McHenry County College expo to offer green living ideas
McHenry County area residents can learn how to create a more energy efficient household and live more earth-friendly at McHenry County College's 10th annual Green Living Expo Nov. 4.
More than 80 green businesses and organizations will help residents explore eco-friendly ideas, including household products, toys, essential oils, jewelry and art. The free expo is 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the gym and parking lot B of the Crystal Lake college's campus, 8900 Route 14.
"We have over 30 new vendors and exhibits," said Kim Hankins, MCC director of sustainability. "There's a lot of options for people to make changes on all different levels."
Roughly 800 people attend the expo each year, she said.
New attractions this year include a fully decorated, locally owned tiny home for visitors to tour and an award-winning traveling exhibit, "Sustainable Choices."
The interactive exhibit explores the concept of sustainability and consumer choices.
It includes seven kiosks and three activity stations focusing on the themes of electricity, water, transportation, shopping and the yard. It opens Nov. 4 and will be on display through Dec. 21 in the Building A Atrium.
Among the highlights is an Artist's Walk featuring roughly a dozen Chicago area invited artists' sustainable creations on display and for sale. It will include repurposed items such as fabrics, recycled glass and metal jewelry, and nature photography, Hankins said.
The expo also will feature pumpkin and fall décor composting, live pottery demonstration, an Illinois Solar Energy Association model solar house, solar installers displaying the latest panels and financing information, energy efficient ideas for homes and businesses, and University of Illinois solar and Supermileage team race cars and team members.
Visitors can try out electric bikes in the parking lot and share their favorite energy-saving invention or find at the Living Lightly tent. They also can join the Food Shed Co-op to shop for locally sourced groceries and play with sustainable and ethically made toys from Marvin's Toy Store of Crystal Lake.
Representatives from three of the area's largest environmental groups - Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County and the McHenry County Conservation District - also will be present.
"McHenry County is really blessed with a very active and passionate environmental community," Hankins said. "We just want (residents) to come and enjoy, and interact with different businesses."
For more information, visit mchenry.edu/greenexpo or contact the MCC Sustainability Center at (815) 479-7765 or at sustainability@mchenry.edu.