GreenFest Philly highlights environmental issues
Phillips, Alexandria
Issue date: 8/22/08 Section: News
The Urban Green Partnership is holding its third annual GreenFest Philly Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Second and South streets to educate people about the various environmental issues that the Philadelphia and Delaware communities face daily.
"[The partnership through this event] wants to teach people that being environmentally friendly is easy, fun, affordable and the sustainable options for everything from food to clothing to the roof on your house is abundant in Philadelphia," Jennifer Bendik, GreenFest co-director, said.
Bendik said she will judge the event's success based on throwing an event in Center City filled with food, fun, activities, and education while not producing trash and having little to no impact on the environment.
"If we can teach every person in Philadelphia just one thing that they do will change the way they live their lives, whether it be a restaurant owner signing up to recycle her oil or a student who learns about the harm of single-use plastic water bottles … just one thing will make a difference," Bendik said.
There are various events going on throughout the day. Three main events are Green Kids' Fun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Clothing Swap from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun Salutations with Dhyana Yoga at 11 a.m. and an Eco-Fashion Show at 1 p.m.
According to their web site, www.greenfestphilly.org, the first GreenFest Philly was held in March 2006, with an attendance of over 6,500 people and 40 vendors. The following year there were 130 vendors and 14,000 people were present. This year they expect over 20,000 people to attend with 200 plus vendors.
Students in the Philadelphia area are also involved with this event. Groups from Drexel University, University of Delaware (UD Students for the Environment), Temple University (Clean Up and Get Down!), The Community College of Philadelphia and Philadelphia University are all helping out throughout the day, according to Bendik.
Bendik said the festival is a good opportunity for students to learn about all of the environmental organizations out there as well as to make potential co-op or internship contacts.
According to Bendik, many of the organizations and sponsors at the event have active internship programs; this event is a good time to talk with someone and leave with a new contact.
"[GreenFest Philly] is also a great place to learn about what you can do to make a difference in the world, by changing one small thing in your community. GreenFest Philly strives to be that place where you can come and soak up knowledge while having fun doing so," Bendik said.
"[The partnership through this event] wants to teach people that being environmentally friendly is easy, fun, affordable and the sustainable options for everything from food to clothing to the roof on your house is abundant in Philadelphia," Jennifer Bendik, GreenFest co-director, said.
Bendik said she will judge the event's success based on throwing an event in Center City filled with food, fun, activities, and education while not producing trash and having little to no impact on the environment.
"If we can teach every person in Philadelphia just one thing that they do will change the way they live their lives, whether it be a restaurant owner signing up to recycle her oil or a student who learns about the harm of single-use plastic water bottles … just one thing will make a difference," Bendik said.
There are various events going on throughout the day. Three main events are Green Kids' Fun from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a Clothing Swap from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun Salutations with Dhyana Yoga at 11 a.m. and an Eco-Fashion Show at 1 p.m.
According to their web site, www.greenfestphilly.org, the first GreenFest Philly was held in March 2006, with an attendance of over 6,500 people and 40 vendors. The following year there were 130 vendors and 14,000 people were present. This year they expect over 20,000 people to attend with 200 plus vendors.
Students in the Philadelphia area are also involved with this event. Groups from Drexel University, University of Delaware (UD Students for the Environment), Temple University (Clean Up and Get Down!), The Community College of Philadelphia and Philadelphia University are all helping out throughout the day, according to Bendik.
Bendik said the festival is a good opportunity for students to learn about all of the environmental organizations out there as well as to make potential co-op or internship contacts.
According to Bendik, many of the organizations and sponsors at the event have active internship programs; this event is a good time to talk with someone and leave with a new contact.
"[GreenFest Philly] is also a great place to learn about what you can do to make a difference in the world, by changing one small thing in your community. GreenFest Philly strives to be that place where you can come and soak up knowledge while having fun doing so," Bendik said.
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