MREA Attends Sustainability Fair 2004

The Corporation for the Northern Rockies held its fifth annual Sustainability Fair in Livingston, Montana, on July 10. Each year, the fair hosts a variety of vendors and exhibits that demonstrate sustainable living options to people interested in reducing their ecological footprint.  This year, an impressive 4,000-plus visitors attended the fair.

The Montana Renewable Energy Association (MREA) again had an exhibit at this year’s event, which served to educate participants about renewable energy.  The booth featured MREA’s renewable energy demonstration trailer, which throughout the day provided enough solar electricity to power a big-screen plasma TV, two computers, LED lights, a soldering iron, and a cooling mist system. The booth, manned by LuMarie Strickland and Patrick Judge, featured a host of other attention-getters, including a piece of “art” constructed from photovoltaic cells and copper wire. The “art” was generating solar electric power by day’s end.

MREA President Dave Ryan also attended the fair, representing both MREA and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT), an MREA member. Ryan and Debbie Rask distributed a large amount of renewable energy literature to eager participants, including a variety of MREA fact sheets.

Other highlights of this year’s event included: 

• Nearly 100 vendors, who sold sustainably-produced foods and sundry items, and provided information about diverse subjects ranging from alternative energy to xeriscaping
• A demonstration solar-powered fuel cell, presented by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality
• A “sustainable office” constructed on-site, featuring innovations in sustainable building materials and alternative energy features. The exhibit also featured the most energy-efficient office machines and a wide variety of recycled office papers and other products.  The display was presented by the Corporation for the Northern Rockies.
• Two Toyota Prius hybrid cars, owned by Yellowstone Park Foundation for use in the Park. Also on display was the Park's biodiesel-powered bus.
• A biodiesel-powered bus that provided shuttle service to fair attendees
• A speaker’s pavilion chock full of experts who gave presentations on sustainable building practices, sustainable leadership, transportation, and more

All in all, the fair was deemed a great success. MREA looks forward to continuing renewable energy education at next year’s event.

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