KAGAWONG—Two years ago members of the Billings Recreation Committee coordinated Earth Day activities, which included picking trash along the roadsides. Invited speakers led discussions on composting, gardening, different types of soil on Manitoulin Island and ways to extend the life of the landfill site in the township.
This year, led by chair Barb Erskine, members are organizing a Green Living Expo to take place at the Park Centre on Saturday, May 10.
A wine and cheese reception will kick off the weekend featuring live music by Folk Roots Collective on Friday evening.
Following the reception, at 7:15 pm Justin Carter, executive director of reThink Green (Sudbury) ,will speak on ‘Year One: How Not to Run an Environment Network.’
ReThink green (formerly the Greater Sudbury Environmental Network) is a not-for-profit membership based organization dedicated to the facilitation of environmental efforts in the City of Greater Sudbury. Their website states “we aim to be a catalyst for positive environmental change in our community, beyond.” They were involved in the Earth Day Festival held in Sudbury this past weekend (April 26).
In addition to the speakers, Saturday’s program will feature local, environmentally friendly products, services and organizations showcased in a trade show format including geo thermal, organic foods, solar energy and much more.
“The purpose of the event,” said Ms. Erskine, “is to provide consumers with alternative choices that minimize the use of harmful chemicals and fossil fuels and/or promote the enhancement of the natural environment with minimal or no harm.”
“Also at the event this year,” continued Ms. Erskine, “we will have invited speakers to provide educational sessions to the public featuring sustainable farming (Glenn Black), cycling (Maja Mielonen), reforestation (Ken Pearce) and ways and means of promoting environmentally friendly practices.”
A ‘green passport’ program will be available at the door: visit 10 or more vendors and qualify for an entry into a draw for fabulous prizes.
Lunch will be provided by Friends of the Billings Library members. Proceeds go towards the purchase of books.
The Green Living Expo is supported in part by LAMBAC.
For more information, or to reserve your seat for the wine and cheese reception, call 705-282-8044. Tickets are $20 per person, which includes one complimentary glass of wine. Non-alcoholic options are also available. Admission to Saturday’s event is by donation.
