Minneapolis Public Works provides many services that help residents support sustainable, environmentally-friendly practices. The department seeks to make its operations easier on the environment through partnership and innovation.

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s The Minnesota Grown Directory giveaways have arrived in libraries. “Buy direct or spend the day at one of 970 Minnesota farms, markets, wineries & garden centers.”

Homeowners and trades professionals can create and pay for permits online at the Department of Labor and Industry's (DLI) eTrakit system. Track current and historical permits, review inspection results and pay fees in a matter of minutes.

Stitch a card-holder envelope in the Kawaii (cute) Japanese style, using wood felt and hand embroidery. Makes beautiful one-of-a-kind gift wrap or use it to store your library card. Materials provided. For adults. Registration required.
Sat., May 11, 3-5 pm - Nokomis Library.
Thurs., May 16, 7-9 pm - St. Louis Park Library.

While writing her new novel, "Life After Life", Jill McCorkle drew on childhood memories in her hometown of Lumberton, North Carolina. In a New York Times article, the author tells of her return to the South.

Is the United States at risk of being left out of the clean energy race? How important is the CES standard? Browse this issue and more in Opposing Viewpoints .

Pulses are a healthy alternative to animal protein. According to the USDA, peas and lentils are fat-free and chickpeas are a low fat protein source. Browse the recipe section of the website USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council for plenty of easy-to-prepare and inexpensive lunch, dinner and even dessert options.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency states that, because they contain mercury, fluorescent bulbs of all shapes and sizes (compact fluorescents, fluorescent tubes, and high-intensity discharge bulbs used for exterior lighting) from households must be recycled to avoid polluting the environment and posing a health threat. Never throw these bulbs in the trash—it’s illegal to do so.

As a follow-up to attending Hennepin County Library landscaping events, you may wish to read about landscaping with native plants on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's website.

At Webber Park Library, on Tuesday, Feb. 19, from 6-8:30 p.m., you can explore the best plants for 30 tough sites such as alkaline and clay soils with a Master Gardener. Also covers boulevard and rain gardens, shrubs for shade, deer-resistant plants and plants that will survive under a walnut tree.
Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

On Saturday, Feb. 9, noon–4 p.m., bring in an item to the Brookdale Library that needs fixing, and a volunteer with repair skills will help you troubleshoot, repair and save it from going into the trash. Volunteer tinkerers with skills in soldering, computer or electrical repair, sewing or woodworking who like teaching others should contact Nancy Lo at 612-348-9195.
Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Department of Environmental Services.

Family Handyman's website features DIY projects for home repair including interior repairs, exterior repairs and vehicle repairs.

Join a Master Gardener on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., at the East Lake Library, to learn the how-tos of edible landscaping. Fruits, vegetables, berries and edible flowers can easily become a part of your home landscape design. Registration required, begins Jan 22. Register online or call 612-543-8425. Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

On Tuesday, Feb. 12, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Champlin Library, a Master Gardener shares how you can create highly productive flower and vegetable gardens in small spaces. Learn to plan your space, use trellises, containers, wide-row or square-row, rounded beds and raised beds. Registration required; begins Jan. 15.
Register online or call 612-543-6250. Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

On Sunday, Jan. 13, from 2–3:30 p.m., Augsburg Park Library hosts a Master Gardener who will discuss how plants - from trees to perennials - are admired for their beauty in winter, complementing the magic of hoarfrost. Some plants bring wildlife to your winter landscape, others show off when they drop their leaves.
Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

HOURCAR may be in the car business, but their mission is to help people drive less, not more. Most car sharers use cars less often and more efficiently. They walk more, they take advantage of light rail and buses, and they have been known to enjoy their bicycles.

Browse midwestliving.com for fresh decorating tips flowers, fruits, and evergreens to create home decor throughout the season.

When you use Twin Cities Free Market you can benefit the environment, save money, and make someone’s day! The Free Market website allows you to see what items people in your community are looking for, what items people have to give away and how to connect with them.

Holiday events make great memories. The Food Network has tips on finger food, budget tips, and, of course...cookies!

Learn the basics of lighting, temperature, humidity and regular maintenance for keeping indoor plants healthy for many, many years. Discover the different needs and problems common to all plants with a Master Gardener at Brooklyn Park Library on Sunday, January 13. Registration required; begins Dec. 13.
Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

Nokomis Library hosts the "Fearless and Friendly Knitting Group" on second & fourth Tuesdays, 6-8 p.m., and second & fourth Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., through February 13, for men and women at all skill levels. Make new friends while creating your own handmade masterpieces! Drop in, or stay the whole time. Learn how to knit or practice new techniques. Bring your own needles and yarn, please.
Sponsored by Friends of the Nokomis Library.

