Archive
Report: Conservation practices benefit the environment and local farmer’s bottom line
A recent return-on-investment study of dairy operations in central Minnesota found that profitability and environmental stewardship are complimentary. The study analyzed 10 farms and found that on average the farms demonstrated improved environmental and financial outcomes compared to benchmarks.
Experts explain Minnesota’s smoky, hazy summer
Environmental Initiative recently sat down with experts at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) to learn more about air quality forecasting, recent air quality trends, and what people can do to stay safe.
From tap to tapestry: Using art and creativity to protect drinking water
Two artist educators, Sharon and Shirley Nordrum, have been commissioned to creatively engage residents in Little Falls, Minnesota on issues of drinking water and environmental health. The year-long project is initiated by the Source Water Protection Collaborative, a partnership between government agencies, nonprofits, researchers, farmers, and public health experts convened by the nonprofit, Environmental Initiative.
Expanding Lottery funds for the environment, for all
Environmental Initiative is part of a coalition of mainstream environmental organizations advocating for the Minnesota State Legislature to get a question on the ballot in 2024 on whether to continue dedicating state lottery funds to the great outdoors. Our organization is focused on convening conversations for proposed changes that would make the Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund more equitable.
Jerry Wicklund supports community through conservation
With community support, the Wicklund family have spent the last several years converting their farmland to natural habitat.
Data-driven irrigation management supports farmers and the environment
Chuck Louis uses soil probes and data to improve the precision of water and nutrient application on a field. Precision can increase a farm's profitability by optimizing inputs and increasing yields.
Reducing costs and increasing yields with data
Christy Bauer uses application tools and products to save farmers money and reduce the environmental impact of their operations.
Northside Safety NET gives youth a voice on community environmental justice work
Northside Safety NET, a holistic investment in the educational journey of nine students living in North Minneapolis, is wrapping up its first year of programming.
Invest in North Minneapolis: Incorporating community values into thoughtful design
Youth in the Northside Safety NET program, University of Minnesota architecture students and professionals, and Northside residents worked together to infuse the community's values and experiences into thoughtful architecture and urban design.
Reducing vehicle emissions at no cost to residents
Cars for Neighbors recently hit a big milestone, reducing more than six tons of volatile organic compounds and nitrous oxide emissions by repairing vehicle emission systems.
