Friday, August 20, 2010

Stop by renewable energy festival if you're near Kempton, Pa.

It may be on the opposite side of the country from California, but another group with goals similar to the San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Organization is getting the word out on the benefits of going green.

The Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association for the sixth time plans its Pennsylvania Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Festival on Sept. 17 to 19 in Kempton, Pa. Organizers say the event draws thousands of visitors and has more than 100 presenters expected to "explore solar electricity, solar hot water, wind, micro-hydro, alternative transportation, energy efficiency and green building."

Agriculture is also a focus.

Similar to the SJVCEO's Farming Clean Energy Conference, which this season is scheduled to coincide with the World Ag Expo in Tulare on Feb. 8 to 10.

We figured it would be a good idea to give the group some ink (so to speak).

The Kempton, Pa. festival will feature about 200 exhibitors and "dozens" of alternative fuel vehicles, including Teslas, electric conversions, plug-in hybrids and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. (Hmmm... looks like we've got to step it up this year.) The event also has a farmers market.

"We've got everything from highly technical talks on micro-hydro and green building to a sustainable fashion show and eARTh art gallery," said MAREA board member Karen George. "This year, the local chapter of the Sierra Club offered to manage our resource recovery efforts.

"There'll be stations around the festival for recycling, composting, and landfilling with facts at every station to help folks learn more about waste management that they'll use to complete a quiz and qualify for a prize. All of the food vendors are using compostable plates, cups, utensils, etc. The stations will be made up of receptacles donated by a local manufacturer/distributor. That's the other thing I love - that everyone comes together to give what they can to the effort to make the festival a success. It's amazing to be part of a such a huge collaboration."

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