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April 2021 | Visit us online at www.icgov.org/sustainability. 

Years since Earth Day was first established on April 22, 1970

Of Americans in 1970 said protecting the environment was an important goal

Countries that now celebrate Earth Day

Of Americans now say they are concerned about helping the environment

Application period opens for Climate Action Ambassadors

It's not too late to prevent the worst outcomes of climate change. As an Iowa City Climate Ambassador, you can help. 

The Climate Ambassador training program informs and empowers climate change leaders in the Iowa City community. Ambassadors:

• Learn about climate science and effective climate communication strategies
• Meet others engaged in climate action in the community
• Build channels of communication between neighbors, community groups, businesses, city leadership and staff, and fellow residents
• Act on what they learn through personal commitments and volunteer opportunities, and
• Inspire others to take climate action

The next training will be held April 25 - June 15. Due to COVID-19, group meetings will be held virtually with future opportunities for ambassadors to meet in person at volunteer events.

There’s no cost to participate.

More information available on the Climate Ambassador Program web page or by contacting Sarah Gardner at Sarah-Gardner@Iowa-City.org

Root for Trees: last call!

As Iowa City celebrates spring, we’d like to remind you of the Root for Trees program, which runs through May 15.

The City is working to grow and expand our tree canopy coverage and tree diversity. You can help by participating in the Root for Trees program. 

The program enables residents to save 50% on the purchase of a tree for their property, for a total savings of up to $125. A 90% discount is available for income-eligible residents. Tree vouchers are available to any owner of an Iowa City property and are redeemable for one tree per property.  

The program seeks to support the purchase of 500 trees. So, if you'd like to participate in the program, get your vouchers now! And if you have a voucher sitting at home, don't forget to cash it in. 

More information on the Root for Trees web page

Test-driving electric energy

The Iowa City Transportation Department is excited to add four Proterra ZX5 buses to the fleet later this year. In mid-March, IC Transit employees got the chance to test drive the buses, which will replace four of the department’s diesel buses with all-electric technology.

This purchase aligns with the City’s Climate Action Plan and is made possible in part through a $3 million DOT grant.

The electric buses will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa City as they release zero tailpipe emissions—and can travel over 300 miles on a single charge! 

In an article in The Patch, Transportation Director Darian Nagle-Gamm said, "We're just really excited to test out this technology and move Iowa City Transit forward to the future."

The four buses are scheduled to arrive in the fall.

Earth Fest goes virtual

Earth Fest 2021 will be held virtually this April. By moving from a one-day event to a month-long celebration, children and adults will have more opportunities to learn about environmental and sustainable impacts they can have in the community.  

This family-friendly event will take place April 11 - 30, 2021. This year's Earth Fest will feature videos, lessons, and activities from a variety of exhibitors dedicated to supporting the earth, nature, and animals. Content for the series will be shared through City of Iowa City or Parks & Recreation Facebook events.

There are event grab bags available for pre-registered pick-up that contain environmental items donated by Green Iowa AmeriCorps, Iowa City Parks and Recreation Department, and a variety of  Earth Fest exhibitors. Perfect for families and limited in stock, visit the online registration if you're interested.

To learn more about the event, visit icgov.org/pr. 

Additional AmeriCorps events:

Eco Film & Book Discussions | April 7 & 17

Green Iowa AmeriCorps is partnering with with Iowa City Public Library to host the following sustainability-focused film and book discussions in April:

"Rachel Carson" Film Discussion | April 7, 7 p.m.

"World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments" Book Discussion | April 17, 4 p.m.

→ Register for the Zoom links on the ICPL events page.

Keep up-to-date on volunteer opportunities in environmental stewardship by becoming a fan of Green Iowa AmeriCorps.

Sustainability Spotlight

Joan Cook, Iowa City resident

How do you take climate action?

I have been a proud member of 100 Grannies for a Livable Future for three years. Gradually, I have realized that fossil fuels used to create plastic will suffocate us. I am more conscious of single-use plastic produced by fossil fuels. I take my own bags to the store and do not accept plastic bags anywhere. 

Plastic never goes away — it does not biodegrade. It only breaks down into smaller and smaller pieces. Birds, fish and other animals can eat these small pieces; plastic is in our food chain and in our water. I want to do everything I can to eliminate single-use plastics in my life.

Also, enjoying the outdoors is important, especially during the COVID lockdown last year. My husband and I glided about the wonderful bike trails in Iowa, even taking our ebikes to Minnesota in 2020. Smiles and energy replaced COVID fear.  

What can others do to take climate action?

I am encouraged by a more expanded awareness (Plastic Wars, consumer reports, less plastic use) of all the ways people around me are focused on reducing their carbon footprint with electric hybrid vehicles, planting grasses for fuel, and reducing their plastic use.  This is only a start, and many are still unaware. Once people are aware, they are bound to act – we hope! 

Why does climate action matter to you?

There is no other place to live but this earth. As a citizen of this globe and especially since I am a grandmother, I am very concerned about the frivolous use of the air, water, and soil Mother Earth has to offer. Our water is tainted by poisonous run off.  Recreational waters are polluted. Large populations in the world will be flooded out of their homes and will seek higher ground in our lifetime if we don’t reverse this trajectory.  I hope we wake up in time. 

Field to Family online farmers market season begins April 27!

Vendors, customers, volunteers & sponsors can learn more at their web page. Contact-free pick up of local foods

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This newsletter is published by the City of Iowa City Climate Action and Outreach Division. For more information, contact Sarah Gardner at 319-887-6162 or Sarah-Gardner@Iowa-City.org