Hello, living green Minnesotans! The Eco Experience at the State Fair was once again an amazing success. We'd like to send a big "thank you" to the 2,575 Eco Experience visitors who pledged to take action to reduce their environmental impact! As we catch our breath, here are some ideas to help you transition into a living green autumn.
Goodbye, Summer: Closing up the Cabin
As the air turns cooler and the leaves change color, Minnesota's cabin season will come to an end. Here are some green tips to help you close the cabin and protect the environment.
Septic tanks: Many cabins have septic tanks. It is important to have your septic tank pumped out regularly (frequency depends on how often the cabin is used and by how many people). Septic tanks that work properly minimize the risk of leaks and contaminating the groundwater.
Proper disposal of hazardous materials: If you have paint, oil or other materials in the cabin or garage, be sure to dispose of them properly. They should not be dumped down the drain or placed in the garbage. Contact your county to find the household hazardous waste collection site. If you want to use the materials again in the future, read storage instructions on the containers and be careful to protect them from freezing.
Lawn care: There was an abundance of blue-green algae in Minnesota waters this summer. The algae feeds on nutrients like phosphorus, which is in many lawn fertilizers. If you are going to do fall fertilizing, use phosphorus-free fertilizer and avoid applying any fertilizer within 20 feet of the lake. This is important for regular homes, too, because the runoff from your yard carries the phosphorus into Minnesota's rivers, lakes and streams. Raking your leaves and composting them will also help keep the lake clean and provide you with a great natural fertilizer in the spring.
Sealing windows and air leaks: Going through the cabin and sealing windows and air leaks will help conserve energy and save money if you heat a cabin year-round. Adding insulation will also help you save on your energy bill.
These winterization tips aren't just for the cabin—you can do these things around the house, too!
A little green bundle of joy: Planning a green baby shower
Giving birth to or adopting a child can bring a lot of joy to a family. It can also bring a lot of stuff, including items that are made from unsustainable, even toxic, materials.
But you can raise a green kid—and a green baby shower is a good place to start. Here are some ideas to consider, whether you're hosting a shower for someone else or helping to plan your own.
Use reusable, recyclable, and recycled-content products. This can include the plates and cups, decorations, invitations, and shower prizes.
Avoid wrapping paper. Wrap gifts in baby blankets or use reusable cloth gift bags.
Encourage guests to give "hand-me-downs" as gifts, such as previously used toys and clothes.
For the items you have to have brand-new, do some research to find the most sustainable products available. Some places to start:
Then set up a green gift registry at a store that sells sustainable, non-toxic baby products.
Most importantly, don't be overwhelmed by the thousands of products you'll be told by advertisers you MUST have to raise a healthy baby. Talk to other parents about which items you'll really need and skip the rest.
Days of our green lives: Community events and resources
Take the next step in living more sustainably. Attend free workshops offered by Do It Green! Visit the website or call 612-345- 7973 to RSVP.
October 3, 6 to 8 p.m. - Energy audit walk-through of a one-and-a- half-story 1950s house (Lake Nokomis area of south Minneapolis)
October 13, 9 to 11 a.m. - Energy audit walk-through of a two-story 1900s house (south Minneapolis)
October 18, 6 to 8 p.m. at West 7th Community Center (in-class workshop in St. Paul)
Is America seeing green? Join a discussion of psychology and sustainability on September 18 at Bryant-Lake Bowl in Minneapolis - part of the Bell Museum's "Cafe Scientifique" series.
Putting Down Roots: Rain Gardens in Residential Settings (September 27) teaches how how to install your own rain garden (St. Paul). Pre-registration is required for this free workshop sponsored by Friends of the Mississippi River.
Global Warming Solutions features polar explorer Will Steger and J. Drake Hamilton from Fresh Energy (October 9, Roseville). Sponsored by the Vital Aging Network of Minnesota.
Look for more events on the SEEK and NextStep calendars.
Missed an issue? Read past newsletters in our online archive.
The Living Green 365 Team and our partners are excited to pass on timely, simple, and fun ideas to lead healthier and more sustainable lives, 365 days a year.
Sign up today
Enter your email address to receive future newsletters.
As the air turns cooler and the leaves change color, Minnesota's cabin season will come to an end. Here are some green tips to help you close the cabin and protect the environment. 
A little green bundle of joy: Planning a green baby shower 
