My research has been about finding the projects undertaken by non profits and businesses in an effort to make Philadelphia greener. To my delight, there are a lot. A lot of people are working very hard to secure a better future for themselves and their city. These efforts include local food projects, planting green spaces, clean up projects, alternative transportation, and regional planning projects. Where does one start?
I received an email that the GoGreen Expo was coming to town on March 14th. They needed volunteers. I signed up. I was excited to help and hopefully learn a little more about what was going on in Philadelphia. I arrived ready and rearing to go. I assumed I’d be running around all day, setting up displays, finding this or that for an exhibitor. Actually, I had no idea what I’d be doing, they never told me, and I didn’t ask.
Well, I ended up in front of a computer all day signing in the exhibitors, speakers, attendees, etc. No one wanted to talk, they were in a hurry to get to their booth’s. I will admit, I was a little disappointed and a lot bored. I was situated just outside the expo, and could only see a few booths. It was like not getting into a concert, you can hear the music faintly, but can’t see anything worthwhile.
So, after sitting at the computer for almost 6 hours it was my turn to take a spin through the expo. At this point some had packed it in for the day, the speaker panels had finished up, and I was out of energy. But, I made the most of it. I made sure I checked out every booth. Some had samples of organic chocolate (highlight of the expo), granola bars, and tea.
It was not a research bust, though. I spent time talking with a man from Advanced Enviro Solutions in Chester, Pa. They claim to have ”Innovative Solutions for Waste Reduction and Recycling.” I watched a slide show presentation and saw work that had been done here in Philadelphia. They had been contracted to devise a solution for the University of Pennsylvania’s trash problem. They compost and distribute it to local gardening projects. They have reduced overflowing dumpsters by installing movable dumpsters that are taken directly to a compactor in site.
I spoke with the folks from Grid Magazine who were excited to have just released their second issue. The magazine is full of information regarding sustainable issues in the city. They talk to prominent members of the community, like Philadelphia’s Director of Sustainability, Mark Alan Hughes. Bob Pierson, who won a Philadelphia Sustainability Award, will keep the readers updated on what foods are local and in season. It also offers helpful advice for your home, or how you can get involved.
There were lots of home improvement/remodeling exhibitors at the expo. That’s because there are lots of different things that can be done to a home these days to make it either more efficient, or made from earth friendly materials. They had bathrooms companies, kitchen counter top companies, bamboo flooring, and more.
I think the expo was a great place to see whats available to consumers. You do have a choice about how earth friendly your home is, your grocery shopping choices are, and your lifestyle is. For more information, or to see a list of companies that exhibited, http://gogreenexpo.com
