We All Live Downstream

From Campus to... Landfill? A Behind-the-Scenes Look at UMN’s E-Waste

December 19, 2025 | By Gabriel Tufte

Before my tour of the UMN ReUse Program Warehouse, I already knew that e-waste poses some problems. But seeing what actually happens to our campus electronics — what gets reused, repaired, recycled, or thrown out — really made it hit home.

Making Frederick's compost pilot program permanent!

September 18, 2024 | By Jennifer Kunze

For the past two years, the City of Frederick has offered free food scrap pickup to City households through Key City Compost, to be composted at Key City's compost facility near Thurmont. Now, the pilot program is coming to an end, and the City of Frederick faces the decision of whether to make it permanent, what the permanent parameters should be, and how it should be paid for.

The Turf is Artificial, But the Harm is Very Real

September 16, 2024 | By Mara Silgailis and Amy Goldsmith

Artificial or synthetic turf is finding its way onto more athletic fields and playgrounds, but it is not without controversy and real concerns of safety. When comparing natural grass to artificial turf, Clean Water Action believes the evidence is clear --- natural grass is a better and safer option for both people and the environment.