Sustainability E-Newsletter

The City of Rochester's Sustainability Team sends out a quarterly e-newsletter, featuring sustainability programs and events. 

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Do you know a local business, school, or nonprofit that is supporting Rochester's greenhouse gas emission reduction goals? Let us know and they could be featured in an upcoming Community Spotlight, included in a future edition of the Sustainability E-newsletter.

2026 E-Newsletter and Sustainability Spotlight

Sustainability Spotlight: Let Leaves Feed Your Lawn This Fall

This newsletter edition’s Sustainability Spotlight features an article written by Edward Cohen, Sustainability & Resiliency Commissioner. 

I remember enjoying the fall when I was a Midwest kid back in the 50’s and 60’s. The heat of summer was departing and the trees took on amazing colors. Then it was an opportunity to get paid to rake and bag them up; but not before making huge piles perfect for us kids to jump into.

Now we know what we did then was not so smart. I’m not talking about the jumping part but rather the bagging and throwing them away part.  If you think about it, it is amazing how trees pull sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air, turning it into trunks, branches and leaves. 

Those leaves end up containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium plus other elements. Do those elements sound familiar? Those are the same nutrients in the heavy bag you buy, haul home and spread on your lawn.

Rather than going through all the trouble to collect and haul the leaves to the Olmsted County Composting site, here are some reasons why you might want to stop thinking of leaves as waste.

  • When leaves are shredded into small pieces by a mower, their decomposing bits release nitrogen that becomes accessible to your grass in the spring. 
  • Leaves are physically, mostly carbon.  As their small bits decompose and become part of the soil's organic matter, that loosens the soil allowing the roots of the grass to grow deeper and   improves the soil’s ability to hold water.
  • That same carbon modifies the soil in a way that improves the roots of the grass to better extract the nutrients from the soil it needs.
  • At the same time, by mulching those leaves you are doing quickly what trees have been doing slowly forever; recapturing a significant amount of nutrients they invested when creating leaves.

Some final tips

  • Leaves are easiest to mulch when dry and not too thick.
  • After mulching, you should be able to see much of the grass. If you don’t, take another pass.
  • Do the job with a rechargeable battery-powered mower. No more running for gas, fighting to get it started or the cost of regular maintenance.  It also runs far quieter which you and your neighbors will appreciate. RPU offers rebates for select battery-powered mowers.
  • When mulching your leaves, make sure to keep any debris off the streets and out of storm drains. Consider adopting a storm drain to ensure our local waterways stay clean. 

Sustainability Spotlight: Planting Hope for Minnesota's Pollinators

My name is Bombus affinis. I have over 7 million family members, and each spring we set out across Minnesota in search of bergamot, prairie clover, and apple blossoms. Who am I?

I’m the rusty patched bumblebee, Minnesota’s state bee, and one of the many pollinators that help our gardens, farms, and natural areas thrive.

As spring approaches, let’s take a moment to appreciate this underrated native species. Bee populations are in decline around the world, and Minnesota is no exception. Pesticides, parasites, disease, and most critically, habitat loss are the primary causes of this decline.

As humans, our fate is tied to that of the bees. They pollinate the flowers that become fruits, nuts, squash, and many of the other delicious foods we grow and eat. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 87% of all flowering plants and 35% of global food crops rely on pollinators to reproduce. Apples and oranges, pumpkins and beans, cucumbers and peppers – none of these would exist without bees and other pollinators.

How can you help the bees this spring? Plant some flowers! Native bees love native plants like sunflowers, black-eyed Susans, roses, lilacs, honeysuckle, and clematis. If you’d like something in return, consider planting fruit trees. Apples, pears, plums, and cherries all grow well in Minnesota. Smaller fruiting shrubs such as serviceberry, chokeberry, raspberries, and blueberries are also great choices for both you and the bees.

As we grow and develop more land to support our communities, bees lose their homes and food sources. Every patch of flowers becomes an oasis in a landscape of grass lawns and asphalt. If you have space in your yard to plant flowers, it can make a real difference. If you live in an apartment, try planting flowers in pots on a south-facing balcony, or ask your property manager about adding pollinator-friendly plantings around the building.

Entire ecosystems depend on the special relationship between bees and flowers. Without them, our world would look very different. Please think about the bees this spring and give them a warm welcome in any way you can.

