Lifestyle

The environmental justice movement

Thursday, 04 April 2013 12:52 EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: I understand that the "environmental justice" movement seeks to protect the poor and non-white communities from being unfairly targeted to host activities like sewage treatment plants, landfills and polluting factories. Have there been notable victories? -- P. Silver, Peekskill, NY

The budget sequester's impact on the environment

Thursday, 04 April 2013 12:48 EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What does the budget sequester that recently took hold mean for the environment? -- Jane Burgos, Los Angeles, CA

Charity Bess wins crown and title of Miss Minnesota 2013

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:59

Charity Bess of Minneapolis was crowned 2013 Miss Minnesota International.The competition took place in St. Cloud, on Mar. 16.

Bess will compete with 50 other state winners for the title of Miss International 2013. That competition takes place July 22 – 28 and will be held in Skokie, Ill.

Attracting backyard pollinators EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:51 Sunny

Dear EarthTalk: I'd like to have a garden that encourages bees and butterflies. What's the best approach? --Robert Miller, Bakersfield, CA

Attracting bees and butterflies to a garden is a noble pursuit indeed, given that we all depend on these species and others (beetles, wasps, flies, hummingbirds, etc.) to pollinate the plants that provide us with so much of our food, shelter and other necessities of life. In fact, increased awareness of the essential role pollinators play in ecosystem maintenance—along with news about rapid declines in bee populations—have led to a proliferation of backyard "pollinator gardens" across the U.S. and beyond.

Minnesota Energy Tips: Fireplace efficiency

Monday, 01 April 2013 14:32 Minnesota Department of Commerce

This weekend as you huddle around the fireplace to escape the spring chill, remember the fireplace likely loses more heat than it gives off. Warm air in a home is sucked up the chimney and is replaced by cold air leaking into the house. Especially as the fire dies down, more heat is drawn up the chimney than is created by the fire—and the reduced rate of airflow can lead to backdrafting of flue gases and smoke into the living space.

SOUL FOOD MN | Sunnyside Cafe: A soul food tradition in North Minneapolis

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:24 Cheo Smith, TC Daily Planet

Sunnyside Cafe owner and head chef James Baker has been around the world, it seems. He first began cooking as a child, learning recipes from his aunties, but he credits his decision to cook while serving in the Navy during his tour in Vietnam with saving his life.

Five easy steps to a low maintenance eco-friendly landscape

Tuesday, 26 March 2013 10:15 Melinda Myers, Gardening expert

It's possible to create a beautiful landscape and be kind to the environment even with a busy schedule and while staying within budget. "All it takes is a bit of planning and a few low maintenance strategies," says gardening expert and author Melinda Myers.