Oct. 31, 2025 - The Living Earth Center in Mankato is hosting its 20th Annual EARTH Conference with a goal of developing a local coalition of individuals and organizations devoted to creating a healthy Earth and a healthy community. LEC Program Coordinator, Cora Uyigue, hopes the Nov. 1 conference will help create Mankato Area Earth Coalition by incorporating the work, amplifying the missions, aligning strategies and creating a shared movement for lasting, systemic change in our region.
Oct. 16, 2025 - Gary Winters, owner of the Mankato Solar Store, talks about various options for going solar - from subscribing to a solar community to putting solar panels on your residence. He discusses the pros and cons, what to to look for to see if this renewable energy is practical for you.
October 9, 2025 - Scientists are now finding microscopic particles of plastic in peoples' bodies, posing an invisible threat to human health. Minnesota State Mankato's Department of Health Science is hosting the 2024 award-winning documentary, "Plastic People" on Oct. 9, 2025. KMSU's Karen Wright spoke with Dr. Mary Kosuth, a U of MN environmental researcher who is featured in the film about her findings and how plastic is affecting us.
October 2, 2025 - It's October and time to think of weatherization, energy efficiency, and the cold weather rule for the upcoming winter. Minnesota Valley Action Council Weatherization Manager, Briana Parr-Baker, and Energy Assistance Manager, Sheila Ous discuss.
Sept. 25, 2025 - The South Central Minnesota Clean Energy Council is hosting its first Mankato Area Solar and Clean Energy Tour to be held Sunday, October 5, 1-4 pm at homes around the area. The public is invited to hear first hand from neighbors about solar, air source heat pumps, electric vehicles, pollinator plantings and more. The tour will start and end at LocAle in Mankato.
Sept. 11, 2025 - Climate disasters are no longer a distant threat - we are bombarded by fire, floods, heat and storms that are hitting harder and more often. Dr. Robert Macnee, a climate strategist and author of "The Resilience Advantage: A Small Business Guide to Preparing for Floods, Heatwaves, Wildfires, and Other Climate Disasters," talks about how we can prepare for such events.
Sept. 10, 2025 - Mankato Zero Waste is hosting its second "Mankato Zero Waste in the Park" on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m. at Sibley Park, Mankato. Jane Dow and Sue Hytjan discuss what you can learn at the event and activities you can participate in such as the clothing swap, have your clothes repaired by volunteer seamstresses, bring food for the food shelf, and activities for the kids.
September 4, 2025 - The Midwest may be far from the coasts, but the impact of climate change warming our oceans affects us all. Martin Smith, a professor of environmental economics at Duke University explains the importance of Climate Change Policy.
August 21, 2025 - Developers have proposed at least 11 large-scale AI data centers in Minnesota, with North Mankato listed as one of the possible sites. Center for Environmental Advocacy representatives have filed a lawsuit because of a concern for a lack of transparency in the process and the potential harm the centers may have to our natural resources. Karen Wright spoke with Evan Mulholland, Healthy Communities Director. and Luke Norquist, Legal Fellow; with the MN Center for Environmental Advocacy about the proposal and the lawsuit.
August 14, 2025 - A panel of scientists discusses the forever and everywhere chemicals known as PFAs which are harming our environment and our health. Panelists include: Dr. Alissa Corner, Environmental Sociologist, Whitman College; Dr Carla Ng, Environmental Engineer, University of Pittsburgh; and Dr. Julia Varshavsky, professor of Environmental Health, Northeastern University.
Aug. 7, 2025 - EPA officials say the Trump administration would revoke the scientific determination that underpins the government's legal authority to combat climate change. David Doniger, a senior attorney and strategist with the Natural Resources Defense Council explains how this will derail ongoing federal climate efforts and cause irreparable harm.
July 31, 2025 - Bees are crucial for the environment and food production due to their role as pollinators. However, many are perishing because of declining habitat and use of pesticides. University of Minnesota Bee-Squad Program Director Jessica Helgen discusses the fascinating lives of bees; their importance and how we can all play a role in saving them.
July 24, 2025- Production of plastics is expected to triple by 2060. Plastics have been proven to be harmful to our health, and one company is replacing plastic with plants. Lauren McDougal, Head of Marketing at PlantSwitch, discusses how the company is using plant waste to create products that have the qualities of plastic, but are compostable and without harmful pfas.
July 10, 2025 - Save the Boundary Waters is the largest conservation organization in Minnesota that focuses on protecting and preserving the Boundary Waters and greater Quetico-Superior Region. Ingrid Lyons, Director of the organization discusses the group's outreach efforts, including a visit to Mankato on July 10, 2025.
July 3, 2025 - Minnesota once had 18 million acres of prairie. But today, only about one-percent of native prairie remains in the state. Learn about "Save the Kasota Prairie", a local organization which is dedicated to preserving one of the country's last native prairie lands. Long-time SKP member Eric Steinmetz shares the history of the group and its efforts, and invites anyone interested to attend its upcoming annual meeting on July 8, 2025
June 26, 2025 - What is ecological grief? An American Psychological Association study found that two-thirds of adults are experiencing anxiety related to species, climate, and landscape loss. Author Dheepa Maturi debuted her eco-thriller novel "108" addresses what many are feeling in this environmentally-conscious in an action-packed thriller. It will make you think.
June 20, 2025 - Styrofoam poses dangers to both human health and the environment. It's a non-biodegradable material that can leach harmful chemicals, particularly when heated, and contributes significantly to landfill waste. Jane Dow and Betty Winkworth, with Mankato Zero Waste, talk about an upcoming Styrofoam recycling event and what we all can do to create a healthier environment.
June 12, 2025 - The 17th Minnesota River Congress takes place Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at the Kato Ballroom. Mankato. Scott Sparlin, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, discusses the importance of the event for citizens to have input on the future of the state's most impaired river, the Minnesota River.
June 6, 2025 - This year's 2025 Legislative session was unlike any in recent memory. Brynn Kirsling, Fresh Energy Director of of Legislation and Grass Roots Advocacy discussed what it means for climate and energy policy.
May 29, 2025 - The world's most widely used insecticides, "Neonics", are killing more than just the bees. They are harming the health of all living things - and are used on farms, lawns, gardens, golf courses and more. Lucas Rhoads, Senior Project Attorney with Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund - Wildlife Division, says the use of these nuerotoxins is widespread and unnecessary, and there are alternatives.
