Everyone likes to eat and there is growing interest in locally grown organic food, but what exactly does “organically grown” mean?
With the increasing number of electric cars, how can you tell which one is right for you?
The answer to those questions – and many more – may be found at the 13th annual Mercer Green Fest, which is scheduled for March 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Rider University Student Recreation Center in Lawrence Township.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Mercer County Sustainability Coalition.
The Mercer Green Fest got its start as a local event in Lawrence Township organized by Sustainable Lawrence. It was formerly known as the Living Local Expo.
“From my perspective, bringing the community together to explore solutions and encourage sustainability is really very, very important,” said Pam Mount, one of the event organizers.
Through the Mercer Green Fest, visitors can be made aware of how things fit together and how their actions can have an impact, Mount said. They can find out what they can do to be more sustainable in their own lives.
“It is building awareness in the community about what they can do to protect the environment and become more resilient. It will give them (exposure) to all the resources that are around – the solar panel companies and non-profit groups,” Mount said.
About 100 eco-friendly businesses and organizations will offer information and incentives to help Mercer County resident both “go green” and “save green” – from solar companies to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.
Visitors can see the largest electric car display in the state in the parking lot outside the Student Recreation Center, and also learn about energy efficiency, walking and bicycle trails, food waste recycling and health, exercise and wellness.
Science fair projects and robotics projects from area schools will be on display, including the Green Machine Girls Scouts Robotics Team and WAGS Robotics.
Visitors can check out artists who take “found objects” and recycle and re-use those bits and pieces to create sculpture, jewelry and artwork. Demonstrations to show visitors how to make their own recycled – or “upcycled” – art will be held throughout the day.
The farmers market at the Mercer Green Fest will offer locally produced fruits, vegetables, cheeses, honey, flowers and artisan food products from vendors that include Terhune Orchard and PickledLicious.
And since the Mercer Green Fest is a family-friendly event, there will be entertainment for the younger set – from singer/songwriter Miss Amy to the Eyes of the Wild traveling zoo and, of course, Solar Man. He will show children how solar energy is generated through solar panels.
“Sometimes people think that what they do does not matter, but in fact this is the only way to solve the problem of climate change and become more sustainable,” Mount said.
And showing them how they can do so is one of the goals of the Mercer Green Fest, she said.
