Posted by Victoria on Thursday, Sep 17, 2020
Ice-caps are melting, forest fires are ravaging much of the West Coast and you may feel like you are too small to make a difference. Wrong! Here are several ways you can help save our planet in your daily lives:
1. Reduce your food waste (eat leftovers, freeze food, buy in bulk and compost).
2. Turn off lights when you leave a room (and use energy efficient bulbs and appliances).
3. Consider eating a more plant-based diet.
The City of Iowa City and Iowa City Public Library are celebrating Climate Fest September 19th-26th. Find out more about IC Climate Fest.
Celebrate with us at ICPL by registering for one or both of these Teen events:
Taco ‘bout a sustainable lifestyle: Chapulines- To-go!
Did you know that according to theecologist.org, insects require a quarter of the feed pound-per-pound as larger livestock and use negligable space, water and methane. While over 2 billion people across the globe consume insects, Westerners have largely not included them in their diet. Now is your chance to try Chapulines, a grasshopper commonly eaten in Mexico. Register here to recieve a bag of Chapulines, along with a recipe idea. Once registered, you can pick the kit up via curbside. To learn more, visit Chapulines To-go or register here. (Warning- Do not eat Chapulines if you are allergic to mollusks, shellfish, dust mites, slugs, or insect venom).
Reduce, reuse, recycle – and repair: Upcycled T-Shirt Pillows
Do you have an old t-shirt that you never wear? Try upcycling it into a pillow! We'll provide instructions and you'll save it from ending up in the landfill and breathe new life into it. Register here to recieve polyfil stuffing and comment if you would like a t-shirt. Once registered, you can pick the kit up via curbside. To learn more, visit the Upcycled T-shirt Pillows or register now.
Once you register, these kits can be picked up curbside from September 19th- October 3rd by appointment.
As an avid now daily fan of watching the world of chipmunks, squirrels and birds at my feeders outside, I was fascinated by Tan's book. She describes the solace nature can provide when everything else in the world seems to be barreling out of control, yet she does not shy away from highlighting how environmental factors negatively impact our avian friends. Her sketches are delicate and prolific at times and her curiosity and wit is quite wonderful. I would recommend this for young adults and adults as well as anyone who wants a more intimate foray into the world of West Coast bound and transiting-through birds. -Victoria