Archive
New year, new beginnings
Meet Ariel Kagan, our new director of agriculture strategy, and learn about her role in shaping Environmental Initiative's agriculture program.
A new year, a new look, and a new way to explore
Learn about the features of Environmental Initiative's new website and the new communication strategy.
Second Chance Community Solar Garden gets ready to shine
The Second Chance Community Solar Garden was recognized in May 2020 as an environmental innovator for its local energy development, solar model, and impact for low-income communities.
A local leadership climate change conversation
Climate change policy in 2021 has been punctuated by the United Nation’s International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report raising alarm bells and the newly reached global climate agreement at COP26. While the deal reached in Glasgow includes several important developments, many say leaders have failed to meet the urgency…
Leadership in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership
A different kind of farming is growing in Central Minnesota, thanks to the work of leaders from agriculture, conservation, finance, engineering, and research involved in the Headwaters Agriculture Sustainability Partnership (HASP). Formed, in 2018 as a way to incubate…
Catalyzing a shift in sourcing food for hunger relief organizations
Catching up with Nikki Warner from The Good Acre was a lot of fun and filled me with hope. I am inspired by creative community leaders who are able to pivot quickly when funding and needs shift while keeping true…
Talking climate action and district energy with the City of Duluth and Ever-Green Energy
Three years ago, Ever-Green Energy and the City of Duluth began transforming a major portion of the city’s energy system, replacing 16 blocks of aged steam pipe in its district energy system with new hot water infrastructure. The project, which won a 2021 Environmental Initiative Award, has achieved significant emission reductions, with a nearly…
Northside Safety NET interns begin putting learning into action
Nine interns joined me and Jaycie Thomsen in November to form the 2021-22 cohort of Northside Safety NET. The year-long Environmental Justice Internship is led by Environmental Initiative. During the school year we meet after school and on…
Allianz Life: A local leader shares insights for global impact
The Sustainable Growth Coalition Best Practices & Learning Lab series event hosted by member organization Allianz Life offered great insights to other members who are not part of the financial services industry. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in…
Introducing non-Native people to an Indigenous Worldview
Two Paths to One: Next Steps to Integrate an Indigenous Understanding into Environmental Work, offered in partnership with Bemidji State…
