Green Fair celebrates saving energy, recycling
Pedal, pedal, pedal and pedal some more — that’s the energy required to power three standard incandescent light bulbs.
Pedal. That’s what it takes, comparatively speaking, to power compact florescent bulbs.
Ped. That’s all you need for an LED light.
At Cantigny Park’s Green Fair, organized in conjunction with Glen Ellyn-based environmental education group SCARCE, visitors can jump on a stationary bike hooked to a generator and feel the energy saved by the more efficient light bulbs.
“Some people talk about hands-on learning. We call this feet-on learning,” said Kay McKeen, founder of SCARCE. “It’s pretty exciting when people actually feel it and understand how it saves you energy.”
The third annual Green Fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton.
The fair includes a local and organic farmers market, cooking demonstrations, vendors, a recycling drive, a blood drive, educational opportunities, music, vendors, children’s activities, a fashion show and a recycled art contest for students.
“We’re celebrating what’s working in the community for people, businesses and most importantly for the environment,” said Laura Evans, director of visitor services.
An event highlight includes a full-sized display of a solar-powered electric car port, said McKeen. Although electric cars are more environmentally friendly than fuel-powered vehicles, the cars still use nuclear power or coal-fired power to energize them. A solar power-charged car would be most environmentally friendly.
“It’s pretty darn big,” McKeen said. “It’s like a carport for two cars. We’re really excited about that.”
A recycling extravaganza takes place from 9 a.m. to noon. People can bring an array of items to recycle at a drive that will accept American flags for proper retirement; eye glasses for the Lions Club; scrap metal including old fencing, lawn furniture and bicycles; large appliances like washers, dryers and water heaters; and old batteries such as car and sump pump batteries.
“People will be able to participate in a lot of stuff, learn about a lot of stuff, and they’ll be able to take action,” McKeen said.
Educational opportunities include lessons that range from backyard composting, rain barrels and backyard beekeeping to keeping medicines out of drinking water by disposing of them properly. Children can learn going green initiatives and how they relate to the climate. And business owners can learn ways to conserve energy and recycle more.
“It’s really all about reducing, reusing and recycling and preventing hazardous waste,” McKeen said.
A Fashion EcoNista fashion show begins at 11 a.m., featuring clothing made by companies that sell organic cotton and accessories made from recycled or reused materials, including outfits from local resale stores.
One outfit last year was a cap and gown made from compostable corn and bottle caps.
“We can be green in the cars that we drive, and we can be green in the way that we dress,” McKeen said.
For a full schedule of events and times, visit cantigny.org or scarceecoed.org. Admission is free with a $5 parking fee.
If you go
What: Green Fair
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24
Where: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton
Cost: $5 parking, free admission
Info: cantigny.org or scarceecoed.org