KMSU Every Day Is Earth Day

April 9, 2026 - Every Day is Earth Day host, Karen Wright, talks with soil scientist, chef and author of Between Farm and Fork, Dr. Janell Ohletz about her journey from subsistence farming to culinary entrepreneurship and finding her  path to regenerative practices for Mother Earth.

April 16, 2026 - What can you put in your Recycling bin and your Waste bin? How do you know what goes in which bin? J Winkowski, WM Senior District Manager, Zach Anderson, WM District Manager for Mankato and Fairmont, and Taylor Piotter, Blue Earth County Waste & Recycling Planner take us on the journey from bin to new product, and how you can make the most of your recycling efforts.

April 8, 2026 - Dr. Janel Ohletz believes Earth is on life-support and we need to take steps to save it. EDED Host Karen Wright talks with Ohletz, as former chef and current soil scientist and author with expertise in regenerative agriculture and sustainable food systems. She discusses the difference between regenerative and sustainable and ideas of what we can do to improve the health of the ecosystem. Her new book is called, "Between Farm and Fork: Journey to Find a True Path".

March 19. 2026-The MPCA released a report that says the costs of not adapting to the warming climate are higher than if the state began to make necessary changes now. In addition, Hippo Insights released a similar study showing economic benefits for investing in a range of climate adaptation actions. EDED host Karen Wright talked with Hippo Insurance Home Insights representative Courtney Klosterman about the financial stress created by climate events and how homeowners can prepare.

March 12, 2026 - PFAs are a group of thousands of human-made chemicals that do not break down over time. Every Day is Earth Day host Karen Wright talked with MPCA environmental scientist, Andria Kurbondski about PFAs which are found everywhere and are harmful to our health and the environment. Kubondski discussed plans to end nonessential use of PFAs in new products by 2032.

February 26, 2026 - The mount Simon- Hinckley aquifer spans south-central and southeastern Minnesota, providing essential water for over one-million people in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. EDED host Karen Wright talked with retired DNR Hydrologist, Jim Berg about the uses and abuses of the aquifer and actions we can take to protect it. 

Feb. 19, 2026 - Nitrogen management is crucial to climate change mitigation as well as reducing water and air pollution, and biodiversity loss. The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting free "Nitrogen Colleges" in Mankato (Feb. 25-26) and Hutchinson (Feb 23-24) for farmers to learn nitrogen management strategies to save money, improve crop results, learn new technologies and to mitigate climate change. EDED host Karen Wright spoke with U of MN Water Resources Extension agent Brad Carlson (Mankato Regional Office) about the issues and how farmers can find more information to participate in Nitrogen-Smart programs. 

Feb. 12, 2026 - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently completed two wetland quality surveys. EDED host, Karen Wright, talked with MPCA Wetlands Research Scientist Michael Bourdaghs who said the overall statewide outlook is encouraging in the 10+ years the organization has been doing this work, however, the news isn't as great for southern Minnesota wetlands. 

February 5, 2026 - What does the Winter OIympics look like in a warming world? Every Day is Earth Day host Karen Wright spoke with Climate Central's Senior Research Associate Kaitlyn Trudeau about the impact climate change will have on the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. An analysis shows that climate change, driven by the burning of fossil fuels, is reshaping the conditions required for winter competition - and many cities (and possibly some winter events) will be ruled out from being hosts of the event in the future.

January 29, 2026 - The South Central Minnesota Clean Energy Council is hosting an informational session about the North Mankato Data Center Lawsuit on Thurs. Jan. 29, 2026, 6:30 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Mankato. Every Day is Earth Day host, Karen Wright, spoke with Luke Norquist, an attorney with the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) about Data Centers and what the environmental concerns are about in North Mankato. Norquist and Evan Mulholland (MCEA Healthy Communities Director) will talk about "What's Happening with the North Mankato Data Center Lawsuit."

January 22, 2026 - If you have a passion for recycling and managing waste, Blue Earth County's Waste & Recycling Department wants YOU! Karen Wright talks with Mark Manderfeld and Taylor Piotter about the establishment of a new Recycling and Waste Reduction Committee which will be made up of community members who provide insight into solid waste challenges in the county, and to provide additional resources for solid waste education and community engagement. The Department is currently seeking applicants to join the 9-member advisory committee, as well as other who wish to volunteer to have an impact in their community.

Jan. 8, 2026 - Dr. Kim Cobb, an American Climate Scientist who is the director for the Institute of Environment and Society at Brown University provides a Year in Review to Every Day is Earth Day host, Karen Wright. She discusses the good, the bad and the ugly. 

