EcoFest Fun

Woodstock 1969 was sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll.  Westport’s EcoFest 2009 was biofuel, LED light bulbs — and rock ‘n’ roll.

That’s what 40 years will do.

Yesterday’s event — sponsored by Staples’ Club Green, and funded by Westport’s Green Village Initiative — drew an unexpectedly enormous turnout to the Levitt Pavilion.  Teenagers, families with toddlers, a few folks who looked like they just woke up from Woodstock — all enjoyed a relaxed but involved gathering of eco-friendly Westporters.

Along with free food (environmentally correct napkins!) and great music (not too loud — watch the power grid!), there was information on saving gas, reducing electricity and recycling trash.  But it was low-key, not PC; even Rush Limbaugh would have been chill.

An eco-friendly crowd enjoys Westport's EcoFest. Informational posters can be seen in the background.

Club Green co-vice president Melanie Yemma was elated.

“We’re a small group, but we’ve done a lot this year,” she said.  “We got solar panels at Staples, and helped with the plastic bag ban.  We have reusable water bottles at Staples, and we’re starting the edible garden next week.

“Today it’s just great to see so many different types of people here, having so much fun.”

Staples senior Glenn Friedman proudly showed off the circus bus he bought in Vermont.  He’s converting it to run on waste vegetable oil.  The interior is being built with recycled materials.  The back will contain an organic greenhouse.   A rooftop solar panel will run lights.  He’ll display his bus at schools, green technology conventions and farmers’ markets, as a superb example of Westport’s commitment to sustainability.

If Glenn lived 40 years ago, who knows what he’d have done at Woodstock.

Glenn Friedman poses on the hood of his school bus. He's converting it into a completely sustainable vehicle, using green technology and his own ingenuity.

Taber Onthank entertains at Eco-Fest.