Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Twin Cities

Green Living

Last Updated: Mar 29, 2019 10:53AM • Subscribe via RSS • ATOM

Power Switch: Taking a Home Off the Grid

Mar 29, 2019 10:53AM ● By Jim Motavalli

Costs are down, technology is up and tax credits are up for grabs. There’s never been a better time to declare energy independence and explore solar, wind and geothermal options.

Read More »
Native Intelligence: Planting an Eco-Friendly Yard

Mar 29, 2019 10:53AM ● By Avery Mack

Native plants need less water, fewer chemicals and live longer than exotics and cultivars, supporting birds, bees, butterflies, wildlife and a healthy ecosystem.

Read More »
Saving a Drop to Drink: Our Role in the Coming Water Crisis

Mar 04, 2019 01:42PM ● By Jim Motavalli

Fresh water supplies are dwindling globally, including in the U.S., yet we can do things on a personal level to help hold onto this finite resource.

Read More »
Eco Fill-up: Liquid Fuel Stores Solar Energy

Feb 28, 2019 10:49AM

Swedish scientists are developing a liquid molecule composed of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen that when exposed to sunlight, converts into a new isomer that theoretically can be released later to heat a household.

Read More »
Techno Timber: Artificial Wood Resists Fire and Water

Feb 28, 2019 10:49AM

A new, lightweight synthetic wood made of polymer resin and chitosan, a sugar polymer derived from the shells of shrimp and crabs, can withstand fire and water damage.

Read More »
Spring Decluttering: Many Benefits of Reorganizing

Feb 28, 2019 10:48AM

Getting rid of the old can by done step by step, opening up space not only in our closets but in our psyches.

Read More »
Changing Landscapes: Climate Change Documentary Seeks Consensus

Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM

National Geographic Documentary Films, in partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies and RadicalMedia, has released the new film Paris to Pit...

Read More »
Tips for a Tree-Free Home: Many Ways to Pare Down Paper Use

Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM

By switching to electronic bills, substituting cloth for paper napkins, and supporting tree-planting non-profits, we can help preserve the planet’s forests.

Read More »
Investing for Good: How to Align Money With Values

Jan 31, 2019 11:27AM ● By April Thompson

Socially responsible investing, which accounts for a whopping quarter of U.S. funds under professional management, now offers options to suit every cause and income level.

Read More »
Cork Rocks: The Self-Regenerating Building Material

Dec 27, 2018 01:45PM

Cork, which regenerates its bark after harvesting, is an eco-friendly fire retardant and acoustic insulator that also controls odor and humidity.

Read More »
Poor Packaging: The Problem With Bottled Water Is the Bottle

Dec 27, 2018 01:45PM

Each minute, one million plastic bottles are sold around the world, and most end up in the trash rather than being recycled.

Read More »
Natural Awakenings Twin Cities
Smart Trash: Baltimore Rolls Out Sensor-Equipped Bins

Dec 27, 2018 12:41PM

Solar-powered trash cans with built-in Wi-Fi sensors are being installed in Baltimore to facilitate as-needed emptying of the cans.

Read More »
Seeking Sanctuary: How to Reduce Electromagnetic Radiation at Home

Dec 27, 2018 12:41PM ● By Emily Courtney

As technology brings increasing exposure to EMFs, we can take practical steps to reduce the risk of these ubiquitous waves inside our homes.

Read More »
Eco Jets: Electric Planes on Horizon

Nov 30, 2018 03:18PM

Europe’s EasyJet airline is working to get electric-powered planes into the sky with room for up to 220 passengers and a range of 335 miles.

Read More »
Green Cars Update: Plug Into the Latest Trends

Nov 30, 2018 11:10AM ● By Jim Motavalli

Plug-in or hybrid or battery electric? Here’s a practical guide to what’s happening with electric vehicles and to which one might suit our needs.

Read More »
Earth Christmas: Guide to Sustainable Merry-Making

Nov 30, 2018 10:59AM

Eco-strategies for trees, decorations and gifts mean we can extend our holiday good will to our beleaguered home planet as well.

