People

Our role in Minnesota’s Climate Action Framework

The Walz Administration has released their Climate Action Framework, a vision for how Minnesota will address and prepare for climate change. Mike Harley shares examples of Environmental Initiative's commitments to collaborative action.

Board Voices: Leading through transformation

In this "Board Voices" blog, Eliza Clark shares her experiences of serving in a leadership role as Environmental Initiative shifted into its new strategic plan and vision.

The collaborative journey of boatbuilding

Northside Safety NET interns recently learned the magical hands-on process of boatbuilding. Throughout the spring they worked with Urban Boat Builders to create a durable exploration canoe that they were able to launch at Wirth Lake in Minneapolis.

Partnerships with honor and humility

My first wrestling coach taught us to compete and conduct ourselves with honor and humility. Original or not, he was a former Marine drill instructor and an Olympic qualifier. That lesson stuck with me. Like many of our partners, I’ve…

Spring growth: Northside Safety NET interns learn, plant, and create

The Northside Safety NET intern cohort had a busy month of March. Highlights featured include creating art, potting plants, and visiting a research lab on the Mississippi River.

Meet the Clean Air Minnesota co-chairs

Meet the co-chairs of Clean Air Minnesota, Jon Hunter and Tony Kwilas. The two have worked on air quality throughout their careers. As chairs, they advise the work pursued by Clean Air Minnesota to reduce air pollutants.

Moving towards a circular economy

As more waste continues to be generated using limited natural resources, companies are working to break this linear waste stream and keep materials in use after a product’s lifespan by advancing a circular economy.

Signs of change

Environmental Initiative's board of directors adopted a strategic plan with a new mission, vision, and values in 2020. Mike Harley shares his honest assessment of steps the organization has taken in the work to support environmental and racial justice. As the organization leads into its 30th year, there are signs of change demonstrated in shifts of power and perspective.

Minnesota’s electrification efforts expand

Minnesota is in the process of transitioning to technology that relies on electricity instead of fossil fuels, or electrification. While progress has been made, the transition is still in the early stages and challenges remain around how to do this in a way that will not put too much pressure on communities and the electric grid. 

Auto body shops reduce pollutants

Two auto body businesses in Ramsey County, Minn., reduce pollutants including volatile organic compounds with financial and technical support provided through the Clean Air Assistance Project.