To learn what, how, and where to plant pollinators of all kinds, visit the University of Minnesota Bee Lab. Remember, we all share the same Earth, and it’s up to all of us to care for it together.

Sustainability Spotlight: Introducing the Sustainability and Resiliency Plan Annual Report

In 2025, the Sustainability and Resiliency Commission (SRC) worked closely with community partners and City staff to track progress on the Sustainability & Resiliency Community Work Plan (SRCWP), which was formally accepted by City Council in 2024. This plan includes 103 actions to make Rochester more sustainable, resilient, and livable. Updates were collected through surveys, phone calls, and research to make sure every tactic reported a status. Overall, 17 % percent of actions are complete, and an additional 65 % are currently underway or ongoing, showing strong momentum across the City.

The plan focuses on six key areas including Climate Change Resilience, City for Health, Vibrant Neighborhoods, Resilient Economy, Accessible Transportation, and Environmental Health. A standout example from 2025 is the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program which preserved local housing and addressed flood-prone homes and lead hazards, helping 16 households stay safe and healthy.

This first year of reporting sets the stage for continued progress. To learn more about these initiatives and how they impact our community, click here to read more.

Sustainability Spotlight: Youth Action in Sustainability

This newsletter edition’s Sustainability Spotlight features an article written by Liam Arroyo, Rochester’s Sustainability & Resiliency Youth Commissioner. Click here to read his article and learn about how young people (or anybody!) can become involved in local sustainability initiatives. 

When growing up, I often heard people talk about big topics like climate change, pollution, and air quality. As I learned about what these were, I started to wonder how one person, especially a young person, could help mitigate these issues. It turns out that while these concepts can be intimidating, it's actually a lot easier than you might think to make a difference.

So, what can youth do to protect our planet, keep our air and water clean, and be good stewards of our environment? It turns out, you probably do things that help already. Whenever you turn off a light when you leave a room, you are saving electricity. Whenever you throw away your trash, you are preventing pollution. These everyday actions have a very real impact on your community, nation, and the world as a whole. You can also talk with your family about how the choices your household makes impacts the consumption of resources such as water and electricity.

Beyond the home, there are plenty of ways for you to get involved with creating a more sustainable future. School can be an incredible way to both learn about and directly work towards environmental sustainability. Many schools have classes revolving around this topic, and many of them also have student organizations that provide hands-on opportunities, such as Key Club. 

Rochester also has some great opportunities for small and large groups to get involved with. Not too long ago, a bunch of different organizations and businesses came together as a part of the annual Litter Bit Better program to clean up trash all around Rochester. Next year, see if classmates or sports teams are interested in helping keep our community clean by taking on a section. Another option is Adopt-a-Drain, where you and your family can sign up to clean off a storm drain near you. This is a quick, easy way to make sure rainwater is collected and dispersed properly instead of flooding and causing damage.

You can become a force for change, regardless of your age. Remember that every small action builds towards a greater result, so don’t doubt your ability to impact the world around you. Strive to lead by example in your community, your school, and beyond!

Archive:

Fall Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Sustainability & Resiliency Commission Leads on Community Ambassador Certification

The Community Energy Ambassador Certification through Clean Energy Resource Teams, equips residents with the knowledge and tools to champion clean energy in Rochester. Several commissioners have already become CERTified Ambassadors, while others are completing outreach projects that include tabling at community events, sharing resources on energy efficiency and renewables, and promoting initiatives like Electrify Everything workshops. By completing the training together, commissioners strengthened their knowledge on key energy topics, built camaraderie, and deepened community engagement. Their efforts model local leadership and trusted, resident-led outreach in support of Rochester’s clean energy goals, while also encouraging other groups to start their own Community Energy Ambassador cohorts. Learn more about their experience here.

Summer Sustainability E-Newsletter 

Sustainability Spotlight: Lose the Lawn -  Creating Native Landscaping, Building Biodiversity, and Increasing Conservation Corridors

What happens when natural spaces are replaced by roads, buildings, and lawns? The conversion of land for agriculture, development, and infrastructure reduces the space available for species to live and reproduce, fragments ecosystems, and puts biodiversity at risk. Habitat destruction and the spread of invasive species are the leading causes of biodiversity loss. As native plants disappear, the wildlife that depends on them also declines. According to the World Health Organization, non-native species are responsible for approximately 60% of global extinction and cause billions of dollars in economic damage each year.