Read More »
Eco-Packaging Progress Report: Innovative Uses of Pulp, Paper and Mushrooms

Oct 31, 2018 11:27AM ● By Avery Mack

Creative new options include carry-out containers made of wood pulp, baked-goods wrapping paper infused with antibacterial spices, and cardboard made of mushroom roots.

Read More »
Dumping Disincentive: Big Bank Acts to Protect Oceans from Mine Waste

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Under pressure from the Ditch Ocean Dumping campaign, Citigroup is no longer financing mining projects that dump mine waste into the ocean.

Read More »
Teeny Town: Tiny Houses Can Benefit Seniors

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

By designing and building a $75,000 tiny modular home, the University of Southern Indiana wants to demonstrate how independent living can be made accessible for people of many ages and abilities.

Read More »
Breathe Easier: Hamburg Gets Serious About Diesel Fumes

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Germany’s second-largest city is restricting diesel-powered vehicle from portions of two major streets, with exemptions for new, cleaner models.

Read More »
Rebirthing Books: New Life for Old Friends

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

Rather than letting books collect dust at home, we can donate them to local, national and international efforts that redistribute them to readers and underfunded libraries worldwide.

Read More »
Plastic Pushback: Countries Ban Single-Use Plastics

Oct 31, 2018 11:04AM

The Bahamas is joining such countries as Antigua, Belize, Kenya and the United Kingdom in moving to ban plastics linked to marine litter.

Read More »
Corporate Conscience: Leading Food Companies Aim to Slash Energy Footprints

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

McDonald’s plans to lower its greenhouse gas emissions by 165 million tons in 12 years, and Anheuser-Busch and Budweiser beer plans to wholly rely on renewable sources for energy in seven years.

Read More »
Debris Drop-Off: Plastic Bag Deterrents Working in European Waters

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

The number of plastic bags in waters around Norway, Germany, northern France and Ireland has dropped by 30 percent following those countries setting fees on bags.

Read More »
Last Straw: Groups Work to Make U.S. Go Strawless

Sep 28, 2018 10:58AM

To end the pollution caused by 500 million discarded plastic straws daily in the U.S., eateries are forgoing them, cities are banning them, and groups are selling bamboo and silicone replacements.

Read More »
The Rise of Blue Zones in America: Places that Encourage Healthy Living

Sep 28, 2018 10:57AM ● By Avery Mack

Blue Zone cities nationwide are making life for their citizens longer and better by encouraging healthy eating, regular exercise and activities that further connection.

Read More »
Zero Waste Lifestyle: Ways to Make Far Less Trash

Aug 31, 2018 11:10AM ● By Avery Mack

Light-years beyond the idea of basic decluttering is the concept of zero waste, which means adopting everyday strategies like halting junk mail and adopting gently used, pre-loved items in order to live lightly on the planet.

Read More »
Sunny Success: New Solar Capacity Outpaced Other Fuel Sources

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

Investors worldwide invested more in solar power than in any other single energy technology in 2017.

Read More »
Flower Power: Farms Test Low-Tech Pesticide Alternative

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

British farmers are planting wildflowers to understand if the presence of pest-eating insects can make their use of pesticide a last rather than first resort.

Read More »
After Plastic: New Eco-Packaging Options Underway

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

As leading industries turn their attention to adopt sustainable principles, engineers and inventors are developing product packaging bioplastics that readily degrade.

Read More »
Green Shoes: Being Sustainable Down to Our Soles

Aug 31, 2018 10:51AM

Living an eco-lifestyle extends to the shoes on our feet, with strategies that include better maintenance, eco-friendly materials and sustainability-savvy shoemakers.

Read More »
Hyperloop Hyper-Speed: Innovative Shortcut to Faster Travel

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

Plans are underway in Europe for a vacuum-tube mode of transport capable of zooming people and freight safely overland at 700 miles per hour.

Read More »
Plog On: Picking Up Litter While Jogging Becomes a Winning Trend

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

Plogging, Sweden’s latest fitness craze, is catching on in Europe and the U.S., as joggers not only clean up trash but also burn more calories in the process.

Read More »
Rethinking Toiletries: Using Less Saves Both Money and the Planet

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM

It’s easy to load up on pricey personal care products that ultimately get little use, but a few key strategies can simplify daily life as well lower expenses and waste.

