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.
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
Hi Sam! I have a recycling question I haven’t been able to answer with the recycling guide. Can shredded paper be […]
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 […]
Minneapolis’ Green Zones
Dear Sam, I recently learned that Minneapolis has two “Green Zones.” As I learn about these areas of our city […]
Packaging Problems
Dear Sustainability Sam, How can I reuse those insulated foil lined bags I receive with grocery deliveries? – Rita **** […]
An Update on Textile Recycling
Dear Sustainability Sam, I have attended the last two textile waste-focused virtual events. I noticed that the most common question […]
Sustainability Book Recommendations
Hello Tangletown! As we approach the long winter months, Sustainability Sam thought we might provide you with a list of […]
Prepping for winter and energy savings
Dear Sustainability Sam, What are a few things I need to do to prepare my home for a cold winter […]
Textile Recycling Problem
Dear Sustainability Sam, I was planning to attend the Tangletown textile event last spring, and then a pandemic hit. Does […]
Lessons Learned in Veggie Gardening and Other Tips for Eating Local
Hey Sam, I’m curious how your vegetable garden turned out? I struggled a bit with mine and I’m curious what […]
The Intersection of Environmental Justice and Social Justice
Dear Sam, What does sustainability have to do with social justice? Janet ***** Hi Janet, Sustainability Sam here! Let’s talk […]
What to do about increased waste during Covid19
Dear Sam, I’m typically a bring-my-own bag and container type of shopper. While I support COVID-19 safety measures, I am […]
Sustainability Sam’s Foray into Gardening
Hello Tangletowners! We didn’t receive a new sustainability question this month, so we thought we would share with you Keri’s […]
Growing Your Own Food
Dear Sam, What is something easy I can do during the Covid-19 stay-at-home order that’s good for the planet? Sincerely, […]
Meet Your Sustainability Sam Neighbor Keri Diem
Many of you have asked, “Who is Sustainability Sam?” We are two people: Andrea Siegel and Keri Diem. We introduced […]
Textile Recycling
Dear Sustainability Sam, I am doing some updates in my home and would like to recycle the old curtains. Is […]
Sustainable Laundry Ideas
Dear Sustainability Sam, Not only do I hate doing laundry, but it also seems so wasteful when you consider the […]
Ice Dams
Dear Sustainability Sam, Walking around the neighborhood both last year and more recently, I have noticed a lot of ice […]
Feeling Overwhelmed by Climate Change?
Dear Sam, The climate crisis seems to be in the news a lot these days and I’m starting to see […]