Iowa City, Coralville and the University of Iowa launched a wide-ranging area transit study in August 2019. After several months of data collection and public input, three possible scenarios for transit changes have been developed. Your feedback is key to the success of the study and any future changes to area transit. Please visit the link below today and share your opinions.
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Applications for Iowa City’s Community Climate Action Grants are being accepted now through March 3, and recipients will be named in late March.
This annual grant program aims to support and increase climate actions carried out by community-based groups. The maximum grant is $5,000, with funds made available on July 1. Past grants have supported projects in such areas as community garden and energy efficiency projects. Johnson Clean Energy District, a 2019 grant recipient, is featured at the left.
 Old t-shirts, wine bottles and corks, leftover fabric and other materials will get "do-overs" in the coming weeks when Iowa City Landfill and Recycling holds its annual "upcycling" series. These free sessions will show community members how to give new life to things they no longer use, and one session will focus on restoring historic windows. All are free of charge.
 Would you like to build a resilient home that leaves a small carbon footprint? Kirkwood Community College offers a new class in its Continuing Education Division that can help guide the way. Net Zero Home Building and Small Home Design will be offered in one session on two dates: Feb. 27 and March 19.
Bur Oak Land Trust will hold its 37th annual Prairie Preview on Tuesday, March 3, with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The evening will feature environmental exhibitors, including City of Iowa City Assistant Superintendent of Parks Tyler Baird who will focus on prairie establishment and REAP projects. Keynote speaker will be Sarah Nizzi from the Xerces Society. Her presentation is titled “Integrating Nature into our Daily Lives and Why it Matters.” The event is free and will be held at the Bohemian Hotel (formerly The Highlander) at 2525 N. Dodge St.
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Madeleine Bradley, UI student in environmental science and member of the Iowa City Climate Action Commission
What do you do for climate action?
Mainly I try to be more conscious of the decisions I make and the impacts they have on the environment. A big part of this is simply learning about the environment and possible environmental solutions. I study environmental science and frequently read about climate change, which helps me to be more aware of how I can reduce my own environmental impacts. A big way I do this is by eating vegetarian, as red meat and meat in general is a huge producer of greenhouse gases. I try to shop local and attend the Iowa City Farmers Market for my groceries. When I must shop at a grocery store, I carry my reusable tote bags and produce bags and try to buy products that are free of packaging. While this is a bit of a learning curve, each time I shop I find more ways to reduce my waste! My roommates and I keep the thermostat low in the winter and quite high in the summer to reduce our energy use—and we always turn off the lights when we leave. I also try to walk or take public transport, and only take a car when necessary, which is pretty easy in Iowa City!
What can others do to take climate action?
Make a conscious effort every day to make choices that are more sustainable. This doesn’t mean that you have to go waste-free right away or bike 25 miles to work, but start with a few positive climate goals. (Remember your reusable bags, eat meat free on weekdays, ride the bus twice a week instead of driving, etc.) Eventually it becomes easier to add to these and build your habits in a sustainable way. Iowa City has a lot of amazing opportunities to eat local, reduce your waste and get involved with your community to make positive change so take advantage of those.
Most important, VOTE. Vote at all levels for those who will keep climate action at the forefront of their plans, and vote for those you believe will lead the city, district, state or country you live in toward a more sustainable future.
Why does climate action matter to you?
Climate action matters because we really have no choice! We must take immediate and widespread action to reduce the devastation we are causing to our planet. Climate change will have a direct impact on each and every person in the world whether they realize it or not. We hold a lot of responsibility for the state of the climate, and we must do everything we can to mitigate the damages and help those likely to suffer the most adapt to a changing world.
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