Read More »
Waste No Water: Communities Get Creative in Urging Conservation

Jul 31, 2018 11:29AM ● By April Thompson

As potable water gets scarcer worldwide, American communities are creatively exploring ways to encourage people to be always water wise.

Read More »
Art that Inspires Action: Artists Work to Save Nature’s Beauty

Jun 29, 2018 11:28AM ● By Avery Mack

By using marine debris, steel, twigs and even snow, artists are incorporating the natural world into their work while simultaneously sending out an SOS from the planet.

Read More »
Loving It: Fast Food Giants Finally Address Plastic Pollution

Jun 29, 2018 11:02AM

McDonald’s says it will end the use of harmful polystyrene foam packaging globally by year’s end, and Dunkin’ Donuts is phasing out its polystyrene foam cups in favor of paper cups.

Read More »
Meat Menace: Animal Product Emissions Rival Oil

Jun 29, 2018 11:02AM

New data shows that emissions from raising farmed animals make up about 15 percent of global human-induced emissions, with three large meat producers emitting as much as some oil companies.

Read More »
Natural Pools: Swim Amidst Stones and Plants

Jun 29, 2018 11:01AM

Natural pools, which may be built of stone and clay and filtered with aquatic plants, turn out to be both eco-friendly and price competitive compared to conventional swimming pools.

Read More »
We Need Clean Waters: Streams and Rivers Are Life Links

May 31, 2018 10:43AM ● By Avery Mack

Efforts are underway around the country to make polluted waterways clean again and to instill local appreciation for their many helpful roles.

Read More »
Livable Communities We Love: Good for People and the Planet

May 31, 2018 10:43AM ● By John D. Ivanko and Lisa Kivirist

Across the country, cities from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh to Portland are finding fresh new ways to create engaging street life for residents while eco-upgrading their green spaces, services and infrastructure.

Read More »
Quick Quarters: Simple Eco-Houses on the Upswing

May 31, 2018 10:41AM

Harnessing technology and cleverness, homebuilding startups in the Ukraine, Italy and Lebanon are offering tiny, energy-neutral, quick-built houses at low cost.

Read More »
Boston Ban: Plastic Bags Get the Boot

May 31, 2018 10:41AM

Joining a nationwide movement, Boston has banned single-use plastic shopping bags, requiring shoppers to bring their own totes or pay for eco-friendly bags.

Read More »
Eco-Upgrades for America’s Landmarks: Monuments and Parks Adopt Sustainable Practices

Apr 30, 2018 10:42AM ● By Avery Mack

From the Grand Canyon to the Gateway Arch to the Empire State Building, America’s landmarks are making the old new again with Earth-friendly changes.

Read More »
Obsolete Packaging: Grocer Shuns Plastic Trays

Apr 30, 2018 10:17AM

A British supermarket chain plans to drastically lower its use of plastic packaging in 1,000 of its own-label products.

Read More »
Recycling IQ: Take a Quiz to Help the Planet

Apr 30, 2018 10:17AM

Is this item trash, garbage or recyclable? As important as recycling is, it can sometimes be confusing. A short quiz offers answers to help sort out discards.

Read More »
Healthy Climate, Healthy People: Why a Warming Planet is Harming Our Health

Mar 30, 2018 11:57AM ● By Lisa Marshall

As the Earth slowly heats up, we’re being affected by rising allergens, disaster-related trauma and the increase in insects carrying dangerous diseases.

Read More »
Distributed Power: Energy Users Control Own Supplies

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM

Across the U.S., energy users of all sizes are taking control of their power supply and relieving stress from the grid.

Read More »
Transforming Plastics: Mobile Trashpresso Turns Trash into Tiles

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM

A British company has invented a solar-powered, onsite mini-recycling plant that transforms plastic waste into usable architectural tiles.

Read More »
Healthy House: Easy Ways to Green It Up

Mar 30, 2018 11:17AM ● By Avery Mack

From using defrosting trays to doffing shoes at the door to placing plants in the loo, easy ways abound to make our home healthier for us and easier on our environment.

Read More »
Upcoming Events Near You

Current Issue

Read it Now!

Archives
Read the Digital Edition Now
Health, Wellness & Natural Living Guide 2026
Facebook