Blog – Iowa Environmental Voice

posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 IEC submitted comments expressing concern that the combination of the new EPA rule and proposed DNR changes would reduce protections for Iowa's waters, allowing a thousand cuts that would further harm Iowa's few remaining wetlands and resulting in poorer water quality.

posted by Megan McDowell on Friday, September 18, 2020 In our staff introduction series, we would like to share with you stories and backgrounds of the people behind the scenes of IEC. In this intro blog you will learn more about our Communications Support Coordinator.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Friday, September 11, 2020 As summer draws to a close, we're looking back at Weekly Water Watch 2020. Even with weeks full of unbelievable news, Iowa's waters still saw toxic algae blooms, E. coli contamination, drought, and high beach visitation across the state this year.

posted by Raihan Amir Rashidi on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 100% Iowa hosted a Renewable Readers book reading for kids this summer, reading the book "Energy Island." The young readers discussed the book, ways to bring those ideas into their homes, and their thoughts on the importance of our clean energy future.

posted by Angelisa Belden on Friday, August 21, 2020 I spent a significant amount of money for a weekend getaway at an Iowa lake. Imagine my disappointment to find the water covered in green algae on day 2. Was it safe to swim? Who knows? Will I go back? That remains to be seen - and that's a danger for the local economy.

posted on Thursday, August 6, 2020 In late 2019, IEC launched 100% Iowa, a grassroots organizing effort. Meet the staff that make this exciting, engaging program a success.

posted by Alicia Vasto on Wednesday, August 5, 2020 This summer, hope, resiliency, and community are growing in Creston. The Iowa Environmental Council (IEC) was pleased to be a catalyst for the formation of the Creston Community Garden Wellness Initiative, which constructed Creston's first community garden earlier this summer.

posted on Friday, July 31, 2020 Both the DNR and Polk County Conservation Board have reported a tremendous increase in park attendance, including increased beach and water recreation use since COVID-19 hit Iowa. However, before you throw on your swimsuit and goggles, know the risks of swimming prior to hitting the beach.

posted by Ingrid Gronstal Anderson on Friday, July 24, 2020 Invasive species are not only harmful to Iowa's water and environment by upsetting the natural balance of an ecosystem, they are costly to remove. Iowa water recreation is being impacted, as is our infrastructure.

posted on Thursday, July 23, 2020 Iowa's bottle and can redemption program is set to resume on July 25. As we prepare to return our stockpiles of recyclable goods, David Osterberg with IEC Organizational Member the Iowa Policy Project suggests solutions for our bottle bill that will make everyone a winner.