Below is a list of potential presentation topics. Simple Living Initiatives’ staff members are willing to work with your organization to adapt a presentation to meet your specific needs.

Waste Reduction: Addressing the Overlooked “R”  
The good news: Recycling rates have skyrocketed.  The bad news: Even with increased recycling rates, waste sent to disposal facilities is 25% higher than in 1960.  What are the causes?  Where are the opportunities to address this problem?  Who is already addressing this issue?       

Are Waste Professionals Ready to Help Americans Re-think the American Dream? 
—Making a case for “not-so-big” and “not-so-much”
Debt, stress, waste and over-consumption are barriers to a sustainable, high quality of life.  Learn about the relationship between these issues and how to generate conversation about a new American dream.   

Waste Reduction:  Tools to Address the Overlooked “R”
Learn about tools that can help you educate about waste reduction. Videos, study guides, books, and curriculum materials for all ages are examples of the resources available to you. Many organizations are also addressing this issue, and you’ll discover which organizations are doing what. 

Using “Simplicity” to Educate New Audiences about Waste Reduction
Do you feel you are “preaching to the choir?” Are you looking for ways to reach those that aren’t committed to environmental concerns? Learn how to use topics such as clutter and financial management to educate about recycling and waste reduction—and reach a new audience.  
In this session, you will receive a sampling of materials that you can use to help educate.  You will also learn about displays that are available on loan to help you reach new audiences.

Waste Reduction:  A Discussion of the Barriers to Educating about Sustainable Consumption, and How to Overcome Them
Because of traditional economic assumptions that increased consumption is necessary for a healthy economy and the cultural assumption that “more is better,” consumption is the elephant in the environmental movement’s living room.  Yet, some scientists believe that it would take four planets for everyone in the world to live as Americans do.  What do we do?  
This interactive session will look at the barriers to educating about sustainable consumption, and how to overcome them.  

Simplifying the Holidays
For some Americans, the holiday season is a happy time spent with loved ones.  Others may have high hopes for having meaningful and joyful holidays, but financial strains, overbooked schedules, inflated expectations, and other issues get in the way.  This is not just a season for joy, but a time of over-consumption and waste.  Americans throw about 25% more trash than normal during the holidays season, and 10-35% of Americans’ gift budgets is spent on unwanted gifts. 
Learn about resources to help you educate the public about waste-reducing ways to enjoy the holiday. 

Addressing Waste Reduction in Grades 7-12
Learn about a pilot test conducted in the Midwest using a variety of curriculum resources to educate about waste reduction.  What worked? What didn’t?  What did teachers and students say about the lessons and the resources? 

Learn how you can help integrate these materials into the classroom.

Click here for more information about potential presentation topics about simplifying.
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To learn more about presentations or train-the-trainer workshops for your organization, contact:
Simple Living Initiatives
Center for Energy & Environmental Education 
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0293

ceee@cns.uni.edu. . . or . . . 319/273-2573