Go Green in Kempton This Weekend

How "green" are you? Sure, you recycle, you don’t leave lights on, and maybe you turn the water off when you brush your teeth, but there is so much more to "going green." That's why, for the seventh year in a row, the Mid-Atlantic Renewable Energy Association (MAREA) has organized an event that offers all kinds of advice and information for those in pursuit of green living. 

Well worth the cost of fossil fuel emissions to get there, the 7th Annual Pennsylvania Renewable Energy & Sustainable Living Festival this Friday through Sunday at the Kempton Community Center in Kempton, Berks County, will attract thousands of environmentally conscious people from all over the country.

“We are a volunteer-driven, grassroots organization encouraging individuals and small groups to lead more sustainable lives through renewable energy, simple living, organic gardening, and supporting social justice,” said Dan Brown, president of MAREA.

When you pay your electric bill, get sticker shock at the gas pump, or wonder “why can’t I drink the water from my tap?” in spite of an overabundance of rainfull, you are thinking about matters that relate to sustainable living.

Solar energy, biofuels, wind and hydrogen power, organic farming and green building aren’t solutions that are way off in the future. People are benefiting from green technologies and do-it-yourself projects that promote sustainable living now, and many of them will be on hand at the festival to demonstrate the techniques that can get your family off the grid and on the way to self-sufficiency, not to mention reducing your carbon footprint and producing a cleaner environment. 

There will be 50 presentations covering solar electricity, solar hot water, wind, hydro and alternative transportation. Experts will lead workshops and hands-on demonstrations, providing visitors with practical techniques for the use wind power, vegetable oil for fuel, organic farming, solar panel installation and more.

More than 100 vendors and exhibiters will be on head to demonstrate the latest products and technology for sustainable living. Alternative fuel vehicles like the Tesla and the Air Products hydrogen-powered car, as well as hybrids and electric cars, will be on display. 

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) Farmer’s Market will showcase a variety of innovative food vendors and offer a bounty of local produce. PASA is also sponsoring an organic fashion show, interactive children’s activities and delicious natural food choices.  

A festival is never complete without music, of course, and this one will feature the talent of performers like Dar Williams, Livingston Taylor, Paul Winter and Japanese Taiko Drummers, who will perform on a solar-powered soundstage each day.  

Unique to the festival, the eARTH art gallery will feature sculpture and artwork made from recycled or repurposed materials. 

To enjoy the festival over multiple days, as well as the natural beauty of rural Berks County, set up camp at the Kempton Community Center for just $15 per camper. You will also be well-positioned to take in nearby sights, including Hawk Mountain Bird Sanctuary, hiking trails and countryside attractions. 

Admission to the festival is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 12 to 18, and free for children under 12. MAREA 2010 members are free.  Parking is $1.

A portion of the profits will benefit renewable energy projects and educational workshops in local communities throughout the year.