Sustainable Iowa City Newsletter - February 2018

sustainability

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February 2018 | Visit us online at icgov.org/sustainability

What's our footprint?

The image of the front cover of a new consumption based inventory report

What kind of ecological footprint are we leaving in Iowa City?

A recently completed consumption based inventory report details greenhouse gas emissions from locally generated fossil fuels, and from consumable materials - like food - by our community and residents. 

The report finds that Iowa City residents are consuming about four times more of the planet's resources than what is currently available. Read the full report for more. 

Cities around the country are working to gather this data to show how emissions are generated in urban centers, with the goal of identifying methods to reduce climate impact in our communities. 

To learn more about Iowa City's ongoing climate action work, visit www.icgov.org/climateaction

This report was prepared by Cora Hallsworth Consulting-CHC and Dr. Jennie Moore with the support of the Urban Sustainability Directors’ Network Sustainable Consumption Grant.

Your diet. Your climate.

veggies

Iowa City's Consumption Based Inventory Report found that fish, meat and eggs had the largest environmental impact of food types consumed in the community, followed by dairy. 

Research shows that meat has led to one-fifth of global emissions, and that plant-rich diets can reduce emissions, and health related issues. 

Start by just reducing your meat consumption just one day a week. Meatless Mondays are a popular trend. Find recipes and tips at www.meatlessmonday.com.

Learn more about the benefits of a plant based diet at www.drawdown.orgProject Drawdown is a coalition of researchers, scientists and other experts that work to present the best available info on climate solutions. 

Call for curbside compost!

Each winter, Iowa City suspends its weekly yard and food waste collection to conserve fuel and limit expenses when use is down. 

For curbside compost crusaders - know you can still call and schedule pick up during the hiatus at 319-356-5151. Call 24-hours before your collection day.  

To learn more about the curbside food waste program, including a list of compostable materials, visit www.icgov.org/foodwaste.

Normal collection will resume Monday, March 19. 

A graphic detailing food and yard waste suspension in Iowa City.

Last call for surveys!

Iowa City's Climate Action Today logo

Take a survey that will help provide direction for Iowa City's first ever Climate Action and Adaptation Plan. 

It will only take about five minutes. Time is running out to give your feedback. Submit yours ASAP.

Subscribe. Follow. Share.

A graphic promoting City of Iowa City outreach options.

Connect with us using #SustainableIC on Facebook, Twitter and InstagramSubscribe to this newsletter and other news at www.icgov.org/e-subscriptions

Upcoming Events

Come upcycle with us!

A graphic promoting Iowa City's Upcycling Series.

A series of free workshops focused on reuse and upcycling are available between now and early March. 

Learn basic mending and sewing skills, how to transform old clothing into beautiful rugs, and much more! 

All projects incorporate reused or upcycled materials. Bring your own or use what is provided at the event. 

Classes are free to participants and are for adults and children ages 12 and up, with supervision. 

Register today to reserve your spot by calling 319-887-6110 or emailing jane-wilch@iowa-city.org

35th Prairie Preview

An image promoting the 35th annual Prairie Preview.

This year marks Bur Oak Land Trust's 35th annual Prairie Preview! 

The event will be held Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Clarion Highlander, 2525 N. Dodge St.

Mark Hirsch, author of That Tree, will give a keynote about his year long iPhone photo journal experience, documenting the life of a Bur Oak tree. Following the presentation, he'll offer a 45 minute photography workshop, meet and greet, and book signing. Local environmental group exhibits will also be on display. 

Hirsch's presentation will start at 7:30 p.m. It is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. If you plan to stick around for the photo workshop, the cost is $25. 

For more info, contact Tammy Wright at 319- 338-7030 or email info@buroaklandtrust.org,

Freeze Fest 2018

A poster promoting Iowa City's Freeze Fest.

Iowa City Parks & Recreation will host Freeze Fest on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Terry Trueblood Lodge, 579 McCollister Blvd.

This family friendly festival features snow painting, games, winter hiking, winter survival skill building, ice skating and ice fishing (weather permitting). 

No fee to participate!

Sustainability Spotlight

Scott

This month’s Sustainability Spotlight features Scott Koepke Co-founder & Education Director at Grow Johnson County. 

Scott works to provide hunger relief in Iowa City,  producing 30,000 pounds of vegetables annually for several local pantries.

To read Scott's full spotlight, visit www.icgov.org/sustainability.

4-STAR


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. Learn more, www.STARcommunities.org.