Center on Sustainable Communities

Goodwill Recycles Computers

2009-11-06T10:32:00.001-06:00

"Americans store an estimated 65 million old desktop computers in their homes." - US EPA

Like virtually every home and office across the nation, COSC has accumulated its own small computer graveyard. We were pleased to discover a responsible solution for unloading unwanted computer through a joint effort by Dell and Goodwill. They're Reconnect program recycles any brand of used computer equipment in any condition, and just about anything that can be connected to a computer! It's as simple as bringing the items to your local Goodwill.

Donations help create jobs and protect the environment by reducing landfill waste, eliminating environmentally-sensitive materials from entering landfills, conserving natural resources and reducing pollution created through the manufacturing of new products. The Reconnect recycling program is free, and you'll receive a receipt for tax purposes. Find a Goodwill location near you by visiting reconnectpartnership.com.

Photo - Lynnae sends off our out-dated technology to be recycled.

Day of Sustainability in Dubuque Nov. 18

2009-10-29T17:14:00.005-05:00

Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) and RDG Planning & Design has scheduled a full day of sustainable building events in Dubuque on Wednesday, November 18. Please join us for any or all. Here's what's in store:

DAY OF SUSTAINABILITY
Wednesday, November 18 at the Julien Hotel Dubuque
9:00am-11:30am: Green Roofs in an Urban Environment
In the past century Iowa has seen a large population shift from our rural communities to thriving cities. During this urban and suburban explosion, much of the landscape has been altered or changed dramatically. Green roofs, or vegetated roofs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice with a magnitude of sustainable benefits.
11:30am-12:30pm: Networking Lunch
12:30-4:00pm: Re-Purposing a Building-Morrill Hall
Iowa State University's Morrill Hall has been sustainable since it's completion in 1890. The course is a case study of the rehabilitation of a building on the national register of historic places. RDG Planning & Design examines the industry factors that lead to the abandonment of the facility, and design considerations in a successful rehabilitation resulting in a LEED certified project.
4:00-5:00pm: Tour
A tour of Dubuque's significant sustainable building projects, including the refurbished Durrant headquarters.
5:00-7:00pm: Evening Social Reception

Registration required: Contact Leslie Berckes at COSC via leslie@icosc.com or 515.707.2787.

Recycling

2009-07-23T13:33:00.004-05:00

Since 1990, the Iowa Waste Exchange, Iowa has diverted over 2.6 million tons of waste. This waste saved Iowans $59.6 million. By doing so they diverted the waste into production and use to help boost Iowa’s economy.

To learn more go to:
www.programs.iowadnr.gov/iwe/searchmaterials.aspx

For the Metro Waste Authority Curb It! Program please remember that the following products cannot be placed in your bins...
· Garbage or yard debris
· Food contaminated boxes
· Plastic bags
· Styrofoam
· Plastic cups
· Plastic food containers
· Foil and disposable baking tins
· Containers with motor oil or other hazardous materials

However these items are acceptable!
· Necked plastic bottles
· Plastic margarine and yogurt containers
· Newspapers (and inserts)
· Mixed paper (junk mail, envelopes, phone books, cereal boxes, tissue boxes, and magazines)
· Cardboard (must be broken down)
· Tin & aluminum cans
· Shredded paper (place in paper bag or cardboard box)
· Glass bottles (all colors)
· Wire hangers
· Empty aerosol cans

For More information check out:

http://www.mwatoday.com/residential?curb_it.aspx

Foundations & Basements On-Site Workshop

2009-07-22T15:34:00.016-05:00

On Friday, August 7th, we will have our second workshop in our series in conjunction with the West Des Moines Affordable Green Demonstration Home in Valley Junction.

This is a collaborative effort between The City of West Des Moines, HOME Inc, the Community Colleges of Iowa, and multiple other partners.

Workshop includes lunch. Visit our website for a tentative schedule, curriculum and workshop fees.

Professional Workshop: 8:45am - 1:00pm.

Homeowner Workshop: 11:30am - 1:00pm.

The facebook event is

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122855759187

For questions please contact Emily@icosc.com

or call 515-277-6222!

See our website for a list of sponsors. http://www.icosc.com/

Des Moines Demo Home Complete!

2009-07-22T14:43:00.012-05:00

We are proud to announce that the Des Moines Demo Home New Construction is now complete! Located at 1347 Forest Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa. To the right is a picture from street view. We are currently waiting for the homes' Silver LEED certification.

The picture to the left is of the rain gardens specifically designed to capture most of the rain off of the roof. The water is funneled into these rain gardens and the plants have been specifically chosen for their native, water loving qualities.

The house also has a rain barrel to capture water for other landscaping needs that aren't a part of the rain garden.

Rain water is also falls into this flower planter located next to the house. It is used in place of a gutter, and with the flowers chosen, provides a beautiful planter.

Groundbreaking for Des Moines Demonstration Home

2008-09-15T10:00:00.016-05:00

Construction is officially under way! Last week CHDC held a ceremonial (and actual!) groundbreaking for one of the three green affordable demonstration home projects we're working on in the Des Moines metro area.