If you hire a home building or remodeling contractor, inquire about subcontracts before the work begins. The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) reminds contractors that in addition to their own registration or licensing requirements, they will now need to comply with the subcontractor requirements of the new law. The new law establishes a framework, including the longstanding nine-factor test, within which individual construction workers shall be determined to be employees or independent contractors. Contractors must also ensure their subcontractors' business filings are active with the Secretary of State and must have written contracts with their subcontractors in order to be able to treat them as independent contractors rather than employees.

In December, several libraries are hosting craft classes: Stitch a tiny stuffed animal that you can hang on your holiday tree, make into a keychain or give as a gift. Choose your favorite creature - birds, dogs or zombies - and bring it to life. Materials provided. Find related books and more at the Library.
This project is funded with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
Presented in collaboration with Textile Center.

The American Chemical Society (ACS) has created excellent resources via the Green Chemistry Institute and the ACS Education Division. The goal of these materials is "to increase awareness and understanding of Green Chemistry principles, alternatives, practices, and benefits within traditional educational institutions and among practicing scientists." In the Online Resources section, visitors will find downloadable pocket guides to basic green chemistry principles, "Greener Education Materials for Chemists" from the University of Oregon, and more. Perhaps the best section of the site is Activities and Experiments, where visitors can look over activities like "Gassing Up Without Air Pollution" and "Cleaning Up With Atom Economy."

In addition to Thanksgiving food preparation tips, the USDA's November calendar includes information on American Diabetes Month, National Education Week, and Native American Heritage Month. Check out the SNAP-Ed Connection (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) for nutrition through the seasons.

The need for food assistance is on the rise, and food shelves are struggling to meet the community need for fresh, healthy produce. In 2012, The Garden Gleaning Project is expanding its efforts to three new areas in Hennepin County. Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) in Brooklyn Park/Brooklyn Center, St. Louis Park Emergency Program (STEP), and CAPI (a non-geographically based non-profit that serves Southeast Asian community members) will join Waite House and Little Kitchen as partnering food shelves. Each food shelf is being supported by a Neighborhood Coordinator that works to build relationships in their communities between their food shelf and nearby community and home gardeners.
Each food shelf has different preferences. The most important thing is to talk with your nearest food shelf where you plan to donate to see what they want! For lists of foods preferred by the food shelves in The Gardening Gleaning Project, click here and scroll down to "Planning for the Next Growing Season".

The database MasterFile Premier is a great place to begin shopping for homemade gift ideas. To locate it on the Library Home Page, select "Databases A-Z", and scroll down to MasterFile Premier. (Have your library card handy for access.) Plug in keywords, such as "toys homemade" or "toys woodworking" for patterns and recipes. Parents can teach children about everything from chemistry to fractions by creating Play-doh, marble runs, "Tinker Toys", and marshmallow catapults. You can also listen to an article on MasterFile Premier, or download an article to your MP3 player.

In most cases, there is no single document that will provide you with a complete history of your home, property, or neighborhood. A first stop might be the Minneapolis Collection at Minneapolis Central Library, which covers all aspects of the city’s history. It includes books, photographs, high school yearbooks, archival and manuscript collections, periodicals, maps, and thousands of files of newspaper clippings.

Create your own cookbook by adding recipes you select on the USDA's Recipe Finder database. Recipes are submitted by nutrition and health professionals.

With busy schedules, it's not realistic to consider sewing everything from scratch for your next trip. Threads Magazine developed a strategy for the crafty DIY-er to focus sewing time where it counts: on key pieces.

Whether creating more space or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, consider these tips from the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI). Also check out the HomeMods.org web page on Home Modification Resources: a Consumer Guide For Home Adaptation.

Cherished and delicious, the nutritious and versatile tomato can do more than top a burger. Fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org posts seasonal produce lists, tips on saving money, recipes and menus, shopping lists, as well as ways to involve kids in healthy cooking and shopping.

Find local news and housing resources for each state on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.

With HOURCAR, you can reserve a car when you need it, drive it where you want to, and be an environmental superstar.

Keep out the heat of summer with tips on window treatments from Decorators Secrets.

