Global warming, we’ve heard about it from celebrities, our neighborhood science beefs and seen the online fights regarding its validity. It’s something that is either quite troublesome to you or you probably think it’s just some environmentalist conspiracy. Out here in Minnesota, it could seem...
Throughout life, we as humans acquire many things and while they may bring us joy at first, they soon lose that joy and begin to clutter our homes. As individuals clear their homes of these items, it is vital to remember these objects may help...
Sediment is a natural part of the ecosystem, it is any mineral or organic matter that is deposited by wind, water, or ice. Therefore, the transporting of sediment by rivers is a natural function. However, here in Minnesota, we have more sediment being deposited than...
All around us, there is biodiversity, from the countless species of trees providing you shade to the insects hovering and crawling around you. Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. It includes all living things, including commonly forgotten ones, such as microorganisms or invertebrates. Three...
Most plastics have a number inside a recycling symbol on its bottom, but why is this number important or even there? These numbers are useful to consumers, they inform folks on what type of plastic the object is made of and if it's recyclable. In...
A plastic bag is often discarded without much thought regarding the consequences. So what really happens to these bags when you opt out of recycling? According to Biologicaldiversity.org, the average American family takes home approximately 1,500 plastic shopping bags per year. Of that 1,500, it is...
Mankato’s drinking water has passed and exceeded federal and state drinking water tests. However, where does this clean water come from and how does the Mankato water treatment facilities make it happen? Drinking water guidelines Before understanding how Mankato gathers and cleans its water, it is important...
Blue Earth County Soil and Water Conservation District has deemed nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment as high priority issues that require conservation measures. But what are these substances and why are they harmful to our county? Phosphorus Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plant life and animal growth....