Green Event  

By Rita Cook     

Now in its fifth year, Dallas’ annual Green Fest is once again poised to be the perfect way for folks not only in Dallas, but in North Texas to learn about some of the latest and greatest things going on in the world of eco-friendly. An educational street fair that celebrates Pollution Prevention week, Green Fest is part of the City of Dallas’ environmental outreach efforts.
                       
The festival is presented each year by the Office of Environmental Quality, which in brief is “committed to protecting and improving the environment by leading and guiding the City of Dallas in our efforts on environmental compliance, pollution prevention and continual improvement.”


“You can reduce your footprint, too,” says Sustainability Coordinator at City of Dallas, Kevin Lefebvre, in regard to the benefits of attending this year’s Green Fest.  And, as in years past the festival will feature “Hands on activities for adults and children, give-aways and the opportunity to buy from local producers to support the Dallas economy,” Lefebvre says also adding that there have been different features each year at the Green Fest event depending on the latest trends, products and information available. (photo Keven Lefebvre) 

This year will be no different offering a host of new trends as well.  In fact, Lefebvre says he believes that for 2012 the festival will feature as many as 40 to 60 local artists and vendors participating.  From local artists showcasing their many green products locally made to vendors helping to educate the public in regard to energy efficiency and conservation, alternative energy sources, water conservation, alternative transportation, Trinity River watershed protection, bicycling and trails, gardening and community gardens, bee and chicken keeping, recycling and composting, electronics recycling, rainwater harvesting and reuse and just general overall sustainable living whatever the question, there will likely be an answer at the event.

As well, there will be schools and advocacy groups on hand for discussion too.

Also on tap will be a recycled fashion show in which designers can design their own outfits using recycled products, clothing or fabrics and show off their creations on stage at Green Fest.  The fashion show will be followed by a live, local cover band playing music and of course, lots of food, a kid’s zone and classes and demonstrations showcasing the importance of a greener lifestyle for all.

“We would like people to know they have the power to change their relationship with the planet and leave [the festival] with the skills to make it happen,” Lefebvre concludes.

What: 2012 Dallas Green Fest
Where: Main Street Garden in Downtown Dallas at Main and St. Paul Streets
When: Friday, September 21, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
For more information visit www.greendallas.net

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Rita Cook is an award winning journalist who writes or has written for the Dallas Morning News, Focus Daily News, Waxahachie Daily Light, Dreamscapes Travel Magazine, Porthole, Core Media, Fort Worth Star Telegram and many other publications in Los Angeles, Dallas and Chicago.  With five books published, her latest release is “A Brief History of Fort Worth” published by History Press.  You can contact her at rcook13@earthlink.net