We took several days this week to travel to the Living Green Expo at the state fairgrounds. There were over 300 exhibitors from varying aspects of sustainability. We met with designers of Passiv houses, local farmers, and even an organic dog food company. It showed that there are varying ways to promote sustainability and different ways to promote environmental stewardship.
Some made more sense than others. For every educational booth that promoted Complete Streets, there was a jewelry maker that reused street signs and made bracelets and rings. For every insulation peddler who was more interested in making a sale than using earth-friendly products, there were magnet schools that included sustainability in their curriculum.
There were demonstrations of electric-assisted bicycles, Segways and the electric Tesla Roadster. This was encouraging, simply because it showed the different ways that, at least locally, one was able to jump away from non-renewable-energy-dependent transportation.
There were musicians, dancers, food booths and art displays that promoted green living. Organic pizzas cooked in a cob oven were the order of the day. Authentic Mexican dancing brought people to their feet with the message of reverence towards the Earth as much as the driving drum and rhythm. Children were encouraged to make Mother's Day gifts with reusable scraps of fabric.
It was an educational vist, as well. We attended several seminars that ranged from backyard composting to sustaining a local farm to school program. We left with a better understanding that sustainability is something that can be achieved through many different avenues. Moreover, we walked away encouraged that we are not alone in the movement.
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