Looking for the latest practices in sustainability? Want to find entertaining yet environmentally friendly crafts for kids? Or do you just want to find out what exactly sustainability even means?
If so, stop by the first Hampton Roads Sustainable Living Expo on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. The event is a collaboration among all Hampton Roads localities and organized by the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, the Hansen Family Foundation and the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center.
During the expo, attendees can take part in a variety of activities, including creating recycled art sculptures with the staff of the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, checking out the latest fashions at the Recycled Fashion Show hosted by Virginia Beach City Public Schools and learning to start a home composting station. visitors can stop by dozens of exhibits ranging from edible landscapes and beekeeping demonstrations to alternative energy sources and NASA’s presentation on climate and sea level rise.
“The Hampton Roads Sustainable Living Expo is a fantastic event for businesses and consumers to learn about how sustainable development and sustainability can have a huge impact on their business and lives at home,” said Terry Cecil, president and chief sustainability officer for the International Sponsor Council. “Sustainability is critical to most major corporations around the world and this event will deliver national attention for the Hampton Roads area. Residents have the opportunity to be part of an event that will raise the profile of Hampton Roads and deliver education on environmental, economic and social solutions that are real and practical.”
Mayor William D. Sessoms, Jr. and Schools Superintendent James Merrill will be on hand to honor the winners of the city’s annual Stewardship Awards, as well as the school division’s 2012 Online Green Animated Student Film Festival.
There will be a free shuttle service between the Newtown Road light rail station and the Convention Center, as well as to and from Neptune Festival events at the Oceanfront.
The expo is free and open to the public. Organizers welcome contributions of any recyclable item (i.e., an old cell phone, plastic bottle, etc.), a canned food item for Potter’s House or a $2 donation to the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Team.
The day before the expo, on Friday, Sept. 28, there will be a business luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Convention Center. Local business leaders can learn about smart and cost-saving sustainability measures and listen to a panel discussion that includes Stewart Schwartz, executive director and founder of Coalition for Smarter Growth, and Chris Stone, president of Clark Nexsen Architecture and Engineering. The cost of the luncheon is $25.
For more information on the luncheon or the expo, contact Clay Bernick in the city Planning Department/Environment and Sustainability Office at (757) 385-4899, or visit www.hrsustainablelivingexpo.com.
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