News & Ideas

Why personal pronouns matter at Environmental Initiative

Honoring gender diversity and creating a gender-inclusive environment is an important part of the culture and policy at Environmental Initiative.

2024 Environmental Initiative Awards in review

The 2024 Environmental Initiative Award winners were recognized on June 5 at Mosaic in Minneapolis. They represent a range of work, from rebuilding urban tree canopies to innovating solar integration.

Minnesota program that fixes old cars for free announces expansion into the East Metro

Environmental Initiative is expanding Project Clean Air Repair (Project CAR) to the East Metro through a new partnership with Turbo Tim's. Low to no cost emission system repairs are now available in eight auto repair shops ahead of summer driving, air quality seasons.

Breaking down Minnesota’s cumulative impacts law

Learn more about Minnesota's cumulative impacts law, why it matters, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's rulemaking process, and what is still being decided.

Northside Safety NET brings on new interns

Northside Safety NET has welcomed eight new interns and welcomed back five interns from the original cohort for this year of programming. Learn more about our interns and consider supporting them as they learn about environmental justice in their community.

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.

Sustainable Growth Coalition hosts deconstruction tour and embodied carbon learning lab

The Sustainable Growth Coalition hosted an embodied carbon deep dive on Sept. 21. Panelists discussed challenges with embodied carbon in the Upper Midwest, opportunities for improving emissions, and equity improvements from building decarbonization.

Introducing Su Legatt, artist-in-residence

Artist, educator, and community organizer Su Legatt was recently commissioned by Environmental Initiative and the Source Water Protection Collaborative to creatively engage Little Falls, Minnesota residents on issues of drinking water and environmental health.