Dec. 18, 2025 - Salt deicing is crucial for winter safety but significantly harms the environment by polluting water, killing plants, damaging infrastructure and harming wildlife. The key is responsible application, according to MPCA Chloride Reduction coordinator, Brooke Asleson.
KMSU's Karen Wright talks with Alsleson about alternatives to salt and how we can reduce its environmental toll.

December 11, 2025 -" Fix-It Clinics" will soon be coming to southern Minnesota thanks to Julie Dempster who is forming a non-profit that will support residents with repairing their items, reducing waste and sharing skills within the community. She talked with KMSU's Karen Wright about the need for individuals to volunteer their skills, businesses to provide support, and those  who wish to make repairs to make the clinics a reality.

December 4, 2025 - Noise is more than just a nuisance. Studies link noise pollution to higher risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health issues. Dr. Rick Neitzel, a professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Michigan, shares his research on noise pollution with KMSU's Karen Wright, and discusses how you can protect yourself and reduce this type of pollution.

Nov. 20, 2025 - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency recently released the latest report on Minnnesota's Lake and Rivers Water Quality Trends. Minnesota Morning host, Karen Wright, talked with MPCA Surface Water Monitoring Manager, Kim Laing, about the results which showed some good news and areas that need improvement. The MPCA is seeking volunteers to help with the state's water monitoring process. 

Nov. 13, 2025 - KMSU's Karen Wright talked with Save the Boundary Waters Executive Director, Ingrid Lyons, about the threats to the Boundary Waters. Lyons will be speaking at Minnesota State University, Mankato on Friday, Nov. 14, from 2:00 - 3:15 pm in the Centennial Student Union's Ostrander Auditorium as part of the MSU Geography Colloquia Fall Series.

Nov. 6, 2025 - Traditional forests absorb carbon dioxide, reduce air pollution and support wildlife. Tiny ones in urban areas offer even greater potential according to Dr. Sheetal Khedkar Rao, an internal medicine doctor at the University of Illinois.  After seeing how environmental/climate factors impacted her and her patients' health and well-being, Dr. Rao became interested in taking action to make a difference by co-founding Nordson Green Earth Foundation (NGEF) with a mission to improve tree and greenspace equity in and around Chicagoland.

Oct. 31, 2025 - The Living Earth Center in Mankato is hosting its 20th Annual EARTH Conference with a goal of developing a local coalition of individuals and organizations devoted to creating a healthy Earth and a healthy community. LEC Program Coordinator, Cora Uyigue, hopes the Nov. 1 conference will help create Mankato Area Earth Coalition by incorporating the work, amplifying the missions, aligning strategies and creating a shared movement for lasting, systemic change in our region.

Oct. 16, 2025 - Gary Winters, owner of the Mankato Solar Store, talks about various options for going solar - from subscribing to a solar community to putting solar panels on your residence. He discusses the pros and cons, what to to look for to see if this renewable energy is practical for you.

October 9, 2025 - Scientists are now finding microscopic particles of plastic in peoples' bodies, posing an invisible threat to human health. Minnesota State Mankato's Department of Health Science is hosting the 2024 award-winning documentary, "Plastic People" on Oct. 9, 2025. KMSU's Karen Wright spoke with Dr. Mary Kosuth, a U of MN environmental researcher who is featured in the film about her findings and how plastic is affecting us.

October 2, 2025 - It's October and time to think of weatherization, energy efficiency, and the cold weather rule for the upcoming winter. Minnesota Valley Action Council Weatherization Manager, Briana Parr-Baker, and Energy Assistance Manager, Sheila Ous discuss.

 Sept. 25, 2025 - The South Central Minnesota Clean Energy Council is hosting its first Mankato Area Solar and Clean Energy Tour to be held Sunday, October 5, 1-4 pm at homes around the area. The public is invited to hear first hand from neighbors about solar, air source heat pumps, electric vehicles, pollinator plantings and more. The tour will start and end at LocAle in Mankato.

Sept. 11, 2025 - Climate disasters are no longer a distant threat - we are bombarded by fire, floods, heat and storms that are hitting harder and more often. Dr. Robert Macnee, a climate strategist and author of "The Resilience Advantage: A Small Business Guide to Preparing for Floods, Heatwaves, Wildfires, and Other Climate Disasters," talks about how we can prepare for such events. 

Sept. 10, 2025 - Mankato Zero Waste is hosting its second "Mankato Zero Waste in the Park" on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 from noon to 3 p.m. at Sibley Park, Mankato. Jane Dow and Sue Hytjan discuss what you can learn at the event and activities you can participate in such as the clothing swap, have your clothes repaired by volunteer seamstresses, bring food for the food shelf, and activities for the kids.