The home will be located at 1347 Forest Avenue in the King Irving Neighborhood of Des Moines. Pictured are Emily Karsjens of COSC, Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, architect Jamie Malloy of Wells + Associates, Karen Jeske of CHDC, David Downs of Double D Construction, and landscape architect Zach Zielonko, also of Wells + Associates. It has been great working with these fantastic partners!

You can visit COSC's website and CHDC's blog for more information and pictures.

Photos courtesy of Christine Hall at CHDC.

2008-08-14T10:19:00.008-05:00

So, how many of you know Emily?

She's our Resource Manager - and waaaaaaay more than that. She turned me on to this site. I'd encourage you to check it out because she brings to top-of-mind real easy ideas towards sustainability.

Linda Mason Hunter is an expert in the way we live, specifically inside our homes, and how we can be green, clean and peachy keen.

Message today = Living sustainably is attainable and affordable. Period. What you have to add to that mix is thoughtfulness and action.

Go to it.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by xrrr

First Demonstration Home Workshop (so far)

2008-08-11T07:34:00.008-05:00

Here are some photos, courtesy of Shelly Codner of Iowa
Waste Exchange, from our first Demonstration Home Workshop. (Thanks Shelly!)

What's that? You didn't know we're doing these?

Welllllll...here's your opportunity to sign up at our website for the great upcoming programming. We're building three different demonstration homes - in partnership with the City of West Des Moines and City of Des Moines, among other terrific sponsors.

These are real, live, in-process project homes - 2 new builds, one remodel - to clearly support the fact that Green (true green, not greenwashing) is affordable and attainable.

Sign up today - we'll see you soon!

Sharing Stories

2008-08-11T07:21:00.007-05:00

We're taught in elementary school that sharing is good.

So share here's your opportunity to share with us your “Green” Rebuilding Iowa stories.

Is your community planning rebuilding with sustainability in mind?
Are you incorporating green design or green products into your home or business rebuilding efforts?
What are the challenges and successes you’re experiencing?

We’ll gladly be posting your responses so they can be shared across the state and region.

Thanks - and keep going green.

Photo courtesy of Flickr by Danarah

What's In A Name

2008-08-04T10:22:00.011-05:00

Center On Sustainable Communities!
I love a name that causes pause and encourages action.
What makes a sustainable community? We all do.
Every action we chose has the capacity to reinforce this notion.

Whether I center on the environment by taking my children for a walk in the woods or using my own cup each time I purchase a tea before a meeting - I help sustain community and build awareness.

Whether I center on neighborhood by picking up litter when I walk the sidewalks and alleys, or help the person next door with snow removal - I help sustain community and strengthen relations.

And whether I center on healthy living by helping clients to optimize their green choices for a renovation, encouraging staff to minimize waste or decrease my carbon footprint at home - I help sustain community and align my values.

Each decision we choose has capacity to foster a strong and vibrant community that supports itself. The operation and maintenance of our homes are no exception. The decisions we make with our homes greatly influence the environment, our neighborhoods and individual well-being. How we live influences the sustainability of our communities more than we have ever realized, and the impact we can have with our homes has never been more important or critical than now.

I am grateful for the amazing base of support and educational opportunities that Center On Sustainable Communities brings to central Iowa.

Chaden Halfhill
Co-Founder & COSC Board Member

Photo courtesy of Flickr by ramgirl27

Living Green

2008-07-16T17:33:00.008-05:00

Being green for me has been a personal and professional passion for several years now. It's nice to see these efforts becoming more mainstream.

For example, I don't feel a little foolish bringing my cloth grocery sacks to the store anymore - I'm in the majority now. With so many choices out there, sometimes it's hard to take the time to make all the little decisions and feel like they're making any difference.

I continue to remind myself that each small decision does have an impact - if anything, I'm setting a good example for my two young daughters and all the people I come in contact with on a daily basis.

For me, living green means living simply - whether it's hanging my clothes out on a clothesline, growing an herb and vegetable garden, or planning extra time to walk more places. It also means connecting with others and being an active part of my community - serving on my neighborhood association board, supporting local shops, attending outdoor events, etc.

Make a commitment today to do one thing with "green" intention - you'll feel good about yourself and good about where you live.

Beth Hicks

Co-founder and Board member

COSC

Director of Advancement Services

Keep Iowa Beautiful

Photo courtesy of Flickr by mushroomvillagers

Small Steps to Sustainability

2008-07-07T10:08:00.009-05:00

Welcome to COSC's blog - We want to hear what you have to say about all that is green out there.

Are you confused, overwhelmed, skeptical?
With everyone jumping on board the green bandwagon these days, how do you sift through it all?

If you are interested in incorporating some green steps into your home but don't know where to begin, let us help you get started. Start by exploring our website.

We have green nuggets - tips for everyday living, green product info, a list of professionals who can help you with green building projects big or small, articles, links to other great websites, a calendar of local educational events, and much, much more. Emily and Ginger in our office would be happy to help you with any questions you may have or at least point you in the direction of an expert who can help.

Take a step - make some easy choices first toward a more sustainable lifestyle and you may find it's not as confusing or as limiting as you first thought.

Lynnae Hentzen

COSC Co-Founder & Executive Director

COSC's new blog!

2008-04-25T10:52:00.002-05:00

Thanks for checking out our new blog - More to come soon!