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As announced in October, the City Council has authorized the creation of a new 11-member Climate Action Commission to help address and support the City’s climate objectives
Two standing members will represent MidAmerican Energy and the University of Iowa, and six members of a previous self-governing climate advisory board will continue on the new commission.
The City Council is seeking three new members to serve three-year terms. The application process is open now through Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5 p.m.
 The last year has seen a lot of forward movement in the City’s climate actions, in areas ranging from recycling to electric vehicles. New climate action goals, adopted by City Council in August 2019 (see above), are perhaps the most important example.
An update to the City’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan has been published in order to share the many positive steps taken. You can view it online at 2019 Update.
 As the growing season comes to an end, congratulations go to Backyard Abundance on its Garden Guru 2019 program.
Through this program, Backyard Abundance provided experts at City-sponsored garden areas at regular times throughout the growing season. They answered gardening questions and offered hands-on learning. Garden Gurus was supported by a Climate Action Grant from the City as well as other local supporters and partners.
NOTE:The application process for 2020 Climate Action Grants will open February 1, 2020.
The Iowa City Public Library offers hundreds of titles about the environment and climate change, so you may have a hard time settling on one or two. The good news: Library staff members post their favorite reads online. Currently one staff member has shared her list of 11 titles on these subjects that she particularly recommends. Check it out!
 Greenhouse gas emissions related to transportation typically amount to what percent of a typical Iowa community’s entire emissions?
- 12%
- 20-25%
- 50-60%
Iowa City began reporting data about greenhouse gas emissions in the community in:
- 1998
- 2009
- 2015
The term “carbon footprint” refers to:
- The amount of carbon dioxide and other carbon compounds emitted due to the consumption of fossil fuels by a particular person or group
- The amount of coal ash produced by a coal-burning power plant
- The amount of carbon in the atmosphere
Answers can be found at the bottom of the column at right.
 Plan your shopping list. Buy only what you know you’ll use, especially when purchasing perishable items like produce, dairy and meat. Don’t forget to take your reusable shopping bags to the store!
Skip paper or plastic disposables. Choose reusable cutlery, dishware and napkins. They are better for the environment and will reduce your trash for the week.
Take only what you’ll eat. It’s easy for your eyes to grow bigger than your stomach. Be mindful of your serving size and take small portions. You can always go back for more!
Make good use of leftovers and compost food scraps. If you have a lot of extra food, pack doggy bags for your guests and/or freeze extra food. Compost food scraps like potato peels, eggshells and bones. If you receive curbside trash and recycling services from the City, you can compost at the curb.
Recycle cooking oil, corks and glass. If deep-fat fried turkey is your thing, recycle the oil. Place it in a sealed plastic bottle, label it "vegetable oil" and drop it off in the Oil Recycling Shed at the East Side Recycling Center or the Iowa City Landfill and Recycling Center. Glass is accepted at both locations; wine corks are accepted at the East Side Recycling Center.
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