University of Northern Iowa
University of Northern Iowa
Site designed by Tom Brazelton
Updated: February 2001
In spite of the unprecedented levels of stuff in our lives, Americans are not any happier today than at the turn of century. Instead, many people live at a pace that seems too fast and full of stress. Bankruptcies and other measures of financial insecurity continue to grab headlines even in times of economic prosperity. 

The high levels of consumption that underlie these conditions are also of environmental concern. For every product produced, there are environmental impacts ranging from air and water pollution to solid waste generation. When Americans simplify, they often save money, improve the quality of their lives, and have a positive impact on the environment. 

Under the direction of Susan Salterberg, the CEEE has been working on the waste reduction, sustainable consumption, and simplicity issues. Simple Living Initiatives has developed a variety of tools to help Americans simplify. They include: 

* Tabletop exhibits, available on loan
* Simplifying for Wellness curriculum packet
* Waste Reduction: Addressing the Overlooked "R" curriculum packet
* Presentations & train-the-trainers by staff members 
* Brochures and other literature

Funding for these projects has been graciously provided by the Merck Family Fund, Milton, Massachusetts; the Recycling & Reuse Technology Transfer Center, Cedar Falls, Iowa; the Iowa Department of Education REAP Conservation Education Program, Des Moines, Iowa; and Region VII-U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Kansas City, Kansas. 

For more information contact:

Simple Living Initiatives
Center for Energy & Environmental Education 
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0293
Susan Salterberg or (319) 273-2573

The Recycling and Reuse Technology Transfer Center at the University of Northern Iowa and REAP CEP from the Iowa Department of Education have provided funding support for the development of this web site.