Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Illinois Renewable Energy Fair

Recycle Me joined dozens of other green businesses and non-profit organizations last weekend at the 8th Annual Illinois Renewable Energy Fair in Oregon, IL.

Here are some higlights of the vendors that were at the fair.
Oregon Soap Shoppe. Everyone had to stop at this table, it just smelled so good! Hand made soaps, crafted right in Illinois. Good for you, good for the workers, good for the economy, something to definitely check out for yourself or for a gift. And the owners had a fun contest. Any kid who sang or told a joke could get a little prize. Really nice people.
Cobra Head Gardening Tools. I met the owners and creators of Cobrahead gardening tools last October. I loved their story and how they came to have their tools made right in Wisconsin where they live! This time I treated myself to one of their Cobraheads and I'm excited to get into the garden and check it out.
The Designer Comb. It was great to see the this company again. I bought four combs from them on Earth Day this year and I love them (one was a gift). They are beautifully hand made by women in South Africa, fair trade, and great quality. I am known for being hard on things which is why I am always looking for well made products as I want them to last. You can sleep with this comb in your hair, and sitting is no problem (I know many people who where clips but have a hard time driving with them because you can't sit back properly). Well worth it. I will be buying more for gifts and for myself.
Solar Cone. This is what I want for Christmas! I've been struggling with how I want to compost in my yard since we moved into our house 3 years ago. I finally have the answer, well, at least one answer. This cone is solar powered and will take in more scraps than you typically find in a compost pile, although it won't take yard waste. You dig it into the ground and just dump your food. The waste is heated up and soaked into the ground filling your earth with nutrients. Best to install in the spring. Check it out.
Inn Serendipity B & B. The table next to us was the Inn Serendipity B & B. The have a sustainable bed and breakfast growing 70% of the food needed to run the inn right on their property! They do lots of cool stuff to click to find out more about them.
Trust for Natural Legacies. This is something I've been interested in forever, natural and green burials. Many states now have similar trusts or organizations. It's a movement that is long overdue.
So what about the renewable energy? I didn't get over to that section of the fair as I was tied to the table most of the time. But you can find out more information at the Illinois Renewable Energy Association website.

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