Embracing Green: Iowa Moves Forward with Renewable Energy & Green Organizations

Iowa is known for tall corn stalks, college football and the legendary Iowa State Fair. Iowa is also making strides towards becoming a green state. Iowa currently ranks second in the nation in wind energy capacity according to the American Wind Energy Association. Wind provides electricity to over 900,000 of Iowa's homes. Iowa also leads the nation in ethanol production.

Beyond large scale renewable energy projects, there are several green organizations located throughout the state that are educating Iowans about efforts they can make to help live a more environmentally-friendly lifestyle.

Iowa Green Organizations Invite Individuals and Businesses to Make a Difference

Turn Iowa Green was started with one common goal to help achieve social, environmental and business growth by working together. The group invites members to highlight their green initiatives, success stories and lessons learned with other members. Individuals, businesses and non-profit groups dedicated to helping make Iowa green are invited to join the of the group.

The Iowa Environmental Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Iowa's natural environment. Their mission is to help develop a safe, healthy environment and sustainable future for the state. This green Iowa organization works in public policy and focuses on public education to help protect Iowa's natural resources.

Based in Des Moines, the Center on Sustainable Communities (COSC) strives to educate, empower and engage individuals and communities to promote sustainability. This green organization provides educational workshops and resources to help provide a better, more environmentally-friendly life for all Iowans.

With a focus on renewable energy, the Iowa Renewable Energy Association (I-Renew) is a membership-based, nonprofit organization based in Iowa City. This Iowa green organization hosts workshops throughout the year to teach Iowans about solar hot water systems, basic photovoltaics, small wind systems and more. The group also hosts an annual Energy Expo, each September to highlight green initiatives, renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Individuals and organizations committed to organics can tap into the resources provided by the Iowa Organic Association (IOA) (iowaorganic.org). The Iowa Organic Association is a non-profit group dedicated to advancing organic production and industry in Iowa. The green organization strives to address the needs of organic farmers, educators, consumer, wholesalers, retailers, processors and researchers.

A key part of going green is maximizing the efficiency of our homes. Homeowners can find ways to make their homes more energy efficient by working with the Iowa Energy Center. The Iowa Energy Center website features a full series of booklets homeowners can use to learn about ways to improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Sources:
Turn Iowa Green - http:www.turniowagreen.com
The Iowa Environmental Council - http://www.iaenvironment.org/
Center on Sustainable Communities - http://icosc.com/
Iowa Renewable Energy Association - http://www.irenew.org
Iowa Organici Association - http://www.iowaorganic.org

Iowa Energy Center - Residential Energy Efficiency http://www.energy.iastate.edu/homeseries/index.htm

http://www.iowaorganic.org/