A conservation corridor, also known as a wildlife corridor, are areas of land that connect two or more habitats. These connections help animals move safely, allow plants to spread and support pollinators like bees and butterflies. These ecological corridors can lessen the impact of human development, mitigate the effects of climate change on ecosystems, ensure ecological connectivity, as well as maintain biodiversity--and it can start with you, in *your* very own yard!

Community conservation and the creation of these corridors are rooted in stewardship--voluntary participation from landowners/homeowners. This home-grown, grassroots approach encourages residents to ditch the lawn in favor of local animals and plants. See below how to do your part to support community sustainability and resiliency of local ecosystems.

Steps:

  1. Let It Be – Reduce or eliminate pesticide use
  2. Shrink/ditch the lawn – If you must have a lawn, make it smaller, mow it less frequently, and don’t mow it short. If you have a Homeowners Association, check with them about rules and regulations around lawns.
  3. Create the Corridor – plant native species, make a pollinator garden based on your local, indigenous flora; introduce a water feature;
  4. Spread the Word – recruit neighbors and friends to do the same!

Resources:

Spring Sustainability E-Newsletter

Sustainability Spotlight: Youth Leading the Charge for a Greener Future

Rochester is witnessing a powerful wave of change led by its youngest residents. The Rochester Teen eARTh Club, a youth-led collective, is proving that creativity and passion can drive meaningful environmental action right here in our community. Open to artists, activists, and curious teens alike, this club transforms concerns about climate change, pollution and sustainability into vibrant projects that inspire Rochester to think, and act differently.

Mission in Motion

The eARTh Club’s mission statement displays its creative initiative: “Our mission is to provide a safe, inclusive, and fun space with a focus on sustainability, environmentalism and issues that impact us. This year, by partnering with the Sierra Club North Star chapter, we are committing to climate action through art”.

Whether designing eye-catching bike trail benches with sustainability-themed art or brainstorming clean heating solutions for local spaces, these teens blend creativity with real-world problem-solving. Partnering with organizations like the Sierra Club, their projects amplify youth voices while fostering tangible community impact. 

Why Youth Matter

As the next generation of leaders, residents and neighbors, the youth play a pivotal role in protecting our environment. Providing an outlet for environmental awareness through creative and engaging strategies provides the foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future. 

Join the Movement

The Teen eARTh Clubs meets on the 3rd flood or the Rochester Art Center.

Upcoming meeting dates include:
• Saturday, March 22nd from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, April 12th from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, April 19th from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Please contact Program Specialist, LaVanda Mireles, to learn more at lmireles@rochesterartcenter.org. 

Winter Sustainability E-Newsletter 

Sustainability Spotlight: How to Engage at the State Legislature

Engaging with the state legislature can feel overwhelming, but it’s an essential way to participate in shaping your community. This guide offers friendly, practical tips to help you navigate the process effectively.

Understanding the Legislative Process

Policy: Learn about the issues you care about and how they’re addressed through legislation.
Process: Familiarize yourself with how bills are introduced, debated, and passed.
Partisanship: Recognize the role of political dynamics in decision-making.
Personalities: Build relationships with legislators and staff—they’re key to understanding how to work effectively.

Practical Tips for Engaging

  1. Stay Informed: Visit www.leg.state.mn.us to find information on legislators, bills, schedules, and more.
  2. Be Prepared: Research your issue and understand its implications.
  3. Make Appointments: Meet legislators in their district or at the Capitol during session. Their legislative assistants can help schedule time or suggest alternative ways to connect.
  4. Communicate Clearly: Keep your message brief and memorable. Use personal stories, simple visuals, or key data to make your point.
  5. Be Respectful: Always thank legislators for their time, even if they don’t support your position.

How to Make an Impact

  1. Know Your “Ask”: Be clear about what action you’d like your legislator to take—supporting a bill, voting a certain way, or championing an issue.
  2. Collaborate: Work with others who share your goals to divide tasks and strengthen your efforts.
  3. Start Early: Build relationships with legislators before the session begins. Share your perspective and provide helpful information about your issue.
  4. Follow Up: Keep in touch with legislators as your issue progresses. Answer their questions and provide updates.

