This new book– Sacrifice State: Iowa Voices on Environment and Justice – speaks to the current and amplifying issues of environmental conditions in the state, while highlighting the unique beliefs and experiences of those who were interviewed. We hope this book leaves an impression of unity, despite the conflicting opinions and beliefs in this book, as the underlying environmental conditions affect us all. We acknowledge that this book cannot possibly grasp the true diversity of this state, but we believe this book still captures the array of challenges, tensions, triumphs, and dreams of those interviewed.

IEC and Drake University faculty and students partnered to examine water quality and justice issues through the lens of environmental science and policy, creative writing, and philosophy.  Dr. Carol Spaulding-Kruse, a fiction and nonfiction author, used her expertise in guiding conversations about how to address a complex societal problem alongside multiple cohorts of student-led interviews. The project created a space for dialogue between diverse Iowans and advancing the conversation around Iowa’s evolving environment.

Watch a VIDEO about the book.

Co-hosted by Drake Community Press and Iowa Environmental Council.