Projects and Initiatives

This page contains information about current projects and initiatives both on and off campus aimed at making a positive environmental impact.  We are eager to receive content submissions consisting of short paragraphs, press releases, and/or other information about projects and initiatives for inclusion on this page.  Please send content submissions to civic-engagement@uiowa.edu for consideration.  Thank you!

Iowa River focus -The Civic Engagement Program has been focusing on the water quality of the Iowa River in collaboration with the city of Iowa City, and the Iowa Environmental Council. Make-a-Difference Day 2008 river bank cleanup (PDF) will happen Sat. Oct. 25! Visit the calendar page to learn more. In Oct., 2007, Legal Analyst Nathan Lein from the Iowa Environmental Council, spoke about why the Iowa River was ranked third on the most endangered rivers list and what can be done. Make-a-Difference Day 2007 riverbank clean up collected just under one ton of trash. Thanks to all those who participated! Due to the wide scope of the information for Iowa River initiatives, check the Iowa River Resource page for projects, as well as links to helpful information from the Iowa DNR and the Iowa Environmental Council.

New Green Iowa AmeriCorps Program - The mission of this new program is to assess energy saving needs in communities and provide energy-saving education and service through community outreach.The Iowa Green Corps is managed by the Iowa DNR, and is looking for organizations to lead projects in two specific regions: one in Linn and Johnson counties, and the second in Black Hawk, Bremer, and Butler counties. These projects are to rebuild communities that were destroyed by the flood in a sustainable, green way.They are looking for organizations interested in leading teams of 28 members. Application information is available at http://www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer/americorps/greencorps.html. For more information on AmeriCorps or to find out how your organization can get involved, e-mail tricia.rummer@dnr.iowa.gov or call (515) 281-4593.

UI Waste Characterization Project - The University, the Iowa City Landfill, Recycling Center, and East Central Iowa Council of Governments are partnering to explore more ways to reduce the UI's environmental impact by diverting UI waste from the local landfill. It has been estimated that up to 80% of the UI's waste stream is recyclable. A group of students, faculty, and staff from the UI will be working together to perform the Waste Characterization Sorting Project, which will look at the composition of the UI waste stream. The waste sorting study will provide baseline data needed for planning future reduction efforts, and the UI's recycling program. By identifying the amounts of key waste components, the UI can target specific recyclable products and the processes to divert them from the landfill. Education and marketing campaigns will be created to encourage the campus community to modify disposal behavior. For more information, see the Waste Characterization Summary (PDF).