Social justice and environmental issues are key focus at the largest and longest running green consumer event with renowned authors, educators, and visionary leaders
The 8th Annual Washington DC Green Festival, Sept. 29-30 at the Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C. (August 16, 2012) – The eighth annual premier green living event, Green Festival, rolls into the nation’s capital September 29-30, 2012. TheWalterE.WashingtonConvention Center will host eco-innovators, speakers, artists, community leaders and green businesses addressing environmental and social justice issues. It is the largest marketplace of conscious, fair-trade businesses and the place to get a head start on holiday shopping.
There are plenty of activities and workshops aimed at educating kids and families on making healthy lifestyle choices: highlights include a kids’ zone where youngsters can learn about easy and fun ways to be green, a Good Food Stage featuring delicious vegetarian cuisine, yoga classes and an organic beer and wine garden.
Keynote speakers include leading environmental, healthy lifestyle and social justice advocates: Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Elizabeth Kucinich, of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine; political activist and author, Ralph Nader; Dr. Benjamin Chavis, a noted civil rights leader; Amy Goodman of Democracy NOW!; Laura Flanders of GRITtv; NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous; John Perkins; Greg Palast; and Medea Benjamin.
A joint venture between Green America and Global Exchange, Green Festival is a non-profit event that celebrates an 11 year milestone hosting over one million attendees in eight cities. Green Festival is the largest sustainability event and is the only event that screens exhibitors for their commitment to social justice and ecological balance using Green America’s Green Business Certification Standards.
FORD Motor and Green Festivals have partnered again to fund a $5,000 Community Green Grant at the Washington, DC Green Festival. Attendees can to vote for their favorite non-profit project at the FORD Community Green Grants Booth during show hours.
“We are excited to host the eighth annual Green Festival in the Nation’s Capital,” said Denise Hamler, Green Festival Director. “Green Festival is a celebration of what is working in our communities and about showing the healthy choices we can all make in our communities and in our lives that will make a difference – from the food we consume to the technology we use.”
At the center of Green Festival is the Green Marketplace, which features 300 green and socially responsible businesses/organizations, featuring the latest in sustainable products and services. Attendees will have the opportunity to browse everything from green, non-toxic home furnishings to eco-fashions, Fair Trade gifts, and children’s toys.
Attendees of all ages can learn at the hands-on DIY workshops and gain practical green tips to apply to everyday life. At the Green Business Pavilion attendees will experience what’s trending in green jobs and businesses.
Highlights include:
- Ford Ride and Drive in all-electric and hybrid cars
- Green Kids Zone
- Eco-Fashion Showcase
- Do-It-Yourself Workshops
- Green Pet Stage and fashion show
- Green Business Stage
- Green Jobs and Careers
- Green Investing
- Renewable Energy
- Beer and Wine Garden
- Organic Local Food
- Fair Trade Stage
- Community Action Stage
- Green Films
- Live music
- Bike Valet
- Keynote speakers include: Congressman Dennis Kucinich and Elizabeth Kucinich, Ralph Nader, Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Amy Goodman, John Perkins, Greg Palast, Laura Flanders, Benjamin Todd Jealous and Medea Benjamin
Key partners and sponsors include: Ford Motor Company, Ford Community Green Grants, Earth Balance, New York Times, O’Organics, MOM’s Organic Market, SustainU, NAACP, Clif Bar and Yelp DC.
The 2012 Green Festival will be held at the WalterE.WashingtonConvention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place N.W.Hall B, Washington, DC, 20001. Doors open Saturday, September 29th 10 am – 7 pm and Sunday, September 30th 11 am-6 pm.
Tickets are $10 for a one day pass and $20 for a full weekend pass when purchased online at www.greenfestivals.org, or $15 and $25 at the door. (All tickets provide access to exhibit floor, all workshops/yoga classes, speakers and films.) Discounted admission at the door for seniors (over 65) and students with student ID. Free admission for anyone who rides a bike to the event and parks with the bike valet, youth under eighteen, union members, volunteers and Green America and Global Exchange members.
For more information, please visit www.GreenFestivals.org. To exhibit, please call: 828-333-9403 x 300.
For partnership information, visit www.greenfestivals.org/become-a-partner.
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About Green America
Green America is a national nonprofit organization founded in 1982, providing the economic strategies, organizing power and practicing tools for businesses and individuals to address today’s social and environmental problems. Its Green Business Network is the largest national network of businesses screened for their social and environmental responsibility.
About Global Exchange
Global Exchange is a membership-based international human rights organization dedicated to promoting social, economic and environmental justice around the world. Since its founding in 1988, Global Exchange has successfully increased public awareness of root causes of injustice while building international partnerships and mobilizing for change.
