Winter 2009 Event

See the coverage in the Pasadena Star-News

January 31st, 2009

More than a thousand local residents visited the Neighborhood Green Fair today in sunny Pasadena California. A host of environmentally minded vendors offered healthy foods, solar power systems, compact florescent and LED lighting solutions, home energy audits, electric cars, natural and organic products and dozens of other items designed to help Pasadena residents save money, and save the environment at the same time. All ‘disposable’ plates and cups used were compostable and all trash was ” high graded’ by Waste Less Living to insure that recyclable items were separated from those sent to the high heat composting facility.

The Sanctuary at the Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church was over flowing with twenty-three local green non-profit organizations, a huge bake-sale, and home-made soup served in reusable ceramic cups. The room was buzzing with conversation and was packed with people the entire length of the event.

“We wanted the guests visiting the Neighborhood Green Fair to realize that all of these non-profit organizations are being run by other local Pasadena residents — literally your neighbors who you probably know directly or indirectly. These people are making a difference in the environment, and they could use our support” said event organizer Peggy Painton.

Several live demonstrations were continuously in progress. Displays showed how a backyard compost container could be made for free from discarded shipping palettes. Another display showed how anyone can make microwave popcorn that’s delicious yet is free of wasteful packaging, fat, and suspicious ingredients. A compost system was on display and yet another display showed off a “rain garden” the church was in the process of building.

“This system captures rain run-off from the church roof, and uses that water to drip irrigate this garden” said Scott Wilson, a long time member of the church’s “Seventh Principle Group”, which is dedicated to environmental issues.

Anyone driving down Orange Grove Boulevard couldn’t miss the beautiful music flowing continuously during the event, especially the Makoto Taiko Group drummers whose precise and powerful beats energized the cheering crowds. Other musical groups included Pasadena Pro Musica, a local choral group that’s been performing in Pasadena for over forty-five years.

“The feedback we’ve received has been one-hundred percent positive” said Nancy Busacca, her bright green hair making her the event’s most visible organizer, “people are amazed how fun, warm, and personal this event has turned out to be. It is very different from the big corporate environmental expos. We are a non-profit organization of local people, all volunteering our time to bring together our neighbors to help save the planet. That’s why the Neighborhood Green Fair is different”

We found Sam Palahnuk, another fair organizer handing out programs in the crowds, he said “Two things really stand out to me about this event. First, so far the event in running remarkably smoothly and with a relaxed atmosphere. Everyone is seems to be having a great time. It’s feels more like a family gathering than a fair. The second thing is that I can’t seem to walk two feet without someone stopping me to thank me for creating such a wonderful event. I tell them all that the thanks really belong to the dozens of Neighborhood Church volunteers who selflessly baked, planted, nursed, painted, phoned, emailed and donated their precious free time to work all day today. Of course I’d like to thank Reverend Doctor Jim Nelson, our senior minister for his support and encouragement; Reverend Hannah Petrie for the promotional assistance she provided and for supplying a much appreciated wine and cheese gathering at the end of the day. Alyssa Bellew, member and Church Administrator for numerous extra efforts beyond the call of duty; and Nancy Busacca for doing ten times the work expected and maintaining her sanity throughout. I’d also like to thank all of the non-profits who attended, and a special thanks to our generous sponsors Justin Swigert at Toshiba Business Systems and Greg Grande at Citizens Business bank. An amazing group of people here pitched in and made a simple idea grow into a truly magical day for everyone.”

Click here to download the
2009 Neighborhood Green Fair Program Insert.

Winter 2009 Sponsors

toshiba

Winter 2009 Non-Profits

The following wonderful non-profit groups participated in our Neighborhood Green Fair yesterday. Consider joining these groups, donating to them, volunteering, spreading the word about them. Let them know that not only do we value what they are doing, but that their presence at our fair made them even more visible to the community.

- Peggy Painton

Altadena Foothills Conservancy
www.altadenafoothils.org

Audubon Society
www.audubon.org

Buy Local Pasadena
www.buylocalpasadena.wordpress.com

Carbon Ring – Throop Church
www.throopchurchuu.org

Century of Compassion
www.centuryofcompassion.org

City of Pasadena, Planning & Development, Environmental Sustainability Programs www.cityofpasadena.net/planninganddevelopment.gov

Friends of the Los Angeles River
http://folar.org/

Los Angeles Guerrilla Gardening
www.laguerrillagardening.org

Los Angeles & San Gabriel Rivers Watershed Council
www.lasgrwc.org

Metro
http://www.metro.net/

Neighborhood Connections, City of Pasadena
ci.pasadena.ca.us/humanservices/Neighborhood_connections.asp