anxiety
Dear Sam, I am terrified about our future on this planet. There are dangerous heat waves, extreme floods, and wildfires […]
Does reducing food waste in my home make a difference?
Dear Sam, I know that reducing food waste is an admirable goal for all of us; I just participated in […]
Sustainability Sam Summer 2022 Update
Hello Sam Readers! Tangletown Environmental Committee members have been a busy bees this year! I thought I would take some […]
How practical is owning an electric vehicle in Minnesota?
Dear Sam, With the costs of gas rising and concerns over carbon emissions, I’m thinking about buying or leasing an […]
Highlights from the Explore Solar Virtual Panel
Dear Sam, I missed the TNA Environmental Team’s Explore Solar Virtual Panel event last month and wondered if you could […]
Sustainable Decking Materials
Dear Sam, I’m looking at replacing my deck this Spring and I’m wondering what type of decking material is most sustainable? […]
Protecting Pollinators in your Spring Cleaning
Dear Sustainability Sam, The snow is gone, and my yard has dried out, so I’m eager to clean up the […]
Solar Options for Renters
Dear Sam, I’m interested in participating in a solar energy program or benefitting from solar energy, but I am a […]
Zero Waste Challenge
Hi Sam, I’ve always heard about these Zero Waste Challenges or other challenges the county puts on, but I’m curious […]
What to do with old towels?
Dear Sustainability Sam, I have so many bath and hand towels, some dish towels, that are getting shabby, so I’m gradually replacing […]
Stainless Steel Recycling
Hi Sam, I have a stainless steel implement that is at the end of its life. But, I’m not sure […]
An Environmentally Friendly Holiday Season
Dear Sam, I look forward to the holidays each year, but then I feel disheartened by all the waste created […]
Energy Improvements on a Budget
Dear Sustainability Sam, I would like to make my home more efficient so that I am reducing my energy use […]
What to do about Plastic Packaging?
Hi Sam, lately I have been getting so frustrated by the amount of packaging, and especially plastic goods, that end […]
Dead Lawn, What to Do?
Dear Sam, Help! What can I do to rescue my burned out lawn in this hot, dry summer?Dawn *** Dear […]
Storm Drain Heroes -Become one!
Dear Sustainability Sam, I see these “We protect Minnehaha Creek -Sweep up! Rake up! Pick Up!” signs around the neighborhood, […]
Advocacy for Systems Level Change
Dear Sam, I know there are lots of ways to change my personal energy consumption, but I’m also interested in […]
What to do with Shredded Paper
Update: This Sustainability Sam Q&A was revised on Feb. 24, 2023, with current City of Minneapolis Solid Waste & Recycling […]
Protect our Creek and Lakes
Dear Sustainability Sam, I love living so close to Minnehaha Creek and the Chain of Lakes, but as I hear […]