The city of Albert Lea is making an effort to go green.

During the Monday Albert Lea City Council meeting, City Manager Victoria Simonsen said staff have initiated a group called “the green team,” which comprises a member from each department within the city. The group is working to come up with ways to be more friendly to the environment.

It is also developing a mission statement, which should be in place by its next meeting, Simonsen said.

Along with the mission statement, staff members are coming up with lists of specific ways to become greener within their own departments.

Simonsen said she will be the one deciding which ideas from the list will be mandatory and which will be voluntary.

“We really want to set an example for the rest of the community internally first,” she said.

Second Ward City Councilor Vern Rasmussen said he thinks it would also be beneficial to get some community members involved in the efforts as there are several constituents who are interested in helping Albert Lea become greener.

Simonsen agreed.