KMSU Every Day Is Earth Day

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...

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, ali...

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 f...

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 k...

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, He...

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 atte...

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 th...

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.

 May 1, 2025 - The College of Business at Minnesota State University, Mankato is adding a Sustainability Course to its MBA program. College of Business faculty, Dr. Brenda Flannery discusses the importance of this new course to discuss sustainability in business companies and their impact  on the environment or society. In addition to driving social and environmental change, Flannery says sustaina...