Greener Clearwater County reps attend Seattle Green Festival
By Ronda Nelson
Amanda Tucker (pictured) and Asia Elingher of Greener Clearwater County attended
the Seattle Green Festival April 12-13. This is the first time a Green Festival
has been held in the Pacific Northwest. Over 150 speakers on subjects such as
fair trade issues and recycling, along with 300 vendors were in attendance.
Since GCC is planning Earth Day festivities in the city park on April 26, Tucker was interested in seeing firsthand how urban programs work. The long range goal for King County is zero waste. “They recycle everything out there,” Tucker said.
GCC recognizes that the term “green” raises red flags for many people, particularly in an area where the economy is so closely tied to timber industries. “When we say Greener Clearwater, I think of greener Clearwater as, look around, everything is green here, the green grass, the green river, the green trees,” Tucker said.
A more accurate term than green, would be sustainable, according to Tucker. In reality, loggers are an extremely eco-conscious group, since their livelihood depends on the sustainability of the forest. “They’re constantly taking care of these renewable resources,” Tucker said. “Taking the trees out, planting them, taking care of the soils, they’re really eco-conscious.”
Green is becoming a catch phrase that many entrepreneurs and big businesses are cashing in on. “Greenwashing” (instead of brainwashing), according to Tucker, is a phrase used to describe marketing efforts that encourage people to toss out everything and move to green products.
“Use what you have,” she said, and then recycle the container. Make changes to green products as you use up what you already have. Shop at thrift stores and swap items with others who have something you need. Even small changes can make a difference.
Lewis Clark Recyclers has won the bid for recycling bins at the transfer station. Plastics one and two, aluminum cans, tin cans, cardboard, wastepaper and newspaper will be accepted.
Hayes Food Store is carrying recycling bins, available for $16 each, to help families sort their recyclables before delivering them to the transfer station. They carry green cleaners and seventh generation paper products as well.
GCC is sponsoring the Earth Day Festival at the Orofino City Park April 26. City cleanup will be that morning, with the festival taking place in the afternoon. There are 13 confirmed booths, and GCC will have a soft taco booth to raise money for education efforts.
The booths will provide education on a number of sustainability issues. There will be face painting and children’s games and prizes. There will also be a toy swap, where children can bring up to five toys to trade for different ones.
The Red-Eye Gravy Bluegrass Band and Clearwater Harmony will provide music from 12:30-3 p.m. in the park.
GCC has received its delivery of canvas shopping bags. They are available for $8 each. Proceeds will fund further education efforts.