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Welcome!
Spring is here, and so is our latest edition of Sustainability E-Newsletter! With Earth Day around the corner, now is the perfect time to explore local efforts making a difference. Keep reading to discover inspiring stories, helpful resources, and don’t miss the events calendar at the end!
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The Rochester Sustainability Division leads and coordinates efforts to achieve the City's greenhouse gas reduction goals and enhance community resilience. Guided by the City Council's adopted Greenhouse Gas Reduction Goals and the Sustainability and Resiliency Community Work Plan, the division focuses on transit-oriented development, fleet electrification, and energy-efficient infrastructure initiatives. These efforts aim to reduce emissions, mitigate climate change impacts, and ensure a sustainable future for Rochester. More information can be found at www.RochesterMN.gov/Sustainability.
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The Sustainability Spotlight, brought to you by the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission, showcases local sustainable resources and success stories.
Youth Leading the Charge for a Greener Future
Rochester’s youth are leading the charge for a greener future through the Teen eARTh Club, where creativity meets climate action. From designing sustainability-themed public art to brainstorming clean energy solutions, these passionate teens are making a real impact in our community. Want to see how art and activism come together? Click to learn more and join the movement!
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Lisa Schutz, Executive Director of Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution (SEMNFRR) is dedicated to reducing food waste and increasing access to fresh, local food. Since 2019, SEMNFRR has worked with local farmers and food producers to recover crop overages and ensure it reaches those who need it most. Schutz brings an Indigenous perspective to food systems, highlighting the importance of shared resources and community-driven solutions. She advocates for restoring traditional foodways while rethinking how food is distributed to create a more resilient, equitable food system. Through her leadership, SEMNFRR is helping shape a future where food is accessible, farmers and food producers are supported, and food that is grown in our area can stay within our area. Learn more about Southeast Minnesota Food Rescue and Redistribution’s incredible work here.
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Is your home ready for an upgrade? Join Rochester’s FREE workshop series to discover how energy-efficient electric appliances can improve your home—and get expert guidance on available resources and planning assistance.
🔌 First Workshop: Get Amped: The Basics of Electrifying Your Home
📅 Thursday, April 3, 2025 | ⏰ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
📍 Location: Development Services & Infrastructure Center, 4001 West River Parkway NW, Rochester, MN 55901
Residents can also connect with Electrify Everything Advisors for one-on-one support, while contractors and developers can explore the latest electrification incentives and certifications. Reserve your spot today and start your electrification journey! Learn more on the City Sustainability page for full details on upcoming workshop dates!
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The City of Rochester is excited to launch two new check-out programs to help residents explore energy efficiency at home! The Induction Cooktop Lending Program allows you to try out an induction cooktop in your own kitchen, offering a faster, safer, and more efficient way to cook. Meanwhile, the Home Energy Audit Kit provides tools to assess your home's energy use, from lighting and water efficiency to appliance performance and insulation gaps.
These programs will be launching soon! Fill out the interest form(s) below to be among the first to participate. Both programs are free to borrow and designed to help you learn more about energy-efficient choices.
Spring is here, and that means it's time for Litter Bit Better! Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and help clean up our community between April 19-27. Sign up for a cleanup site, grab your free green trash and blue recycling bags from these pickup locations, and make a difference!
📍 Bag Pickup Locations:
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Government Center (201 4th St SE) – Near City Hall Rotunda Entrance, Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
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Development Services & Infrastructure Center (4001 West River Pkwy NW) – Outside the non-police entrance, next to the metal fish sculpture, Mon-Fri, 8 AM – 4:30 PM
Every bit of effort helps keep our community clean—sign up today!
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Rochester’s water is naturally “very hard,” leading many residents to use water softeners—but these systems come with an environmental cost. The salt they use adds chlorides to wastewater, which harms local lakes and rivers and increases treatment costs. The good news? You can take simple steps to reduce pollution and save money:
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Use soft water only where needed – Outdoor faucets and even kitchen taps may not require it.
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Upgrade to a demand-based softener – If you have an older model, switching can significantly reduce salt use.
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Schedule regular maintenance – A professional can fine-tune your system for efficiency.
Residents in Marshall, Minnesota, reduced their salt use by 86% just by optimizing their system saving money and lifting fewer heavy salt bags. A few small changes can make a big difference for your home and our environment! For more information click here.
Rochester Public Utilities is excited to offer new rebates to help you upgrade to energy-efficient equipment! Whether you're looking to make your yard care more eco-friendly with battery-powered lawn equipment or explore clean transportation options with an e-Bike, there are valuable savings available.
Battery-Powered Lawn Equipment:
- $10 rebate – Battery-powered chainsaw
- $10 rebate – Battery -powered lawn trimmer
- $10 rebate – Battery-powered leaf blower
- $50 rebate – Battery-powered push/walk-behind lawn mower
- $100 rebate – Battery-powered riding lawn mower
Electric-Assisted Bicycles (e-Bikes):
To view all minimum efficiency requirements and complete terms and conditions, please visit www.rpu.org to download rebate applications.
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Curious about what happens to waste after it’s thrown away? Visit the Olmsted County Waste to Energy Facility open house on April 26 from 10 AM to 2 PM to learn how waste is processed and converted into energy. Tour the facility, ask questions, and see firsthand how Olmsted County is managing waste sustainably. While you're there, you can also learn about the county’s food scrap drop-off program—already diverting thousands of pounds from landfills—and the expanded recycling options at the Olmsted County Recycling Center Plus. Don’t miss this chance to see waste management in action!
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Bring your yard to life with a Lawns to Legumes grant! Minnesota residents can apply for cost-share funding to create pollinator-friendly plantings that support bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators. Along with funding, the program offers planting guides, coaching, and workshops to help you turn your lawn into a thriving habitat. Since 2019, Lawns to Legumes has helped thousands of residents transform their outdoor spaces while strengthening pollinator populations. Applications for Fall 2025 grants are open until May 15—Learn more and apply at the Lawns to Legumes website.
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In January 2025, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) released an inventory of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from 2005 to 2022, offering a detailed look at emissions trends across various sectors. Here are three key takeaways:
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Emissions Trends: Minnesota’s emissions have decreased since 2005, mainly due to cleaner electricity generation, though emissions rebounded as the economy recovered post-pandemic.
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Sector Breakdown: The report examines emissions from transportation, agriculture, and other sectors, showing progress in some areas but highlighting where more work is needed.
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Climate Goals: Minnesota aims for net-zero emissions by 2050. While reductions are occurring, continued effort is needed to reach this target. Minnesota is also updating its Climate Action Framework in 2025 to focus more on collaboration, community benefits, and workforce needs to accelerate progress.
For more details and sector-specific data, read the full report.
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