It’s our favorite time of the year. Time to reconnect with the Earth, pat yourself on the back for the changes you’ve made and make that new Earth Day resolution. Heck, go outside and pick up some trash! The winter is leaving (hopefully) and underneath all that grime is litter and it isn’t going away. Put on some gloves and go make the day great. We appreciate each and every one of you who does your part.
RecycleMe Iowa is in our 3rd year now (we made it through our terrible two’s! yay!) and we still believe that every day is Earth Day. With all the crazy weather this year, all we ask is for you to be awesome today and join us in our journey of Global Cooling.
Here’s how:
1. Apartment tenants, sign up now!
2. Businesses, get a quote and let us bring the good vibes to your office!
3. Events, zero-waste makes your event less trashy (pun intended)!
Thank you Des Moines for allowing us to have a home here, lets keep greening and growing together!
Last night I had the privilege of hearing James Balog speak at Drake’s Knapp Center. James is a National Geographic photographer who documents climate change. His speech last night focused on the Glaciers that have been melting at an extremely rapid pace which he has documented with 25+ cameras in hand and mounted to rocks in the outdoor climate.*
Breathtaking is a word to describe the photos of his discoveries.
He touched base on three things I want to relate to:
1. Perception
2. #eyeseechange
3. Using your voice
Yes, we know the glaciers are melting but to see how much and how fast was scary. He was able to capture the largest glacier that has ever broke off into the ocean. With a volume loss of 1.8 cubic miles. Compare that to sizes we can relate to… It’s similar to 3000 White Houses falling into the ocean. Watch this video at 16:00min to grasp what that looks like.
Speaking of perspective, James had a slide that said ‘Perception Matters’ and I couldn’t agree more. We MUST change our perception and take steps to reducing our energy consumption. There are a million ways we can do this, so just start doing it! Say no to plastic bags and styrofoam containers, stop being so wasteful and turn off your computer at night. These are easy steps with big impacts. It’s just one step at a time and one foot in front of the other.
James is also using social media and our access to instant images to help the world see these changes. Start taking those photos and use the hashtag #eyeseechange to keep the conversation going. It’s up to each and every one of us to be a part of the solution and extremely easy to do.
We also have another useful tool at our disposal, our voice. He talked about using your voice too. We as human beings have the ability to express complicated thoughts so start speaking up. Say something! Keep telling your boss you want a recycling solution, tell your friend it’s not cool to litter, share your knowledge with others. That is why we have a voice, to share it with others.
There is an incredible group of kids in DSM that are using their voice to make change in their community. Their topics may not be directly related to global warming but they are using their voice to make a positive impact in their schools, their homes and their community. Lucky for you, you have the chance to see how that works tonight at the Hoyt Sherman Place at 6:30. The kids from Movement 515 and RunDSM are hosting their first annual DSM Poetry Slam and believe me these kids have something to say. Come watch how they bravely share their voice and learn how to do it yourself.
Change your perception, make those changes, use your voice and your technology #eyeseechange, come watch these DSM kids for some inspiration tonight and then go watch Chasing Ice. All in a days work of making a difference.
Finally today the sun in shining! Every Iowan rejoices as we see a small glimpse of what warmer weather brings and the overwhelming feeling that love is in the air. Well, I guess Hallmark, jewelry stores and chocolate shops are the ones reminding us that love is in the air but hey is love really a bad thing? If there was more love in the world wouldn’t there be less hate? So, if people had more love for recycling wouldn’t there be less waste? (Yes, Hallmark, I’m available for writing cards.)
With each approaching holiday, celebrated here in the States, always gives me a feeling of uneasiness. I mean who doesn’t like an excuse to dress up, eat good food and have great conversation? If you want to throw in a gift of flowers, chocolate or even a lovely message in a card, please be my guest (we all love gifts at RMI!). However, all of this creates copious amounts of waste and can damage the environment in the process if you don’t choose wisely. No matter how you view the holiday or what you do to celebrate don’t forget to send a little love to Mother Earth in the process.
