If you’re looking for an online outlet to help you save, look no further—West Des Moines-based SmartyPig.com does just that. The company’s founder came up with the idea to incorporate a social aspect with saving money via the Web in January 2007; the site launched in April 2008. “We’re changing people’s lives and how they save money,” Ferrari says.
Read the full story »By Olivia Lansing
You’ve probably done it. You probably still do it. We’re all guilty of one garbage crime or another. But those dead batteries or empty ink cartridge you tossed in the trash could have devastating effects on our air, water, and soil. Helping the environment can be as easy as thinking twice about what you throw away. These three household items should never see the bottom of your garbage can.
Batteries
The Problem: It’s hard to believe that one little battery could truly make that big of a difference in the grand scheme of things. But the truth of the matter is that batteries contain cadmium, lead, potassium hydroxide, and other toxic components that can cause reproductive disorders and kidney, liver, and neurological dysfunctions. These toxins are so severe that throwing away batteries is actually illegal in California
The Solution: The best way to dispose of batteries is to drop them off at your local hazardous waste disposal site. In Des Moines, Clean Harbors accepts batteries and other household hazardous waste items. Place used batteries individually in zipper storage bags—even a dead battery can create a spark when it touches another battery. Read the full story »
In an attempt to stifle distractions while driving, the Iowa Legislature recently passed a law that bans texting while driving. But despite early support for the bill, many are less than enthusiastic about its actual effectiveness. Whether it will be enforced or not will be shown in time. But as of now, Iowa drivers can expect pay a $30 fine if caught sending a text message while on the road.
At the Des Moines Bicycle Collective, they believe “an old bike is a good friend.” The shop’s volunteers unite around a single goal: making bikes accessible to all members of the Des Moines community. And though the volunteers and customers at the Collective may come from different backgrounds, they do have one thing in common: a passion for making something new out of something that’s been a little bit “loved.”
Where secure job opportunities once stood, today’s economic uncertainty has left students wondering whether bills will be all that’s waiting for them after graduation. Recent cuts to financial aid programs have left current students trapped in a financial aid nightmare, unable to pay for classes they’re already attending and for residence halls they’re already living in.
In honor of her mother’s memory, Glenda Elliott did what she could to raise awareness of breast cancer, which took her mother’s life. It wasn’t until a group of women asked her company to design a T-shirt that Elliott found a way to put her talents to use in the fight against breast cancer.
