University of Iowa
ER-T2-1: Student Group

ECO Hawk: Easy Change Overall ECO Hawk aims to provide opportunities for students to develop sustainability projects by appealing to individual interests. ECO Hawk members, or representatives, work within committees, departments, or campus service organizations to make the University of Iowa more sustainable, with a focus on improving recycling. Engineers for a Sustainable World ESW is an action-oriented organization focused on networking students and professionals in technical modes for advancing society's approach to sustainability. ESW mobilizes engineers through education, collaboration and practical action. With over 20 chapters at universities across the United States, as well as a network of over 4000 individuals interested in sustainability, ESW is involved in everything from sustainability promotion and development activities on university campuses to projects across the world. ESW is open to all majors and seeks opportunities to collaborate with health professionals, urban developers, businesses, and anyone who is working toward a more sustainable world. Environmental Coalition The UI Environmental Coalition cares for the environment through activism, education, and enjoyment. Their goal is to instill a sense of pride in our natural environment and to share passion for protecting our home. Some projects include an organic student garden, the Sustainability Living and Learning Community, Green Consulting, Recycling, and a Bike Share proposal that is currently under consideration. UIEC also conducts an annual weatherization project, hosts several smaller events throughout the year, and works with the Office of Sustainability and other environmental organizations. The group is always looking for new leaders and friends to lend a hand. UIowa Gardeners The mission is to demonstrate an educational model of sustainable food production and consumption and to address environmental, social, cultural, and economic issues. The garden is nestled on a 1/3 acre plot on the far west campus near the Hawklots and community gardens used by University Apartment residents. Although the garden is not certified organic, the gardeners grow delicious produce following organic practices using no pesticides, herbicides or artificial fertilizers. The gardeners collaborate with the University of Iowa Food Services and sell produce to Iowa Memorial Union for use in the River Room and IMU Catering. Goals include: 1. Create mentoring opportunities for students who want to learn practical skills. 2. Provide sustainably grown produce to the University of Iowa Food Services. 3. Provide options for sustainable food choices and lifestyle practices all UI students. 4. Promote interdisciplinary cooperation between student environmental organizations. 5. Serve as a resource for research and education for students and faculty in all colleges and departments. Sierra Student Coalition The Sierra Student Coalition (SSC) is a broad network of high school and college-aged youth from across the country working to protect the environment. The SSC is the youth-led chapter of the Sierra Club, the nation's oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. (www.ssc.sierraclub.org). The mission is simple: "to train, empower, and organize youth to run effective campaigns that result in tangible environmental victories and that develop leaders for the environmental movement." The priorities of UI SSC will parallel that of the nationwide SSC. The UI SSC will, above all, empower students to realize and unleash their sense of power and responsibility to make or influence real change--the changes that today’s youth and elders commonly feel are necessary and overdue for a sustainable future. Simply Food The mission is to educate students and promote Real Food. Real Food is locally produced, ecologically sound, fair, and humane. The group discusses and learns about environmental, economical and social issues related to food through volunteering on local farms, cooking classes, local food potlucks, and other fun activities. Take Back the Tap Take Back the Tap, an education and advocacy campaign of Food & Water Watch, is designed to build a movement for protecting and conserving water and ensuring that water management remains in the public domain rather than the hands of private corporations. One of the Take Back the Tap campaign goals is to decrease consumption and sales of bottled water. Rather than buying into the myth of purity in a bottle, consumers should rely on safe water from the tap.

Engineers for a Sustainable World - designed and installed 4 rain gardens on campus over the past three years. Environmental Coalition - held a lecture series bringing sustainability-related speakers to campus in Spring 2013. UIowa Gardeners - over the past three years, this group launched a student-run organic garden and contracted with UI Housing and Dining Services for sale of produce. Take Back the Tap - conducted a public taste test of bottled versus tap water this Spring 2013.