The Live Green Connecticut! festival at Taylor Farm Park in Norwalk buzzed with conversation and curiosity on Saturday.
The green theme wove through every booth and exhibit, and extended far beyond recycling, as important as it is. Kids of all ages had a chance to connect with animals. There were pony rides, a petting zoo with chickens and bunnies, and there were rescue dogs. All offered children a chance to connect with animals who share our planet and rely on humans for their care.
And there was eco-friendly art, fashion and shopping. There were electric car clubs, bicycle enthusiasts and organic bakers. There were dancers, wildlife educators, and stewards of Long Island Sound.
There were information booths for unique programs and services. Norwalk Community College representatives fielded questions about their Building Efficiency & Sustainable Technology "BEST" program and "BEWT training which trains unemployed and under-employed workers for the expanding fields of building energy efficiency, renewable energy and home performance contracting.
Patrice Gillespie of Wilton manned a booth for CT Clean Energy Options and explained their state-authorized program that allows people to increase the demand for 100% renewables of "WWS" -- wind, water and sunlight.
"Through Northeast Clean Power, customers of CL&P or United Illuminating can add 1¢ to each kilowatt hour of energy the use and support the development of renewable energy," Gillespie said.
"The bottom feeder," is an example of the type of project Gillespie's program supports. Akin to a wind turbine, the bottom feeder works underwater. Rather than harnessing the wind, the structure harnesses the power of the shifting tides.
With so many opportunities to learn and people to talk to, there just wasn't enough time, so get there early! Live Green Connecticut!
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