ECO Iowa City

Look for us at these events:

Check the Newsroom for additional information

Additional rain barrel information
Additional rain gardens information
Additional stormwater management information

Energy Conservation Opportunity Revolving Loan Fund

The city is offering loans to Iowa City businesses and nonprofits for projects that will upgrade the energy efficiency of their buildings. The loans, which carry a 0.5 percent interest rate, are for $25,000 to $125,000 over no more than 10 years. For more information, visit their webpage or contact Wendy Ford, city economic development coordinator, at 356-5248 or Wendy Ford   Read the Press-Citizen article

2010 Iowa Recycling Association Annual Luncheon & Program

What: The Iowa Recycling Association Luncheon and Program is an annual event providing education, networking, and industry updates to support effective resource management in Iowa. This year's program is titled "Closing the Loop: Getting Back to the Basics", and features a panel of presenters on collection, processing, program implementation and management, manufacturing, marketing, and product stewardship. Please join us! All are welcome!

Where: Reiman Gardens, Ames

When: 12:00 pm, July 15

Nature friendly play place for kids

What: Join Backyard Abundance for a presentation and tour on Sunday, July 18. Learn about ways to create your own nature friendly outdoor play space for your children or grandchildren from playground designer Tony Malkusak. These events are open to the public; there is not cost for the presentation or tour. Refreshments provided.

Where: SE Junior High School (2501 Bradford Drive, Iowa City)

When: 1:00 pm, July 18

Healthy foods and healthy bodies

What: Learn how healthy food contributes to healthy bodies at 1:00 p.m. at the Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City. Dr. Terry Wahls will discuss how healthy foods have contributed to her successful battle against multiple sclerosis. Dr. Wahls will share her insights and information on how diet can dramatically improve your health. Cost for the educational event is $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Pre-registration is requested at the website but walk-ins welcome.

Where: Robert A. Lee Community Recreation Center, 220 S Gilbert Street, Iowa City

When: 1:00 pm, August 21

Free Gardening Classes from New Pioneer Coop

What: New Pioneer Coop offers ongoing gardening classes. Check the calendar for more information.

Where: New Pioneer Store Locations

When: Ongoing

The Bur Oak Blog

What: Come here to find original interviews with authors and photographers, plant-of-the-week photos and facts to assist your exploration and enjoyment of the natural environment of the Midwest, fun facts about what's going on weekly right outside your window, and announcements of upcoming events for local authors.

Appliance Recycling

What: MidAmerican Energy works with qualified contractors to pickup and dispose of qualifying appliances at no cost to you, and you’ll receive a rebate within four weeks of appliance pickup.

Where: Iowa

When: Schedule a pickup by calling 800-621-2757. Call center hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report

Iowa City recently completed a comprehensive greenhouse gas emissions inventory which includes a community-wide total of emissions produced within the city limits for the years of 2000 and 2008. Also included in the report is emissions data for the city government and all of the buildings, facilities, processes, and vehicles that the City of Iowa City owns and operates.

This report completes the first of the five milestones in the "Cities for Climate Protection Campaign" which Iowa City has been participant of since 2008. This program is supported by ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability, which Iowa City joined after the major signed the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement in 2007. Iowa City is currently in the process of undertaking the next two milestones of the campaign, which will be to adopt an emissions reduction target and develop a climate action plan for the community. For more information about the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory Report, contact Brenda Nations, City of Iowa City Environmental Coordinator.

Vermicomposting Handout

Learn how to create your own worm composting bin. Download the "Steps to Creating a Vermicomposting Bin" handout courtesy of Backyard Abundance.

About ECO Iowa City

Our focus:

• urban composting & local food
• energy conservation
• urban stormwater management
• smart waste disposal

Who will benefit:

Iowa City residents

When:

Spring 2009 to Fall 2010

Managed by:

Iowa City Public Library & the City of Iowa City Public Works Division

Funded by:

International City /County Management Association

How:

With the $57,000 grant, ECO Iowa City will provide a series of opportunities for Iowa City residents, including hands-on workshops, programs and seminars to offer information and free resources, including:

• seed and start give-a-ways,
• coupons for free Iowa City Community Compost,
• free compact fluorescent bulbs and winterizing kits,
• subsidy for compost bin and rain barrel,
• free smart waste disposal events

For more information contact:

Maeve Clark Information Services Coordinator Iowa City Public Library 319.887.6004 maeve-clark@icpl.org

Jen Jordan Recycling Coordinator Public Works Division 319.887.6160 jennifer-jordan@iowa-city.org