Fall is the time to plant bulbs and to prepare your yard and garden for winter. At the Brooklyn Park Library on Monday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., find out what to do for your lawn, what and when to fertilize, proper techniques for composting, protecting shrubs, winterizing roses, and covering perennials. Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

Is No. 1 common worth considering? Can you flatten a cupped board? Before you buy, read these tips from American Woodworker.

Not-for-kids-only, FoodChamps.org features fruit & veggie recipes, art work, games, and activity pages. For middle graders, WebMd's FitKids features some of the same games, as well as "challenges" for food, mood, moving, and recharging.

On Saturday, July 21, at the Sumner Library, learn how to grow plants that beautify your landscape year after year. Learn about their care, ideal sites (shade, sun, moisture), soil conditions, pest control and varieties ideal for Minnesota. Presented in collaboration with Hennepin County Master Gardeners, University of Minnesota Extension.

From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 14, eleven Minneapolis area gardens designed and tended by master gardeners will feature on-site demonstrations and tips for low-mow lawns, vegetable growing strategies, designing a rain garden, shoreline restoration, landscaping with native plants and creating outdoor rooms. Master gardeners will be on hand to answer questions. Order tickets online at www.hennepinmastergardeners.org, or stop at the HCMG office, 479 Prairie Center Drive, Eden Prairie. Call 612-596-2130 for information.

This month, MyPlate.gov is celebrating its one year birthday. The site includes printable materials, as well as nutrition & health information for children, families, pregnant women, dieters, educators & teachers. Note: From 2005-2011, "The Food Pyramid" was the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture food guidance system, adding a band of oils and the concept of physical activity.

Family Handy Man features DIY tips on building a raised garden bed, stopping invasive plants, shrub removal, deck building, moving heavy stuff, remodeling a garage.

With 20th century lamps, chairs, sculpture and rugs, an apartment can be an interpretation of the Arts and Crafts Home.

View 30 second videos on healthy fruit and veggie tips for kids, for eating at home, for eating away from home on the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) website.

Find a short list of popular mulches and recommendations about where they work best, on StarTribune.com.

What better place to "grow" special family memories than in a garden? The National Gardening Association suggests kid- and family-friendly activities, including reading gardening books, such as "Grandpa Green" by Lane Smith.

On June 6, at 5:30 p.m., women of all cycling abilities are welcome to tour off-street trails and on-street bikeways that connect to downtown Minneapolis. Meet in front of the YWCA. Presented in collaboration with Anoka County Commute Solutions, Bike Walk Twin Cities, Bicycle Alliance of MN, Commuter Connection, Commuter Services, Midtown Greenway Coalition, Minneapolis Bike Walk Ambassadors, Metro Transit, St. Paul Smart Trips, and Transit for Livable Communities, and many other regional partners.

Explore five gardens with plants native to Minnesota on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website.

HomeSpot allows homeowners to set up maintenance schedules, plan home improvement projects, and keep a history of their home.

You don't have to be a Master Gardener to plant your own bit of earth. Join us at Nokomis Library on Tuesday, April 24, 6 p.m. 
to learn about fertilizers, common pests, and diseases.

On April 21, celebrate Earth Day learning about edible landscapes at Northeast Library.

Volunteers and organizations coordinate with the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board for neighborhood clean-up. No pre-registration is required. 9:30 a.m.-Noon. A volunteer coordinator is available at each site to assist volunteers and answer questions. 

Learn about local and regional food systems, who participates in them, and their role in economic and community development. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides an interactive map showing supported food projects across the country.

Don't turn your house into an assisted living center. Universal design incorporates attractive, east-to-use appliances and other devices.

Now is the perfect time to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture Farm (commonly referred to as a CSA). Find a few tips on the Minnesota Department of Agriculture website.

The Startribune's Homegirls is where you'll find a sampling of décor and design tips, franks conversation about holidays, homekeeping, home improvement. Also picks and pans of new products, stores and events.

Find Fact Sheets on the care and conservation of carpets and rugs, ceramics and glass, books, clocks, costumes and textiles, oil paintings, photographic materials, documents and archives, silver and plate, drawings, prints, watercolors, silver and plates, and archeological materials at the Institute of Conservation.

Homefair.com offers "moving tools", such as School Report, City Report, Salary Calculator, Move Planner, and Relocation Wizard. Data is updated at least once a year. Sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and local police departments, the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and recent sales information from local municipalities.