Greenzone Online

Having been away at college, as an environment lover, I was spoiled by my campus, where I could find several groups of people who shared my ideals and concerns. Though I was slightly out of the loop, when I returned to my Midwestern hometown, I found the city to be completely regressive in comparison, years behind setting up the sorts of programs Champaign-Urbana had.

That’s why I was surprised to find out that the Illinois Renewable Association, a non-profit organization in northern Illinois that supports sustainable energy development in the area, was hosting a sustainable lifestyle fair in a neighboring town. And not only were they hosting it, but it was their 7th year managing such an event.

This fair was unlike the ones held in my college Union, where environmental studies students would display their projects, a few authority figures from around the nation would speak, and fancy (non-organic) cheeses and meats would be served. This weekend’s fair was responsible version of your childhood county fair. Sure, there were exhibits and keynote speakers, but there was more. The Sustainable Lifestyle Fair featured actual organic and natural local food vendors instead of the more typical fried dough and jumbo corn dogs fare. Visitors could bid on an electric car that was up for auction.

In the carnival spirit, the hands-on element of the fair set it apart from a dry, purely academic event. Various workshops encouraged attendees to participate in their environmental education. Children created and raced their own solar-powered cars and were taught to build their own solar ovens. Plus, bands who support sustainableculture, played music for the crowds. The fair’s organizers also set up a rideshare program to get to and from the fairgrounds.

I’m not sure how many other communities organize events such as this, but I believe that a mixture of fun and education will help to spread the message that sustainable living can be achievable to cynics. Engagement helps allow groups to inform, without appearing preachy.