5/7/08- As seen on the florida keys official tourism website
Keys expo to provide living and energy solutions
MARATHON, Florida Keys -- At a time when fuel prices are at an all-time high, people are seeking solutions to conserve and spend less.
Set for Friday, May 9, through Sunday, May 11, the Green Living & Energy Education Expo in the Florida Keys is to showcase solar, biodiesel and other technologies to provide resolutions to energy and environmental challenges.
The centerpiece of the three-day event is a free showcase of 90 exhibits, 40 alternative-fuel vehicles, more than 30 free workshops and a selection of organic foods Saturday at Marathon High School, located on Sombrero Beach Boulevard, near mile marker 50 in the Middle Keys.
The 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. exposition features electronic recycling services, kids activities and exhibits from solar panels to alternative transportation. Attendees can register to win an electric scooter, inspect the very latest in solar-powered cars and bid on a wide range of energy-efficient products. Kids can race solar-powered model cars and create artwork from recycled materials.
Staged by the Keys environmental group Green Living & Energy Education, activities are to feature a wide range of opportunities to learn about reducing energy consumption. "The Expo is all about conservation," said Alison Higgins, GLEE president. "That's efficiencies and that's money-saving and that goes across the board whether it's energy, water or fuel. You name it, we got it."
Visitors who plan to spend the day at the Expo can purchase healthy food items from vendors, including the high school's culinary program. They can also take home organic produce grown locally in South Florida.
One lucky visitor to the Expo will take home a Zappy3 EZ Electric Scooter. The $600 alternativee transportation vehicle, donated by EcoGanicO, is be raffled off May 10.
The GLEE Expo kicks off Friday, with courses on green building standards at the Florida Keys Community College Marathon campus, situated at Marathon High School. Topics include courses on both large and small-scale solar projects, green lodging and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design building construction. Some courses provide continuing-education credits.
From 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, a Green Homes Tour offers Expo attendees a chance to visit energy-efficient homes, buildings and gardens with sustainable attributes throughout the Keys. These include houses powered by renewable energy such as solar, structures built from alternative building materials, and renovated houses that are now energy- and water-efficient.
Also on Sunday, a number of local eco-tour operators are to offer discounted trips in conjunction with the GLEE event.
For more information, log on to keysGLEE.com, e-mail info@keysglee.com or call (305) 293-7658.
To find out about area accommodations, call the Greater Marathon Chamber of Commerce at (800) 262-7284 or explore this Web site.