Dance Marathon partnered with the UI Office of Sustainability to make the Big Event more environmentally friendly.
By Kit Fitzgerald
The sustainability committee for Dance Marathon works behind the scenes to make the Big Event and other events clean and eco-friendly.
“We are the only Dance Marathon across the country that has a sustainability committee, so that’s unique,” said Colleen Little, member of the Dance Marathon sustainability committee. “It’s an aspect a lot of people don’t think about.”
Little said the different jobs of the committee at the Big Event include sorting compost, recycling, and landfill, refilling water jugs for the dancers, and providing the family meals.
“Our committee is in charge of the ‘Disney experience,’ ” Committee Chair Matt Hoffman said. “We want to make sure everyone’s having a good time and have all the stuff they need and everything seems like it’s working without anyone doing it.”
But the role of the committee goes far beyond tonight’s event, said Hannah Fink, another member of the sustainability committee. The committee has been working on a three-year strategic plan for future sustainability teams for Dance Marathon to follow.
Fink will be an alumna next year, and is excited to come back and see how the committee grows and how future Hawkeyes make it better.
“Huge goals include meals at the events being completely sustainable or partially sustainable, teaching [dancers] about recycling options, and even fundraising options,” Fink said. “There’s canning, going door-to-door for money, and we’ve discussed asking people for physical cans because taking those to the redemption center can certainly add up.”
Hoffman said his committee hopes to share their three-year plan with Dance Marathons across the country.
“We want to spread the word as much as we can,” Hoffman said. “Let everyone know what we’ve been doing and our plans for the future.”
According to Hoffman, the University of Iowa Office of Sustainability has been working closely with the Dance Marathon committee. They are always helping and providing ideas for the team, he said.
“It’s an awesome partnership,” Hoffman said. “We all just want to help the environment while helping our kiddos and their families.”