Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids
Alliant Energy's Environmental Education programs include the Speakers Bureau and Alliant Energy Kids. The Speakers Bureau relies on Alliant Energy employee volunteers to visit sixth grade through college classrooms and present on a chosen topic. Alliant Energy Kids stresses energy safety and conservation for upper-elementary students. Teachers, businesses or community groups can choose from a variety of topics including Electricity 101, Energy & the Environment, Renewable Energy, Kid's Conservation, and Kid's Safety.
Iowa Storm Water Education Program (Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities), Ankeny
The Iowa Storm Water Education Program (IWSEP), administered by the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities, is a statewide service that creates and provides educational resources that address storm water quality and quantity and watershed management to member communities, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, storm water consultants and educational institutions. ISWEP staff develop Iowa-specific educational resources and package them in a kit that is provided to members. Materials in the kit may include brochures, fact sheets, CDs, DVDs, magnets, posters, rain gauges or downspouts. These items are then distributed to promote awareness-building and behavioral change related to water quality and stream and lake protection and improvement.
Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center, Cedar Falls
The Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center implemented the "Get Your Green On" program in September 2008 at Lincoln Elementary in Cedar Falls. The program incorporates the importance of reduction, reuse and recycling; water quality and conservation; natural resource and energy conservation; and landfill education to promote a green lifestyle to elementary students and is the only one of its kind in Iowa. Recycling bins for paper have been placed in each classroom, and janitorial staff members have reported a 25 percent decrease in solid waste, a 50 percent increase in cardboard recycling and a 150 percent increase in paper recycling since the program began. Students have been encouraged by the recycling figures collected through their efforts, including more than 2,300 pounds of paper and 50,000 plastic milk cartons.
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Alliant Energy, Cedar Rapids
Following the devastating floods of 2008, Alliant Energy crafted a post-flood program centered on helping its customers rebuild green to save money, conserve energy and protect the environment. The multi-pronged program included a 50 percent increase on energy efficiency rebates for flood-affected customers when energy efficient equipment is purchased; the Go Green Palo program for Palo residents, encouraging a whole-house approach to rebuilding and offering customer-specific rebuilding plans and personalized advice; the Flood Relief program committed more than $300,000 to agencies across the state to replace major appliances in low- to moderate-income homes. Alliant also provided FEMA homes 10,000 Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs, saving customers an estimated $10 per month on their electric bill.
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