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 offer a quarterly Sustainability Sam email newsletter, which features sustainability news, resources, events, and more. Sign up here to never miss an edition of Sustainability Sam.
Any update on city programs to reduce emissions?
Dear Sustainability Sam, Is there an update on the programs the City of Minneapolis is providing to reduce emissions and […]
Does adopting a storm drain make an impact?
Dear Sam, I’ve seen articles about storm drain adoption in the past. I’m thinking about it, but I’m wondering if […]
Help Protect Our Neighborhood from Creeping Bellflower
Dear Reader, You may have noticed a pretty purple flower appearing in gardens, alleys, boulevards, parks, and natural areas during […]
Should I run an air purifier in my home?
Dear Sam, Wildfires have already been plaguing Minnesota’s air quality again this summer. When I am inside, should I really […]
Interested in Cargo Bikes?
Dear Sam, These days, I see more and more people riding really big bikes with room for passengers and packages. […]
Compostable Products: Disposal considerations
Dear Sam, My husband buys compostable products (plates, cups, tableware, and bags) instead of plastic because he wants to help […]
Minneapolis Cargo Bike Library
Dear Sam, Can you tell me a feel-good story of volunteers who have reduced pollution and expanded bike trips locally? […]
Considering the environment when choosing diapers
Dear Sam, My daughter is pregnant with her first child, and my wife and I could not be more excited […]
Shifting towards plant-forward meals
Dear Sam, I’m concerned about eating so many processed foods. I’ve also heard that eating less meat can help the […]
Get inspired by local climate champions
Dear Sam, I often feel discouraged about the setbacks in the fight to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Can […]
What is the status of the trash incinerator?
Dear Sustainability Sam, I have questions about the trash incinerator owned by Hennepin County: I know that the City of […]
Sam’s top 5 reasons to swap instead of shop
This month, Sustainability Sam shares their top 5 reasons to shop Tangletown’s Annual Clothing Swap on Saturday, August 16. #5: […]
Are there simple ways to reduce my family’s energy use?
Dear Sam, I’ve heard that our electricity in Hennepin County comes from a variety of sources, including a county trash […]
Storm Season
Dear Sam, While cleaning the debris around my storm drain on Thursday, April 10th, I heard tornado sirens blaring through […]
Only Rain in the Drain
Dear Sam, I’ve been noticing a lot of leaves and debris piling up around the storm drain near my house, […]
Tell me more about Electrify Everything
Dear Sam, I’ve heard of an initiative called ‘Electrify Everything,’ and I’m not exactly sure what it’s all about. Can […]
Save Money While Reducing Your Carbon Footprint Through Lending Libraries
Dear Sam, We’re new parents who just bought our first home. Having just helped my parents empty their basement to […]
Battery backup for solar panels
Dear Sam, I recently used the Tangletown Residential Rooftop Solar Rebate to help pay for installing solar panels on my […]
Decluttering? Donate your good stuff.
Dear Sam, We are in the process of decluttering our home to make our lives less stressful. We have things […]
What to do with old shoes
Dear Sam, Do you know any organizations that offer shoe recycling? I have a few pairs that are no longer […]
Paris Olympics: Sustainable or just greenwashing?
Dear Sam, Is all the talk about the Paris Olympics being so sustainable just greenwashing, or is there something to […]
Clothing swap growing in popularity
Dear Sam, Will you be hosting another clothing swap this year? I found some amazing pieces last year! Sincerely, Chris […]
A solutions focused summer read
Dear Sam, I am looking for a book on climate action that is easy to read and solution focused. I […]
Spotlight on pollinators
Dear Sam, I recently had a conversation with a neighbor who mentioned installing a pollinator garden as part of a […]
Fix-It Clinic Impact
Dear Sam, I heard about a recent event in which the Tangletown Environmental Committee partnered with Hennepin County’s Fix It Clinic to […]
A bill to improve e-waste collection
Dear Sam, I’ve attended a couple of the Tangletown e-waste education events. I was astounded to hear that such a […]
Environmental action: What’s happening in the city?
Dear Sam, So many environmental actions are taking place this year as the City of Minneapolis gears up for the […]
Not so good returns
Dear Sam, Reading all the posts on Nextdoor about “porch pirates” stealing peoples’ packages made me wonder about the sustainability […]
Navigating large appliance recycling in Minneapolis
Dear Sam, I recently visited relatives in another state who were in a quandary about what to do with an […]
Do I need to give up meat to save the planet?
Dear Sam, I have a friend who is vegan, and he says I have to stop eating meat to save […]