Green Travel Destination: Iowa City, Iowa

In 2008, Iowa City, Iowa was ranked the 18^th greenest city in the United States by Country Home magazine. This vibrant city is home to the University of Iowa and invites visitors with a broad mix of cultural, sporting and other activities. Bike paths, sidewalks and a downtown pedestrian mall make the city bike and pedestrian-friendly.

The city of Iowa City has participated in the "Cities for Climate Protection Campaign" since 2008 and has implemented a number of environmental initiatives including recycling, storm water management, e-waste disposal and a donation program for gently used furniture . Another group focused on green initiatives is the Eco Iowa City group is also focused on providing urban composting, energy conservation, storm water management, smart waste disposal and local food.

The University of Iowa also has implemented a sustainability policy that aims to achieve sustainability in their daily activities and received recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 for their green energy generation. The University of Iowa power plant burns oat hulls to generate energy. The University of Iowa is also listed in "The Princeton Review's Guide to 286 Green Colleges.

Travel Green: Iowa City, Iowa Things to Do

During the summer months, live music, theatrical productions and festivals are featured nearly every weekend in downtown Iowa City. Gardener's can learn about sustainable gardening techniques and meet other avid gardener's at Project Green events held throughout the year. Iowa City hosts a farmer's market May through October which features locally grown organic produce, flowers and arts and crafts. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the Devonian Fossil Gorge and MacBride Natural Recreation Area while in the area. Visitors can enjoy sporting, arts and cultural activities at the University of Iowa.

Dining options are plentiful in Iowa City. A few restaurants to note include the Red Avocado which boasts a vegan, organic menu . Another vegan-friendly restaurant is Masala which offers Indian vegetarian dining. Devotay restaurant builds their menu off locally grown organic foods.

Iowa City is also the site of the 2011 Iowa Renewable Energy Association Symposium and Exposition held April 28-May 1, 2011. The event features speakers and educational seminars that cover everything from energy efficient building, renewable energy, transportation and green building techniques.

If you go to Iowa City, Iowa: A Green Travel Destination

Iowa City is located approximately 230 miles from Chicago, 300 miles from Minneapolis and 115 miles from Des Moines, Iowa. There a number of lodging options in the Iowa City and Coralville area.

Sources:

Project Green http://www.projectgreen.org/

Iowa City Are Chamber of Commerce http://www.iowacityarea.com/

Iowa City's Environmental Initiatives http://www.icgov.org/default/?id=2052

Eco Iowa City Initiatives http://www.icpl.org/eco-iowa-city/

Iowa City Green Drinks http://www.greendrinks.org/IA/IowaCity

Iowa City/Coralville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau - http://www.iowacitycoralville.org/

University of Iowa Sustainability Policy - http://sustainability.uiowa.edu/overview/