City will showcase green products at September fair

Colorado Springs may be a red-state city, but city officials are out to show residents how they can be green.

City officials will host the first Green Fair, a showcase for businesses and agencies to show off their environmentally friendly products and practices. The Sept. 16 event at the City Auditorium downtown is free.

"I really hope they're finding ways they didn't know the community is already sustainable. Our hope is they take away knowledge about opportunities they weren't aware of," said Nick Kittle, the city's fleet manager and head of the Green Team.

City Manager Penny Culbreth-Graft created the Green Team on Earth Day in April. Working with other community groups, the team has the broad goal of increasing awareness and opportunities for green practices here.

There will be 50 exhibitors at the Green Fair.

Colorado Springs Utilities will have information on rebate programs for energy-saving appliances and devices. Auto dealers will have alternative-fuel cars. Waste companies will have information on recycling. Other themes will be commuting, green building design and energy efficiency.

It is the first such citysponsored event for the public, though officials have held fairs for city and utility employees, Kittle said.

Said Kittle, "We can create an environment we can hand off and feel proud to hand off to our children and grandchildren."

Green Fair

7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 16 City Auditorium, 221 E. Kiowa St. About 50 businesses and agencies will be on hand with exhibits, presentations and information. The event is free.

Show your Stuff

Locally owned businesses with environmentally friendly products or services are invited to set up a booth. For information, call Deryl Calvert at 385-6647 or e-mail dcalvert@springsgov.com. No product sales are allowed.