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2007 GREEN EXPO SETS ECO-EXAMPLE
Florida Big Bend Green Living & Energy Expo Representative of Green Awakening
CRAWFORDVILLE, Fla. - March 17, 2007 was green for more than one reason in Wakulla County, Fla. Saint Patrick's Day marked the area's first designated Green Day and the first Big Bend Green Living and Energy Expo, sponsored by the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) and the Wakulla County Extension. Drawing more than 600 visitors to Riversprings Middle School, the Expo is representative of the green awakening taking place around the world.
In an effort to promote sustainability, the Board of County Commissioners of Wakulla County passed and adopted a resolution declaring March 17, 2007, Wakulla County Green Day. According to Michelle Adamski, primary Expo organizer with the UF IFAS Extension, the time is right for an event like this. She said the energy could be felt from everyone in attendance and that people are hungry for practical everyday solutions.
"The bottom line is you save money with sustainable features and improve your way of life," Adamski explained. "You don't have to be an environmentalist to adopt sustainable behavior."
Expectations from the event's coordinators were met and exceeded. Visitors from adjoining counties and even those from out of state took part in 24 different workshops, leaving standing room only. The free Expo featured 40 exhibitors, all featuring ways to reduce people's impact on the environment, save money and become an eco-consumer. Information on creating backyard habitats, nitrogen-reducing septic systems and organizing organic garden cooperative were just some of the topics.
One of the literal highlights of the day was a light bulb exchange, giving people the opportunity to trade in standard bulbs for energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. In addition, an old-fashioned meter allowed visitors to plug in both bulbs and witness a side-by-side comparison of the dramatic contrast in energy efficiency - the CFL bulb performing best.
Wakulla County's resource-rich surroundings and bio-diverse environment made it an appropriate event location. Following the Expo, a Green Building and Garden Tour included more than 20 green homes and businesses, some with native-plant landscaping or organic vegetable gardens. Adamski said the tour made it easier to educate people on the process of incorporating sustainable behaviors into their lives since they were able to see it first-hand.
Hopes for the 2008 Expo include maintaining its regional location but also drawing participants from larger regions. This year's success has contributors already planning ways to make this annual event bigger and better.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Employment Opportunity - Affirmative Action Employer authorized to provide research, educational information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA, IFAS, AND BOARDS OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS COOPERATING.