There are many amazing local restaurants that support your local farmer no matter where you live (Fresh Cafe, Proof, New World Cafe, Cafe di Scala, Gramercy Tap and Gusto to name a few in DSM), fair trade/organic chocolate is available at many stores (Gateway Market, Campbell’s Nutrition and New City Market are some options) along with SO MANY amazing local stores with gifts galore that can swoon over your valentine and not hurt the environment in the process (the entire East Village, Valley Junction and Beaverdale areas not to forget the Roosevelt Shops, The Museum Shop in the Art Center, and massage deals at places like Complete Wellness). As you can see the list can go on and on and on.
As I remind myself that RecycleMe Iowa was born to fight for adequate recycling programs, to ReThink about what we do with our waste and provide individuals with an opportunity to support a valued recycling service no matter what apartment building, small business or event you are connected to. With our love for recycling we are helping create a happier, healthier world, allowing people the opportunity to make a difference every day.
However you choose to share your love this holiday, don’t forget that you have the choice to be a part of the solution and not the problem.
Welcome to the first High-Five Friday of 2013 everyone! Each January people around the world take a moment to reflect on the past year and the habits they formed, which ones they want to change and begin a plan of action to have a better, brighter and more fulfilled new year. As we plan our year at RecycleMe Iowa we too reflected on the past so we can have better, brighter and more filled recycling bins this coming year.
This is what we came up with as we reflected:
1. We have theBEST clients ever. Seriously. We call them our recycling rockstars because they are rockstars. They keep us inspired and motivated so we can continue this great recycling service with a smile. They definitely have gratitude in their attitude for being able to finally have a recycling service provided to them.
3. Team RMI. You’ve brought a new ‘can-do’ attitude to the Des Moines green scene and I couldn’t be prouder and more convinced that we will help the city see how it’s possible to be progressive in the waste industry. Just because we have plenty of land doesn’t mean we want more landfills. We will divert even more waste this year and do so with a smile on our face and end our weeks with High-Five’s on Fridays for a job well done. Onward and Upward to 2013! You rock team RMI!
**To all the business owners, workers, apartment tenants, landlords, team members, green organizations and event planners – Thank you for being awesome, progressive and having a positive attitude knowing that together we can be the change we wish to see in Des Moines.**
Want to join the good vibes movement and create a habit this year your friends won’t ask you to break?
COSC (Center on Sustainable Communities) is a non-profit that was established in 2005 to help individuals, businesses and communities achieve their sustainable priorities. Now for the 4th year in a row, this annual event just keeps getting better. Plus, this year we’re giving out a free ticket! Sign up for our service by Nov 8th for a chance to win free ticket to see some incredible bands and support a local cause helping the community be more sustainable. All other tickets can be purchased at MidwestTix.
Here are my top 5 reasons to attend this years annual fundraiser for Center on Sustainable Communities on Nov. 8th:
1. The Giving Tree Band
Jump on the band wagon, or we should say bike, and becoming a No. 1 fan of The Giving Tree Band. Instruments made from fallen trees, recording their album “Great Possessions” in a solar powered studio, riding their bikes to get there and packaging their album in 100% recycled materials are just a few reasons I can’t wait to enjoy this guilt-free entertainment.
2. Eco-Transport Raffle
We all want to be more eco as we travel to and fro but have excuses for not following through. Here is your chance to take action with a $300 prize and a way to stop giving your money to big oil companies.
3. Tacopocalypse
Sam Auen is cooking up a special Sustain-A-Ball menu for the event with free appetizers for you folks.
5. Chasing Shade
This Iowa City band made headlines this summer when they used solar panels to help bike 300+ pounds of equipment across Iowa for their sustainable tour during RAGBRAI. Come check them out and keep up with their greatness via their Facebook page.
RMI is also selling limited edition COSC t-shirts for $15 so stop by our office and come check them out. Get your tickets soon and see you there!
Dear Santa, Des Moines movers and shakers, Eco-nuts and bolts,
In the spirit of holiday letters and excitement for the new year, I had a moment to reflect on everything that happened this year with RecycleMe Iowa. Wow. This year has flown by! Here is a small glimpse of RMI’s 2011 journey…
Containers for the pilot program were made by talented family members. Thanks BeJes and Spiffany!
We cleaned and lettered a recycling mobile so she could enjoy the open road. Cheers to my Dad, Bro and Maison for being supportive, awesome and helpful in this process.
