“Sustainability” is a big part of EcoFest’s message.
But for its 1st 2 years, the townwide environmental exhibition/music festival produced by Staples’ Club Green could not sustain itself.
This year’s free event — set for tomorrow (Saturday, June 11, 12-5:30 p.m.) at the Levitt Pavilion — is as sustainable as its message.
After 2 years of help from Green Village Initiative and CL&P, this year the student organizers looked for business sponsors. Included are New England Smart Energy, Terex, Chevy Volt, Tauck-Romano, and GVI.
“We wanted to show the public who really cares about the environment,” says spokesman Ben Meyers. “To wash your car, go to Westport Wash & Wax — they’ve got solar panels.” Car wash credits are one of EcoFest’s raffle prizes.
“The music and green message has always been there,” Ben notes. “But this year the club really wanted to make sure to hit the ‘eco’ part. It’s all about getting more products and things that people can use.”
Over 30 vendors will sell sustainable products, offer options like solar and wind energy, and provide low-key educational activities.
Plus: face painting, recycling racing, create-your-own-green cleaning products, raffles of cool environmental movies, and more.
Also on tap: food and drinks from the likes of Skinny Pines organic pizza, Planet Fuel organic juice drinks, and Steaz teas.
The Staples cheerleaders support EcoFestClub Green will sell its own organic t-shirts, and BPA-free water bottles. Two electric cars -- a Tesla and Chevy Volt -- will be displayed.
Meyers says that Fairfield County is “one of the worst CO2-emitting areas in the world.” The average local resident uses twice the amount as the average American — and 9 times more than the average Chinese (52 tons per year, versus 6 in China).
“One reason is our big houses, and how we insulate, heat and light them,” Meyers says.
Tomorrow, turn off your lights. Shut the a/c. Head to the Levitt, for the 3rd annual EcoFest.
Hopefully, you’ll get there by hybrid or electric vehicle.
Or on bike. Or foot.
