While Earth Day is April 22, and Earth Month is all of April, the City focuses on the earth and its shared resources every day. Here are just a few highlights from Bloomington’s 2022 environmental initiatives.
Ecological land stewardship
The City adopted a Natural Resources Prioritization and Management Plan for areas outside of the Minnesota River corridor. Community turnout was high for City-coordinated events that aid in restoration efforts, such as garlic mustard pulls and buckthorn busts.
Energy
The City launched the time-of-sale Energy Disclosure program. As of March 2023, more than 1,000 homes have participated. View home energy scores and reports at mncee.org/tos and click on “Find Energy Scores.”
Solid waste
The City introduced the curbside organics recycling program. As of February 2023, more than 5,600 homes were composting curbside, resulting in 1,191 tons of food scraps and other organic material being diverted from the garbage.
Transportation
Bike lanes were added or improved on several roadways, including American Boulevard, 106th Street, Veness Road and Ensign Avenue. Enhanced crosswalks were added over American Boulevard near Portland Avenue, Normandale Lake Boulevard and at West 83rd Street.
Surface water
The City kicked off an update for improving the health of Penn Lake, and successfully completed a large restoration project on Oxboro Lake.
Learn more about City sustainability initiatives at blm.mn/sustain.