September 4, 2025 - The Midwest may be far from the coasts, but the impact of climate change warming our oceans affects us all. Martin Smith, a professor of environmental economics at Duke University explains the importance of Climate Change Policy.

August 21, 2025 - Developers have proposed at least 11 large-scale AI data centers in Minnesota, with North Mankato listed as one of the possible sites. Center for Environmental Advocacy representatives have filed a lawsuit because of a concern for a lack of transparency in the process and the potential harm the centers may have to our natural resources. Karen Wright spoke with Evan Mulholland, Healthy Communities Director. and Luke Norquist, Legal Fellow; with the MN Center for Environmental Advocacy about the proposal and the lawsuit.

August 14, 2025 - A panel of scientists discusses the forever and everywhere chemicals known as PFAs which are harming our environment and our health. Panelists include: Dr. Alissa Cordner, Environmental Sociologist, Whitman College; Dr Carla Ng, Environmental Engineer, University of Pittsburgh; and Dr. Julia Varshavsky, professor of Environmental Health, Northeastern University.

Aug. 7, 2025 - EPA officials say the Trump administration would revoke the scientific determination that underpins the government's legal authority to combat climate change. David Doniger, a senior attorney and strategist with the Natural Resources Defense Council explains how this will derail ongoing federal climate efforts and cause irreparable harm. 

July 31, 2025 - Bees are crucial for the environment and food production due to their role as pollinators. However, many are perishing because of declining habitat and use of pesticides. University of Minnesota Bee-Squad Program Director Jessica Helgen discusses the fascinating lives of bees; their importance and how we can all play a role in saving them.

July 24, 2025- Production of plastics is expected to triple by 2060. Plastics have been proven to be harmful to our health, and one company is replacing plastic with plants. Lauren McDougal, Head of Marketing at PlantSwitch, discusses how the company is using plant waste to create products that have the qualities of plastic, but are compostable and without harmful pfas. 

July 10, 2025 - Save the Boundary Waters is the largest conservation organization in Minnesota that focuses on protecting and preserving the Boundary Waters and greater Quetico-Superior Region. Ingrid Lyons, Director of the organization discusses the group's outreach efforts, including  a visit to Mankato on July 10, 2025.

July 3, 2025 - Minnesota once had 18 million acres of prairie. But today, only about one-percent of native prairie remains in the state. Learn about "Save the Kasota Prairie", a local organization which is dedicated to preserving one of the country's last native prairie lands. Long-time SKP member Eric Steinmetz shares the history of the group and its efforts, and invites anyone interested to attend its upcoming annual meeting on July 8, 2025

June 26, 2025 - What is ecological grief? An American Psychological Association study found that two-thirds of adults are experiencing anxiety related to species, climate, and landscape loss. Author Dheepa Maturi debuted her  eco-thriller novel "108" addresses what many are feeling in this environmentally-conscious in an action-packed thriller. It will make you think.

June 20, 2025 - Styrofoam poses dangers to both human health and the environment. It's a non-biodegradable material that can leach harmful chemicals, particularly when heated, and contributes significantly to landfill waste. Jane Dow and Betty Winkworth, with Mankato Zero Waste, talk about an upcoming Styrofoam recycling event and what we all can do to create a healthier environment.

June 12, 2025 - The 17th Minnesota River Congress takes place Thursday, June 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at the Kato Ballroom. Mankato. Scott Sparlin, Executive Director of the Coalition for a Clean Minnesota River, discusses the importance of the event for citizens to have input on the future of the state's most impaired river, the Minnesota River. 

June 6, 2025 - This year's 2025 Legislative session was unlike any in recent memory. Brynn Kirsling, Fresh Energy Director of of Legislation and Grass Roots Advocacy discussed what it means for climate and energy policy.

May 29, 2025 - The world's most widely used insecticides, "Neonics", are killing more than just the bees. They are harming the health of all living things - and are used on farms, lawns, gardens, golf courses and more. Lucas Rhoads, Senior Project Attorney with Natural Resources Defense Council Action Fund - Wildlife Division, says the use of these nuerotoxins is widespread and unnecessary, and there are alternatives.

May 22, 2025 - The City of Mankato is nearing completion of its first Climate Action Plan. Rick Baird, Mankato Environmental Sustainability Coordinator discusses the process for creating the plan, shares some of the ideas put forth, and explains how you can provide additional feedback for plan which will be continually updated.

May 16, 2025 - A Minnesota family is planning on honoring their son's legacy through the Izaak Walton League. Kiora Matthews, Climate Impact Coordinator with AmeriCorp is the Vice President of the new group and has worked with Jack Loso's family to start a brand new chapter in the Mankato area.  The group is hosting its first event this June.