Green Festivals

Green Festivals

Usually in spring and fall

The largest green consumer show in the United States, Green Festivals brings individuals, businesses, and investors together to generate eco-friendly strategies for sustainable living. The festivals take place in four U.S. cities—San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, Washington, D.C.—typically in the spring or fall. The events are jointly organized by Global Exchange, a human rights organization, and Co-Op America, an organization committed to social justice and environmental sustainability. Event co-sponsors include a number of non-profits, publications, and other media enterprises.
The first Green Festival was staged in San Francisco, Calif., in 2004, and its success has led to the replication of the event in the other cities. Organizers describe the events as "parties with a purpose." Their offerings are typical of a tradeshow—guest speakers, panel discussions, workshops, career sessions, and commercial exhibitions. Supplementing the festival are various forms of entertainment including films, live music, and organic cuisine.
The capacity of the festivals has grown dramatically since the inaugural year. In 2007, there were more than 200 guest speaker presentations and 400 green business exhibitions in each city. Combined attendance at all four locations reached 100,000.
Festival directors take pride in visibly demonstrating a commitment to ecological responsibility by reusing, recycling, or composting 96% of the waste generated at the show. Admission discounts are also available to attendees who arrive by bicycle instead of by car—a simple incentive to reduce carbon emissions at the event.

CONTACTS:
Green Festivals
www.greenfestivals.org
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