additionally, there is in fact, a direct relationship between snowfall and global warming. hotter air around the globe causes more moisture in the air than in prior seasons. thus, when storms do occur, this added wetness within the atmosphere leads to heavier precipitation in the form of more intense rain or snow.

minneapolis is prepared for whatever this winter’s weather has in store thanks to the city’s investment in a snow-melting machine. the trailer-mounted unit creates a hot water bath, which instantly liquefies the snow and then drains it into the storm sewer. this technology requires both less storage space and less fuel than hauling snow piles using a fleet of diesel trucks.

minneapolis is not alone in this type of storm management. as of 2011, chicago has about four melting machines, while new york city has thirty-six. 

_{originally submitted may 24, 2013}

this is the kind of week in minnesota, most of us would really like having a snow melting machine. maybe if you ask the city of minneapolis’s public works department heads, they’ll let you borrow theirs. the city’s snowmelter can liquefy 30 tons of snow per hour, which can greatly reduce snow storage needs in a city short of space. they’re still figuring out how best to utilize the three-year-old machine. while the unit consumes lots of fuel, up to 60 gallons per hour, compared to hauling snow with diesel trucks and bobcats it shows potential energy savings.

initiatives include single-sort recycling, boosting city renewable energy, expanding bicycle infrastructure, and requiring energy benchmarks for downtown commercial buildings, which will keep emissions low while keeping energy dollars local.

local governments have teamed up with project for pride in living (ppl) on a major recycling project to salvage materials of value and to boost employment in tough economic times. since 2009 ppl has recycled approximately 2.5 million tons of mattress material on top of electronics, plastics, and batteries.

ppl works to help ex-prisoners integrate into the minnesota economy by providing job-training and housing access.

minneapolis just passed a city ordinance allowing market gardeners to grow food commercially in yards and designated plots and sell produce fifteen days per year. other rules expand the use hoop houses and fish farms in city limits.

audrey matsen launched egg|plant urban farm supply in st. paul two years ago, recognizing a new generation of diy gardeners and city-dwelling food producers. and workers at stone’s throw urban farm see the new policy as vital to urban development and locally addressing hunger in the city.