Since sustainability is the coolest thing in the DSM metro, COSC (Center on Sustainable Communities) had a recycling party so naturally, we helped plan and dominate.
We moved into an awesome office space in the Market Building in the East Village that Mike Kinter, an avid restore guru, helped save from being tore down. High-five to Mike!
Des Moines event coordinators became more conscious and New Belgium Brewery became one of our new best friends as we helped inspire recyclers at events in DSM and Charolette, NC. We are grateful for your sustainable role model ways NBB. Clink. Cheers!
We added more eco-minds to the team and celebrated sustainability with COSC’s annual EVERGREEN fundraiser to end the year with a bang.
RMI has grown from a tiny little seed planted in one mind to an incredible organization making a difference. Having high sustainable standards while having fun in the process makes this feel more like a movement than a job. Thus, the results have spoken for themselves; recyclable materials no longer want to OCCUPY the landfill.
This movement is only possible because of the love and support from so many individuals and organizations who carry the same desire; we can always do better for the community and protect the environment in the process. The overall community aspiration to make Des Moines greener and greater has been my #1 inspiration to keep fighting the good fight. Thanks everyone!
Amidst the chaos of moving into the office, a coffee mug was found that stated “Teamwork makes the Dreamwork” and it couldn’t be more true. It has become part of our motto. Cheers to Shena for finding the inspirational mug!
I can speak for the team when I say that we are all motivated, inspired and super excited for 2012. (Many surprises await.) Let’s kick trash and take names all year long 515! It’s up to each one of us to make the difference. Here are some ways you can do your part.
Apartment tenants – sign up for the service (or tell a friend) if you haven’t already
Small Businesses – consultations are free, join the club by contacting us at info@recyclemeiowa.com
Event Cordinators – add waste diversion to this years budget! We look forward to connecting with you
Volunteers – sign up to party with us for a gig next year
Everyone else – stay inspired by us throughout the year and keep up to date: (FB & Twitter)
Whether you have been naughty or nice, enjoy the rest of the year to the fullest. We appreciate all of you for keeping the fire fueled as we make 515 more sustainable and more fun.
Now, hold up your eggnog and sip with me,
Cheers from the Chief Recycling Officer and the RMI gang!
Special thanks goes to the following for so much love and support. I couldn’t have done this without you. Much much love!
The entire team of RMI, all of our Recycling Rockstars, Ninja’s and Rangers, Grubbs, KP, Mom, Dad, Bro, BeJes, Spiffany, Carrie Boyle, Hammie, Zoe, Jason Esler, the COSC crew, Pete, Jenny Vollenweider, Becca, Shena, Ved, Becke, Holz, Matt F, Schminkels, Mark Miner, Ryan Ellsworth, Paul Nemmers, Patrick Dinville, Kasey Pfeifer, Chris Cook, Amber P, Farmer Jennie, Dudley, Jess Barge, Lindsey Turner, Jamie Cunningham, Anne, G-rat, Janet Mead, Emily Beumer, Kate the Great, Joanna & New Belgium Brew Crew, Tee & Adventure Fit Clan, Klinton, Chris, Bobbie Jo, 28205, Bryan Sanford, Josh Burmeister, Amber Duimstra, Matt Guess, and insert your name here.
A special shout out to Angela Clark. If it weren’t for you, this journey would have never happened. Des Moines and myself thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We cleaned and lettered a recycling mobile so she could enjoy the open road. Cheers to my Dad, Bro and Maison for being supportive, awesome and helpful in this process.
Since sustainability is the coolest thing in the DSM metro, COSC (Center on Sustainable Communities) had a recycling party so naturally, we helped plan and dominate.
We moved into an awesome office space in the Market Building in the East Village that Mike Kinter, an avid restore guru, helped save from being tore down. High-five to Mike!
Des Moines event coordinators became more conscious and New Belgium Brewery became one of our new best friends as we helped inspire recyclers at events in DSM and Charolette, NC. We are grateful for your sustainable role model ways NBB. Clink. Cheers!
planted in one mind to an incredible organization making a difference. Having high sustainable standards while having fun in the process makes this feel more like a movement than a job. Thus, the results have spoken for themselves; recyclable materials no longer want to OCCUPY the landfill.
