ECC Expo to show plenty of green
Becoming more "green" is not only the right thing to do for Mother Earth, it will also save you money.
That's one thing area leaders hope people will take away from Saturday's "Green Expo" at Elgin Community College.
"That's exactly the message I want to get across to people," said David Kaptain, Elgin City Council member and co-chair of the city's sustainability effort. "(The expo) will focus people's attention beyond what the city does."
Organized by the Elgin Climate Change Organization, or ECCO, and Elgin Area Leadership Academy, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the college, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin.
The event will feature a variety of attractions aimed at adding some fun to green principles.
Kathleen Haerr, an ECCO board member and expo coordinator, said there will be five musical entertainers, "green" exhibitors for home and business products, kids activities, nature walks, guest speakers, a farmers market and holistic medicine and wellness product demonstrations.
"We want people to touch on all areas and let people know they're all connected," Haerr said.
Organizers say Elgin residents can save more than $1,700 a year by implementing simply green solutions in the home. One example is to wash clothes in cold water instead of hot.
Officials hope the recent 39th anniversary of Earth Day and the sagging economy will give the green movement more urgency and relevancy.
"The economy is making everybody take a close look at what they're using and how they're using it," Haerr said. "There's definitely ways of saving money and going green and it's all tied together."
There is no admission charge for the expo. Activities are indoors and outdoors. Organizers hope to build on the expo and make it an annual event.
"Next year will be three days. We have a lot going on and it's just one day. It's a great way for everybody to come out," Haerr said.
If you go
What: The ECCO Green Expo, featuring a variety of green products, speakers and activities aimed to show how people can go green and save money in the process. When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Elgin Community College, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
Cost: Free
Info: slowglobalwarming-elgin.com.