Helpful Resources at the Capitol

Legislative Offices: House members are in the State Office Building, and Senate members are in the Minnesota Senate Building.
Information Desks: Staff near the House and Senate chambers can help with notes to legislators or direct you to public seating.
Committees: Administrators and staff can provide schedules, draft bills, and assist with questions.

A Note About the Governor

The governor plays a significant role in shaping policy and budgets. Be aware of their priorities and the influences they consider, including advice from staff, commissioners, and key legislators.

Final Thoughts

Legislative engagement is about relationships, persistence, and clear communication. Even small steps, like introducing yourself or attending a hearing, can make a difference.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making your voice heard in the legislative process!

October 2024 E-Newsletter

 

Keeping Waterways Clean: How You Can Make a Difference

 Water is one of the simplest and most essential molecules in existence. In its pure form, nothing seems more transparent. Those who have traveled across the U.S. have witnessed many natural wonders, but few rival the Great Lakes. Here in Minnesota, we’re fortunate to have countless lakes and rivers of our own. As we take a moment to appreciate the beauty and joy that water brings to our lives, it’s important to reflect on its significance. In the words of chef Marcus Samuelsson, “For many of us, clean water is so plentiful and readily available that we rarely, if ever, pause to consider what life would be like without it.” The good news is that the people of Rochester have the power to ensure our water stays clean.

Did you know that water flowing into storm drains on our streets goes directly into local waterways untreated? Thankfully, there’s a simple way for you or your volunteer group to help keep our waters clean—by adopting a storm drain through Rochester’s Adopt-a-Drain program. Choose a storm drain (or two) near your home, apartment, or business from a map and keep it clear of leaves, sticks, and trash as they accumulate. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of garbage and excess organic matter polluting our lakes and rivers. Plus, it helps your neighborhood by preventing clogged drains, which can lead to street flooding and dangerous ice patches in the winter. Rochester’s participation in the program has seen remarkable growth, with a 19% increase in participants between 2022 and 2023. As of December 2023, we’ve collectively adopted 432 storm drains—equivalent to 3.6 drains per 1,000 residents. Together, these efforts removed over 1,165 pounds of debris from Rochester’s storm drains in 2023 alone! You can track your contributions online, and as with many environmental initiatives, small individual actions add up to a significant impact. Currently, Rochester ranks sixth nationally in drains adopted per capita, but with the help of residents, we can reach number one!

Litter from our streets also makes its way into waterways, and residents can multiply their impact during the Fall Litter Bit Better event from October 5-13, 2024. This citywide cleanup is a fantastic service project for individuals, families, neighborhoods, and workplaces. Volunteers pick up trash around Rochester, further protecting our water resources. Trash bags are available for pickup at the Government Center, 151 4th St SE, and the Development Services & Infrastructure Center. For more details and to register, visit the Litter Bit Better registration page. Will you join us in the effort to keep our waters clean?

Rochester Public Utilities: Minnesota Treads 

This fall, RPU had the pleasure of working with Minnesota Treads, a new local business in the Miracle Mile Mall, and their electrical contractor, Hicks Electric, to secure utility rebates through RPU’s Conserve & SaveTM program. As part of a significant remodel project, Minnesota Treads prioritized sustainability by choosing high-efficiency LED lighting. This decision not only improved the business's energy efficiency but also earned them a rebate of over $1,900. 

The owner of Minnesota Treads reflected on the experience, highlighting the value of RPU’s rebate program during their opening phase: 

"Opening a new business is a daunting task. More time and energy go into preparation than you can imagine. Making sure that your business runs as efficiently as possible is critical to its success. That’s precisely why we asked our electrician at Hicks Electric to utilize LED lighting for its energy efficiency. Our goal is to provide our customers with the very best products and service possible, so when RPU stopped by, shortly before we opened, and asked if we would like to receive a rebate for our LED lighting choices, we happily jumped at the opportunity. What a great feeling to know that RPU offers such a great service to its customers as well! From all of us at Minnesota Treads, THANK YOU RPU! We genuinely appreciate your support.” 

RPU remains committed to supporting local businesses by offering resources for energy savings and financial incentives. Collaborations like these highlight the power of partnerships between businesses, trade allies, and the utility, promoting both sustainability and community growth. For more information about RPU’s Commercial Conserve & SaveTM program, contact one of the Energy & Environmental Advisors by emailing Rebates@RPU.org or by calling 507-280-1618

July 2024

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