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August 2024 | Visit us online at www.icgov.org/climateaction. 

Rising sun power

As of May 2024, the U.S. now has five million solar installations — 97% of which are on residential rooftops.

Over 263,000 Americans work in the solar and storage industry, as that job sector continues to grow.

Today, over half of U.S. states and territories have over 1 gigawatt of solar installed, compared to only three states a decade ago.

Root for Trees, again!

Visit www.icgov.org/root4trees to apply for a Root for Trees voucher that can subsidize the purchase of a tree planted on a residential property.

In the Root for Trees program, Iowa City residents can receive 50% off the cost of the retail purchase price of one tree, up to $125 (a $250 tree). Vouchers for an additional discount off retail price are available for income-eligible households, up to $225 (a $250 tree). To promote diversity in our tree canopy, maple and pear trees are ineligible for a voucher.

Over the five years of Root for Trees, Iowa City residents have purchased and planted 1,307 trees!

The program runs from August 2024 to May 2025, while funding and supplies last. 

Love food, fight waste: why local food matters

How far did your food travel to get to your plate? Reduce your carbon footprint and benefit your health by choosing local food. Enjoy the latest video from the Love Food, Fight Waste initiative, and find more details here: https://table2table.org/why-local-food-matters/

Farm to Street Dinner benefits Veggie Connect

Veggie Connect (formerly Veggie Rx) is the beneficiary of this year's Farm to Street Dinner, to be held on August 15 on North Linn Street. The event is sold out, a sign of the community’s ongoing support for local food initiatives!

Since 2016, the Iowa City Downtown District, the City of Iowa City, and Johnson County have collaboratively organized a multi-course meal prepared by Iowa City Downtown District chefs with food sourced from local producers. Veggie Connect will use the proceeds from the event to enhance our local food system.

This month's reason for hope:

Even as demand for EVs grows, new battery chemistries, increasing efficiency, and mineral recycling are projected to reduce mining demand within a decade and may even eliminate it entirely by 2050, according to a recent report.

Iowa City’s Climate Action Commission meets monthly

The next Climate Action Commission meeting is Aug. 5, 3:30-5 p.m. Access upcoming and past meeting packets at the Climate Action Commission web page.

Climate Fest returns

Mark your calendar for Iowa City's fifth annual Climate Fest, Sept. 23-28, 2024. More info to come in next month's newsletter. 

EV drivers are needed! Bring your vehicle to be part of the EV Show on Saturday, Sept. 28 and tell others about why you love driving electric. Please sign up on this registration link.

Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps in park beautification

The steps in College Green Park are ready for a painting refresh, and community members are invited to be involved! Join Green Iowa AmeriCorps members on this collaborative project, and create a lasting contribution that will be enjoyed by many. Sign up to volunteer here!

• Sunday, Aug. 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• College Green Park, S. Johnson and E. Washington Streets

Mike Fallon

City tree-planting volunteer

How do you take climate action?

I refuse to allow large environmental problems to destroy my hope and belief in humanity and the earth. Many good things are messy and complicated: democracy, for example, is very messy. I believe one must earn the right of commentary through active participation, to ground opinion in reality or personal experience. So, I plant prairie in my yard, grow some of my own food, walk or ride my bicycle to work or chores, purchase food and other items at the New Pioneer Coop, and teach Prairie Restoration to undergraduates at the University of Iowa. I speak regularly to citizens and community members about the prairie restoration at the UI Ashton Cross Country Course. Staying involved in the local community keeps me hopeful and engaged. Finally, I keep connected with a mental health support group or counselor. I find that maintaining good mental health, like a strong and resilient democracy, requires active participation and engagement.

Why is climate action important to you?

I find the natural world, including humans, endlessly fascinating and complex. One of my mantras is that variety is the spice of life. Heterogeneity is important component or element of healthy ecosystems and a healthy worldview. I hope to leave the world better than I found it.

What can others do to take climate action?

First, work toward self-mastery. Know yourself before attempting to convince others; people often instinctively know when someone is speaking the truth or from the heart. Grow your own food, as gardening inspires and nurtures. Plant natives that support native wildlife. Travel widely, expand your personal worldview, and decrease your ignorance of people and the world. Make art: art is a selfish and selfless act of hope and love. Celebrate both life and death: they are dear and ineffable.

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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