11/10/10

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Susan Salterberg, program manager, Center for Energy and Environmental Education, 319-337- 4816, [email protected]

Practical tips to help you reclaim—and green—your holidays

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa--Iowa City area residents will learn ways to create a richer, more meaningful holiday season while at the same time greening their celebrations at a 12:05-12:55 p.m. Lunch and Learn presentation on Friday, Nov. 12, in Room 112, University of Iowa University Services Building (USB) in Iowa City. USB is located east of the Iowa River on Madison and Prentiss streets.

Participants will explore ways to minimize stress during the holidays by practicing self-care and creating holidays where they live according to their values. In addition, they will learn examples of green gifts, such as baskets of Iowa-made wines and battery-free bike lights. Other "green" examples include gifts of experience. Many experiential purchases—such as giving yoga lessons or tickets to a show—cause less damage to the environment. Plus, studies show the thrill of experiences stays with us longer than when our money is spent buying products.

To enroll in this free course, e-mail Susan Salterberg, an instructor from the University of Northern Iowa. Put "Register for Reclaim your holidays" in the subject line and send to [email protected]. Questions can be directed to Salterberg via e-mail or phone (337- 4816).

Street parking is available near USB, and there is also parking on Madison Street behind the Johnson County Jail.

The event is sponsored by the University of Northern Iowa Center for Energy & Environmental Education, the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability, Iowa State University Extension, the Iowa City Landfill & Recycling Center and Iowa City Public Library. The sessions are funded in part by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Solid Waste Alternatives Program.