Spring is in the air and it's full of metaphors about sustainability and living green in Metro Detroit. Among them are a line of environmentally friendly events and giveaways in the next few weeks.
The biggest will be the 2nd-annual Green Street Fair in downtown Plymouth during the first weekend of May. The fair features a variety of companies, non-profits, workshops and entertainment with a focus on sustainability. Last year those attending learned about local eco-friendly and organic products and initiatives.
"We estimated we had about 80,000 people over the two-day event," says Mandi Buckland, one of the organizers for the Green Street Fair.
Not to be outdone, Macomb County is teaming up with Walmart and the state to give away energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs. The give-away, already in progress, will continue everyday between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. until more than 165,000 CFLs are distributed. Basically that is enough CFLs for half of the households in the county.
CFLs use about one quarter of the energy of an incandescent light bulb and last 10 times longer. Each can save up to $30 in electricity costs per bulb. They are being distributed at Walmart stores in Chesterfield Township, Roseville, Shelby Township and Sterling Heights.
Lincoln Park is also looking at hosting a Sustainability Day on May 17 at its farmer's market. This would include a showcase of local environmentally friendly products.
Source: Mandi Buckland, organizer for the Green Street Fair, Macomb County and Leslie Lynch-Wilson, organizer of the Lincoln Park Sustainability Day
Writer: Jon Zemke
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