FeedsGreen Fair to feature speakers, music, exhibits
The journey to an organic lifestyle is not made by leaps and bounds, but through a series of small steps.
“The goal is to present small things that in turn that will make a big difference…leads to a better world for everybody,” said Karen Patterson of the Institute of Humane Education. She will be among 17 eco-friendly experts and scholars who will give presentations on the environmental, health and financial benefits of “going green” during the inaugural Green Street Fair.
The fair, which will take place in downtown Plymouth May 3-4, will use a festival type atmosphere to blend civic and business leaders with artisans and entertainers in an effort to educate the public on environmentally conscious products and materials. All presentations will take place at the Penn Theater, located across from Kellogg Park and are free to the public.
Patterson’s presentation, Your Diet: How What You Eat Can Change the World, will focus on the impact of factory farming to the environment as well as ways families can integrate more organic foods into their diet.
While admitting that organic foods, or foods grown or maintained without the use of chemical pesticides or hormones, is more expensive than products from a regular farm due to government subsidies. Patterson said families can still add organic food to their kitchens without breaking their budgets.
“If families can start integrating a little (organic food), any small step can help,” said the Canton Township resident.
Lisa Scramblin, of the Lansing-based Michigan Corn Association, said organic materials can not only fuel the body, but also our vehicles.
Scramblin, who will present a workshop on ethanol, a clear and colorless alcohol fuel made from corn. She said that 50 percent of the gas used by motorist in the United States is blended with ethanol, which in addition works to cut down fuel cost as well as protect the environment.
“Where as fossil fuels, releasing carbon that has not been in the atmosphere in millions of years, the carbon that is in the corn is already in the atmosphere,” she added.
Unlike oil, which often comes from outside the country, Scramblin said America has an ample supply of corn to use for food and fuel, leading to less dependence on oil-producing countries.
Jason Stevens Corvidae, from the Warming Center, a non-profit organization in Detroit that works with builders, construction companies and developers on how to create structures that are energy efficient said that “green building” could also cut down on utility costs.
Corvidae in his presentation, Intro into Green Building or Saving Cash by Saving Energy will encourage attendees to switch to energy efficient or environmentally friendly light bulbs, insulating walls and windows, among other tips.
“They will save on their bills and make their house healthier,” he added.
More than 100,00 from throughout western Wayne County and southeastern Michigan are expected to attend the two-day festival said Green Fair organizers. The event will include exhibits, music, food and interactive activities.
The fair begins at 10 a.m. and will conclude at 7 p.m. on May 3. Events will open at 10 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. on May 4. For a complete list of presenters, visit www.greenstreetfair.com
