McHenry County College goes green this Saturday with annual expo

More than 75 local green businesses and organizations will help area residents explore eco-friendly ideas during McHenry County College's ninth annual Green Living Expo Saturday.

The expo is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in MCC's gymnasium/multipurpose room and outside in parking lot B of the campus at 8900 Route 14, Crystal Lake.

The expo will feature green household products, toys, pet products, jewelry and art.

Attendees will learn how to create a more energy efficient household and live a more earth-friendly lifestyle. They also will be able to talk to renewable energy installers, get green financial advice, learn where to get healthy local food, and find green gift ideas for holiday shopping.

Residents also can tour a fully decorated tiny house that was featured on the show "Tiny House Nation" and view solar and high-mileage car teams from Northwestern University and the University of Illinois, respectively.

Several electric and hybrid cars from the Fox Valley Electric Vehicle Association will be showcased. Visitors can stop by the eco-friendly idea and tool sharing tent to share their experiences with eco-friendly tools.

The McHenry County Health Department will collect pumpkins for composting in parking lot B and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will host a recycling drive from 9 a.m. to noon in parking lot F. Items accepted include fluorescent tubes, VHS and cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, batteries, and TVs, computers, phones, printers, toys, and microwaves.

Visitors can win a pair of Blackhawks tickets or one weekend use of a Nissan Leaf.

The event is sponsored by the MCC Sustainability Center, along with several businesses and community organizations. For a complete list of sponsors or more information, visit mchenry.edu/greenexpo or contact Kim Hankins or Tish Powell at (815) 479-7765 or email sustainability@mchenry.edu.