GreenStep Cities

By Michelle Schroeder

Want to live in a green city and help your city become more sustainable?

MN GreenStep Cities, an action plan to reduce greenhouse gases, is a volunteer municipal sustainability program launched June 24, 2010.  The program, administered by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, will identify, support and recognize implementation of a set of sustainable development best practices that lead cities beyond compliance, encouraging a culture of innovation and friendly competition. The best practices fall under five categories:

• Building & Lighting
• Transportation
• Land Use
• Environmental Management
• Economic & Community Development Actions

The program is a one-stop shop providing detailed best practices, and, importantly, lists sustainability-related financial (grants, rebates, low-interest loans, etc.) and technical resources available to Minnesota cities.

If you would like a MN GreenStep Cities presentation in your city, please contact Mark Owen, Izaak Walton League, Minnesota Division Vice president at markowensrd@msn.com.

For further information, check out www.MNGreenSteps.org.