Moving is stressful. It may be tempting to toss belongings and start fresh somewhere new. Though that strategy may be convenient for you, it can impact the environment and the landfill. Minimize the impact of your move with these tips from Iowa City Recycling Coordinator Jen Jordan: 

• Start organizing early
  Start going through your belongings as soon as possible creating four piles: keep, donate, recycle and toss. 
• You can't toss everything 
  There are some items the landfill doesn't accept, like appliances, televisions, computer monitors, tires and yard waste. Consider donating or recycling electronics. 
• Donate or sell 
  You may be able to make a little cash off of your furniture, clothing and other household items. Consider an online marketplace like Craigslist, FreeCycle or Facebook. The Iowa City Area Resale and Consignment Directory is another resource. Many area nonprofits and organizations would also gladly accept used items that are in good condition. 
• Don't throw away food
  Unopened canned and dry foods can be donated to area nonprofits like food pantries and places of worship.
  
  Not sure of what to do with something? Check out icgov.org/recycle or call 319-887-6160.

Shoppers will need to bring their own bags, baskets and boxes to the Iowa City Farmers Market. Vendors are no longer offering plastic bags. This change is part of the City's ongoing sustainability efforts. The market will give away 1,500 cloth, reusable bags. After those go, bags can be purchased for $3 each at the information table. To learn more about the Iowa City market, visit icgov.org/farmersmarket. 

Iowa City is taking part in a month-long cycling celebration that is replacing Bike to Work Week. 

The corridor community has outgrown one week of events and has instead created Bike Month. Cities, area partners and cycling organizations are all participating in the month-long celebration, organized by Think Bicycles of Johnson County. 

For a list of events happening in May, check out the Bike Month 2017 flyer or visit thinkbicycles.org, and be sure to like the Bike Month 2017 in Johnson County Facebook Page, for real-time updates on Bike Month events and information.

Join us at the final public open house for the Iowa City Bicycle Master Plan. Come provide your input on positive changes that can be made for cycling in the community. The meeting will happen Thursday, May 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Senior Center. 

The purpose of the Bicycle Master Plan is to provide framework for expanding Iowa City's bicycle network and to expand the role that bicycling plays in achieving the City's transportation goals. 

Learn more at icgov.org/ICbikeplan.  

Friends of Hickory Hill Park is looking for volunteers to help clear invasive species. People can sign-up online to help. Community members are also encouraged to visit the park to admire the blooming wild flowers and other natural features. 

Friends of Hickory Hill Park is an all volunteer non-profit that works to permanently protect and preserve the park’s unique qualities as urban park land. Hickory Hill’s woodlands, fields, and waterways provide habitat for wildlife and give folks an opportunity to enjoy nature within city limits.

To learn more about the organization, visit hickoryhillpark.org/blog. Photo Credit: Lois Albrecht.

The 2017 Summer of the Arts Friday Night Concert Series kicks off May 19 with a performance from David Zollo & the Body Electric with Brian Johannesen. 

Concerts are held every Friday evening on the Ped Mall outside of the Sheraton Hotel from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy free entertainment all summer long! Check out the complete series for the summer and don't miss out!

This month’s Sustainability Spotlight features Tammy Neumann, Administrative Secretary for the Parks and Recreation Department. 

Neumann defines sustainability as ensuring a better future for the next generation, including her grandchildren. Neumann pursues sustainable practices through her work coordinating the Iowa City Farmers Market and other Parks and Recreation initiatives.

Read more about Neumann and her efforts at icgov.org/sustainability.

Watch for sustainability updates on the City of Iowa City Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #SustainableIC. If you haven't already, give us a like and follow! To subscribe to this newsletter and other City news visit icgov.org/e-subscriptions.

4-STAR: In March 2016, Iowa City was awarded a 4-STAR Community Rating for sustainability excellence, by being formally certified in the STAR Community Rating System. STAR offers the nation's leading certification program in evaluating local sustainability, encompassing social, economic and environmental performance measures. More info: www.STARcommunities.org.