Discover ways to reduce your carbon footprint at Green Living Expo
Discover how to create a more energy efficient household and make your daily routine more earth-friendly at the seventh annual Green Living Expo from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, in the gym/multi-purpose room and commons area at McHenry County College, 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.
More than 70 local green businesses and organizations will help residents explore eco-friendly ideas to take home, talk with renewable energy installers about the current market, get green financial advice, learn more about McHenry County's food co-op and where to get great healthy local food, and find green gift ideas for holiday shopping.
The event will also feature rain barrels, vermicomposting, pet friendly items, natural skin care vendors and many more.
Some featured outdoor exhibits (in parking lot B) are: the Fox River Fish Viewing Tank, a 2,500-gallon tank showcasing the beauty and complexity of the Fox River fish and ecosystem, and a CalypSol craft, a solar-powered canoe that navigated the entire length of the Mississippi River.
Other outdoor highlights include several makes of electric vehicles, including two Teslas.
In addition, the Illinois Solar Energy Association will showcase their solar house, an interactive and educational exhibit and the Illinois State University Solar race car and team members featuring Nick Reichmann, an MCC alum.
Emily Zak, another MCC alum, will provide information about the Loyola Retreat and Ecology Center. Visitors will have an opportunity to receive free giveaways and a win a chance for a pair of Chicago Blackhawk tickets donated by Waste Management.
The Green Living Expo is free and open to the public. Visitors may bring old bicycles and bike parts that will be given to Working Bikes, an organization that repairs bicycles and donates to those in need. Help them reach their goal of 50,000 bikes donated. In addition, the McHenry County Department of Health will accept batteries for recycling.
The event is sponsored by the McHenry County College Sustainability Center and the following businesses and organizations: McHenry County Conservation District, Citizens Utility Board, Behr Iron and Metal, ComEd, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Waste Management, Bii Natural salon, Dukes Alehouse and Kitchen, Land Conservancy of McHenry County, Elgin Recycling, Windfree Wind and Solar Energy Design, George Williams College, Magitek Energy Solutions, Nicor Energy Smart and Citizens Climate Lobby.
For more information, go to mchenry.edu/greenexpo or contact Kim Hankins at (815) 455-8778 or at khankins@mchenry.edu.