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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

It's easy being green at this kind of a festival!



What are you doing on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011? Well, if you're in the Western PA area, I have a great suggestion for you. Why not bring the kiddos to the Allegheny Green & Innovation Festival at Hartwood Acres? So far, the weather people are predicting a picture-perfect day, complete with sunshine and temps in the high 60s. And there is plenty to see and do at this zero-waste event this year, including:
  • Earth-friendly food and product vendors
  • Crafters
  • Green living demonstrations
  • Kid's activities
  • and ME!
Although I enjoyed my time at the festival last year, this year I am excited to be making my first public appearance as Green Grandma. My daughters, grandchildren and I will have a booth where we will be happy to talk with you about common sense greener living. Have a question? I'll try to answer it. Want to chat about vinegar? I'd be thrilled! Maybe you'd just like to introduce yourself. I would love that!! And while you're there, why not drop off some #5 plastic caps for recycling? Just drop them in the big red bin.

There are other ways to green your day at the festival. Simply bring any of the following items to donate:
  • Non-perishable food items for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank
  • Reusable tote bags to be used by the Food Bank to distribute food (collected by The Pittsburgh Tote Bag Project)
  • Burnt-out CFLs (Grejda Electric)
  • New or gently used medical items, including crutches, canes, collapsible walkers, non-motorized wheelchairs, shower chairs and nebulizers (Global Link)
  • Unused, unexpired, unopened medical supplies -- bandages, gauze, gloves and diapers (Global Link)
Make it an educational and fun day for the kids by visiting the Children's Area where the Carnegie Science Center will be presenting "Science on the Road" from 11 - 2 with liquid nitrogen ice cream demonstrations and from 2-5 with liquid nitrogen flower demonstrations. Juggling and other entertainment will be presented by The Class Clown. Hear Me Project will be giving away stickers, folders and bookmarks, as well as offering kids the opportunity to tell their stories through their media and technology. The University of Pittsburgh is presenting a science outreach and exploration of biofuels and Reuse-a-palooza will give the kids a chance to make art with recycled items.

But that's not all there is for the kids! Here's what else is going on:
  • 11 am - 5 pm
    • Face painting
    • Hay rides
    • Magician Bill Eiler
    • Pumpkin painting
  • Noon - 4 pm
    • Petting zoo
    • Balloon artists by Kahuna Balloona
    • Inflatable rides by Windswept Entertainment
  • 1:30 - 2:30 pm
    • Kelsey Friday & the Rest of the Week -- interactive children's music
There will be plenty for the adults to do and see as well, with close to 50 booths with information ranging from raising backyard chickens to planning botanical gardens to energy audits. Plus the I Made It! Market will feature 20 vendors selling craft items made exclusively from recycled and sustainable products.

As excited as I am to be part of this amazing festival, I must admit I'm a bit envious of the rest of you who will be able to spend your day browsing through the grounds, playing with your kids and shopping for some really cool stuff!

Best of all, it's FREE! There is no charge for admission or parking.

If you decide to spend your Saturday at the best festival Allegheny County has to offer, please use the Middle Road entrance to Hartwood Acres. And please, stop by my booth and say 'hello.' I can't wait to meet you!

Keeping it green in Pittsburgh,

Hana

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