Green Homes Festival

Are you attracted to “going green?” Whatever your interest, you’ll find useful local resources when the 9th annual Green Homes Festival fills an entire city block with learning and fun for all ages, on Saturday, September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the 3600 block of Grandel Square. This event is hosted by Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment , and presented by Ameren UE.

This festival is a great opportunity to talk first-hand with reputable local experts who can help you achieve your sustainable-living goals! More than 90 displays and exhibits will offer practical information about solar, wind, geothermal and other renewable energy technologies; energy efficient lighting and appliances; cool roof retrofits; alternative vehicle and fuel options; windows, insulation and weatherization; heating and cooling systems; sustainable flooring; non-toxic home maintenance and decorating products; bicycle transportation; recycling and waste reduction; and much more.

Expert workshops will cover 26 topics ranging from composting to keeping backyard bees and chickens, financing home energy improvements to electric cars, basic to advanced solar power, “clean and green” skills for kids to rain garden landscaping, and more! Purchase a $10 wristband to attend any combination of workshops throughout the day, or a $5 single-session ticket. Workshops are sponsored by the St. Louis Higher Ed Sustainability Consortium.

Treat yourself to good-conscience shopping in the “Made From Scratch” Green Marketplace featuring one-of-a-kind home décor, jewelry and gift items made by local crafters, and locally grown specialty foods.

Kids, build a sun-powered mini-roadster to compete in the Solar Car Derby at 1 and 3 p.m. (kits are $10 each). Decorate recycled tiles to make a mural with St. Louis Habitat for Humanity and SCOSAG. The first 1000 families in attendance at the festival will receive a free reusable Schnucks marketing bag. Children’s activities are sponsored by UMB Bank.

From noon to 2 p.m., pick up a paintbrush to help transform a Metro bus into a vivid enviro-mural with popular local artist Charles Houska. Bus painting is sponsored by Ameren UE.

Visit the shady Local Food Court to enjoy live music Schlafly Beer and Westphalia wines, sweet treats from Kakao Chocolate and Black Bear Bakery, and delicious healthy foods from Local Harvest Grocery and Café, Sweet Meat Stix and Pi Pizzaria. Bring your reusable water bottle and get free refills. St. Louis Earth Day’s “Recycling On the Go” service will reduce the festival’s waste-line by recycling and composting. Hospitality is sponsored by the Carpenters’ District Council of Greater St. Louis.

The Green Homes Festival is located in the 3600 block of Grandel Square, between Grand Boulevard and Spring Avenue, just west of the Fox Theater and Powell Symphony Hall. For more information, visit www.greenhomesSTL.org or call 314-577-0220. Free Admission – Free Parking!