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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