The Forest Foundation sees its presence at the Fair as a venue for reaching out to NC residents regarding issues and concerns that may not always be evident or at least talked about. This year has been a great challenge, with continuing effects of global warming, drought, erratic weather and fluctuating fuel prices; seeing the connection between these issues is critical if any level of change is to be initiated. TFF has spent a good portion of time this year focusing on researching and promoting alternative fuels, specifically biodiesel, a form of vegetable based fuel which can be burned in diesel engines. In its booth at the Fair, TFF offered information and handouts to attendees about the benefits of using biodiesel for vehicles and farm equipment, about its being part of a local B100 grade biodiesel cooperative, and as well, its plans for creating a manufacturing and distribution facility in Durham. Inquisitive Fair go’ers learned the benefits of biodiesel fuel, which used as an alternative to petro-diesel, can allow diesel engines to run more efficiently, cut air pollutants by up to 70%, and when produced locally, can reduce waste grease or vegetable oil, can lessen our dependency on foreign sources of fuel and aid in “green” power.

As well, the North Carolina Conservation Network shared TFF’s booth for the ten-day period. This consortium of environmental organizations across the state, brings to the general public’s awareness many environmental issues. Throughout this Fall, the group is focusing attention on mercury contamination in NC’s waterways and collecting signatures for a petition to set before the state’s Division of Air Quality and its Environmental Management Commission, sending the message that NC residents are seriously concerned and expect support on this action. There are 14 North Carolina coal-fired plants, which thus emit mercury into the air and into NC’s water systems. As a result, our air quality is poor and many of NC’s fish which we eat, are contaminated. Tests have indicated that a number of health problems are strongly associated with exposure to mercury, a potent neurotoxin. Pregnant women and their developing fetuses are at highest risk and older children are affected with learning disabilities, developmental delays, and impacts to their heart and immune systems. Throughout the ten day fair event, NC Conservation Network volunteers were able to talk with numerous NC residents and gathered over 2,500 signatures for the petition to be sent to the legislative meetings this Fall.

The Foundation’s continued support of fair trade standards of business and environmental conservation are still a large part of what drew people to the booth . Folks still love the hand-made crafts and the fact that by purchasing them, they are helping disadvantaged artisans and crafters and have a positive effect on conservation. Again this year TFF supported local fair traders such as Larry’s Beans , a local roaster of triple certified imported coffees, and Ten Thousand Villages and One World Market, both local fair trade retailers.

Contact us for more information on about The Forest Foundation’s projects at 919-957-1505 or checkout our website www.theforestfoundation.org. For more information about the North Carolina Conservation Network, go to their website at www.ncconservationnetwork.org.

The Forest Foundation(TFF) was located amongst the fair trade vendors. Having received a thoughtful donation from a Triangle Community Foundation donor, TFF proudly displayed its new eco-banner at the Festival. Both Marc Dreyfors, Board President, and Mary Katherine Williams, Executive Director were there selling hand-made, imported crafts, such as fashionable, functional tote bags from Madagascar, wonderful Rwandan “Peace” baskets, and beautiful sarongs from Sri Lanka, an area hit by the tsunami last December. People could also get natural chewing gum form Ecuador, organic coffees from various countries, and organic plush monkeys from South America.

Both adults and children who visited The Foundation’s booth could get flyers with information citing the important aspects of fair trade rules, environmental conservation and where, how and by whom the crafts were made. Marc and MK also talked about TFF’s other sustainable livelihoods projects like its biodiesel pump in Durham, NC. There was much interest in this topic as alternative energy and fuels are currently receiving significant attention nationally.

Booths featuring alternative vehicle information, eco-fashions, green gadgets and home/offices products, organic foods, green business and investing groups, non-profits and social activist organizations were amongst the 350 exhibits throughout the 2 day event, which coincided with the National Peace March last weekend.

Attendees could listen in on any of the 120 speakers who addressed a multitude of topics, catch a documentary film, or eat wonderful meals provided by local restaurants and prepared with local organic produce.

Bins for composting food scraps, along with recycling paper, plastics, and aluminum were available throughout the exhibit area. The Green Festival boasts of being the first event to be held in the DC Convention Center which generated zero waste! With alternative energy being one of its focus topics, it also boasted of being the first DC event which offered “bicycle valets” !!!