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CONNECTING & INNOVATING <br />SINCE 1913 <br />Cities Display Green Leadership <br />The following are examples of some of the "greed' initiatives Minnesota cities have engaged in to <br />increase energy efficiency and take better care of the environment. This is not a comprehensive list <br />of activities or cities, but city leaders can use this list to generate their own ideas and network with <br />other communities to get more details. <br />Alternative fuels for heating and cars. Cities are using a variety of alternative fuels, including <br />biodiesel, ethanol fuel, and electricity (hybrid) for cars, and geothermal energy to heat facilities. <br />• Barnesville, population 2,300 <br />• Elk River, population 22,500 <br />• Minneapolis, population 388,000 <br />• Prior Lake, population 21,400 <br />• Richfield, population 34,000 <br />• St. Paul, population 287,000 <br />Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than a traditional <br />incandescent light bulb. Many cities are now using CFLs in their city facilities, and some even <br />give CFL bulbs to their residents. <br />• Anoka, population 18,000 <br />• Barnesville, population 2,300 <br />• Elk City, population 22,500 <br />Composting. Many organic materials that traditionally have gone to the landfill can be turned into <br />compost and used as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. At least one Minnesota city is offering an <br />incentive to residents to separate organic materials (including certain types of cardboard, paper <br />goods, food, and yard waste) from other garbage. These materials are then taken to a compost <br />facility. This program has resulted in a 47 percent reduction in landfill deposits. <br />Hutchinson, population 14,000 <br />14S UNIVERSITY AVE. WEST PHONE: (651) 281-1200 FAX: (651) 281-1299 <br />ST PAUL, MN 55103-2044 TOLL FREE: (800) 925-1122 WEB: WWl4LMC.ORG <br />