Celebrating the Earth

Even though Earth Day has passed, find ways to celebrate the earth all month long! There are still many events going on in the community and on campus that promote a sustainable, beautiful world. The following are just a few of the things you can do to celebrate the earth you love.

APRIL 27

Arbor Day

Iowa State University Department of Residence SAVE Ongoing ISU Campus

The Department of Residence and Central Stores collects gently used clothing, furniture and working electronics and unopened, non-perishable food items from students during spring semester move-out. The food items will be donated to either Bethesda or MICA food pantries. The clothing, furniture and electronics will be donated to Goodwill allowing items to be reused and keeping them out of the landfills.

Yard Waste Free Day 8AM-4PM Chamness Technology

Participants may dispose of yard waste, lawn clippings, branches, shrubs or brush

Iowa Naturally Preview Weekend 9AM-4:30PM

Tour the Gardens and enjoy garden inspired sculpture created by artists with Iowa ties. Ten to fifteen sculptures will be nestled in the landscape creating beautiful displays sure to inspire. See something you like? All the sculptures in this juried show will be for sale with a portion benefiting the Gardens.

Arbor Day at the Arboretum 10AM-1PM Story County Arboretum

Join Charity Nebbe, host of Iowa Public Radio’s Talk of Iowa, as she plants a tree at the Arboretum. Free trees will be given away during the event. Activities include paper making, wood turning, beekeeping and more. Joan Klostermann-Ketels will be signing her book Personali Trees. Free to the public.

Organic Sale Wheatsfield

Save 10% on certified organic products throughout the store (on items not already on sale, non-members save 5%). In addition, meet with environmentally-minded groups from around the community.

APRIL 28

Iowa State University Department of Residence SAVE Ongoing ISU Campus

The Department of Residence and Central Stores collects gently used clothing, furniture and working electronics and unopened, non-perishable food items from students during spring semester move-out. The food items will be donated to either Bethesda or MICA food pantries. The clothing, furniture and electronics will be donated to Goodwill allowing items to be reused and keeping them out of the landfills.

Iowa Naturally Preview Weekend 9AM-4:30PM

Tour the Gardens and enjoy garden inspired sculpture created by artists with Iowa ties. Ten to fifteen sculptures will be nestled in the landscape creating beautiful displays sure to inspire. See something you like? All the sculptures in this juried show will be for sale with a portion benefiting the Gardens.

APRIL 29

Iowa State University Department of Residence SAVE Ongoing ISU Campus

The Department of Residence and Central Stores collects gently used clothing, furniture and working electronics and unopened, non-perishable food items from students during spring semester move-out. The food items will be donated to either Bethesda or MICA food pantries. The clothing, furniture and electronics will be donated to Goodwill allowing items to be reused and keeping them out of the landfills.

Story County Youth Volunteer Awards 7:00-8:30PM Sun Room and South Ballroom, Memorial Union

Celebrate the young volunteers of Story County at this reception!

APRIL 30

Iowa State University Department of Residence SAVE Ongoing ISU Campus

The Department of Residence and Central Stores collects gently used clothing, furniture and working electronics and unopened, non-perishable food items from students during spring semester move-out. The food items will be donated to either Bethesda or MICA food pantries. The clothing, furniture and electronics will be donated to Goodwill allowing items to be reused and keeping them out of the landfills.

The Green Umbrella Memorial Union Food Court Fundraiser 3:30-7PM Memorial Union

Support the Green Umbrella by purchasing food in the food court! A portion of your purchase will go back to the organization and help create sustainable events on campus!

Green Your Spring Cleaning

Whether it’s your house, apartment or dorm, it’s that time of year when you’re ready to throw open the windows, roll your sleeves up and start cleaning. But as much as we can appreciate the seemingly magical effect cleaners have on dirty spaces, have you ever stopped to wonder, “How do these products so easily turn grime into shine?”

Just as it’s important to look at food labels to really understand what you’re putting into your body, you should also consider seeing what ingredients and chemicals make up your household cleaning products. Even though those products can leave a room sparkling clean, you should be aware of what else you might be exposing yourself to after the work is done.

As an alternative this year, consider making your own cleaning products. You’ll save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals. 

AIR FRESHENERS - BAKING SODA & LEMON
1. Dissolve 1/8 cup of baking soda into 2 cups hot water
2. Add in 1/2 cup lemon juice
3. Fill in spray bottle

OR

1. Cut up peels of fresh lemon
2. Place on top of 1 cup baking soda* in a clean plastic-lidded container
3. Punch holes in lid

*Baking soda is great at absorbing odors, and lemons infuse a fresh citrus aroma into the air





WINDOW & MIRROR CLEANER
1. Put 1/4 cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and fill to top with water
2. Spray on surface
3. Rub with a cotton cloth, other lint-free rag, or sheets of newspaper. 





TUB & SINK CLEANER
1. Use baking soda in place of scouring powder
2. Sprinkle on porcelain fixtures and rub with a wet rag
3. Add Castil Soap or Murphy's Oil Soap to the rag for more cleaning power
4. Rinse well to avoid leaving a hazy film






ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER
For spots on linoleum, tile, and woodwork:
1. Add a drop of Murphy's Oil Soap on a wet washcloth
2. Rub briskly. A washcloth will last longer and create less waste than a sponge.