Why can't chewing gum be composted? Which is the more climate friendly diet, local foods or vegan? Do backyard firepits add to our carbon emissions?
You've got questions, we've got Jane and Sarah! For the January "Speaking of" webinar, they will be discussing some of the most interesting questions they have received in the past year. Add yours to list! Send your pressing climate and recycling questions to jane-wilch@iowa-city.org anytime in December and then tune in at noon on January 23 for the conversation!
Coats, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, snow pants and snow boots of all sizes are being collected now through Dec. 6, by the ICPD and UI Department of Public Safety. New or gently used items may be dropped off at the following locations:
- Iowa City Public Library, 123 S. Linn St.
- Iowa City Police Department, 410 E. Washington St.
- UI Public Safety Department, 200 S. Capitol St. (Old Capitol mall lower level)
Clothing distribution will occur on Dec. 7, from 2-8 p.m. at Kirkwood Community College (1816 Lower Muscatine Rd).
In the Recreation Center’s first-floor gymnasium and second-floor Social Hall, Farmers Market vendors and artists will have homemade, handcrafted, seasonal gifts, and food available for purchase. The event will also feature kids crafts, breakfast and lunch options made fresh on-site, and more.
Mark your calendars for Dec. 17, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., to stop by the Robert A. Lee Recreation Center at 220 S. Gilbert St. and support local producers!
Tyson Knight
Green Iowa AmeriCorps Education Coordinator
How do you take climate action?
Some of my favorite ways to take climate action are to go out and volunteer. Being more involved in your community is a way to care more about the world directly around you. Some things I do at home are as easy as having a shower timer or using reusable makeup remover wipes. I also love the farmers market during the summer, where you know you are getting the freshest produce possible, as well as being an active member of your community.
What can others do to take climate action?
Conversations are often one of the most effective things you can do, especially if you have already started taking steps yourself to be more sustainable at home. Oftentimes people don't take action because they don't know how easy it is, so a gentle nudge in the right direction is sometimes all people need to change their habits. Pass forward your knowledge to your friends and family, and buy or make them sustainable gifts for the holidays.
Why is it important to take climate action?
It takes our individual actions to move towards community action, which then leads to policy action. Companies will have to listen to their customers when their customers are all aware of their actions. To ensure there are actual changes in the wider world, we must start within our communities. The people that care about you will be much more likely to listen.
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