Improving Your Business Can Be Fun

Business owners take note: Learning how to save money, reduce your risk and be a good earth steward can be relaxing and fun.

At the 9th Annual NW SolarFest, you can learn about energy efficiencies, check out alternative energy, become aware of transportation choices, discover ways to save water with beautiful roofs and landscapes, learn how to have a healthier work environment, sample political action agendas, and network with potential clients all while enjoying some good beer, music, food and entertainment.

This years lineup includes over 100 exhibitors representing a vast wealth of intelligence, including architects, solar manufacturers, designers and installers, interior designers, lighting experts, green cleaning companies, and safety equipment experts.

Utilities and non-profits are included to let you know about their programs designed to help businesses and homeowners shift into energy efficiencies and sustainable practices. Community lenders will also be on hand.

Northwest EcoBuilding Guild will have speakers from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to talk about rainwater harvesting, stormwater control alternatives, passive solar design, design considerations when planning seismic retrofits, remodeling with used materials, and ensuring good indoor air quality.

Some fun highlights:

Test-drive an electric bike and/or electric cars. See human powered transportation and the Vehicle Research Institute's Automotive X Prize 100-miles-per-gallon vehicle. Have your kids go through Cascade Bicycle Club's bike safety rodeo, or if they are one of the first 300 children to visit the Kids Zone and sign a pledge to help the environment they will receive a free toy solar car. (They can also learn about finger printing and have their picture taken by Magic Photo).

Ever heard of hydroponics? Portage Bay   Grange will have a Duck-O-Ponics system on display with live ducks. Stone Soup Gardens will talk about edible rain gardens and have a portable coop with chickens on display (What do chickens have to do with edible rain gardens? Listen and find out). Bring your extra produce from your garden to the Barter Fair (starts at noon sharp) for exchanging for other items.

There will be yoga demonstrations in the grass behind the Theatre and Reiki masters will talk about Reiki as the unlimited resource.

Sierra Nevada Brewery is providing the beer in the beer garden. Sierra Nevada Brewery gets their electricity from solar power and recycles their water. 

Remember Graham Kerr, formerly known as the Galloping Gourmet? Graham is still cooking, creating and entertaining as well as helping communities engage in a deeper way. Graham will be with us for a short time to share his latest efforts.

Be sure to explore the cottage industry crafts offered by local vendors. You may find the perfect birthday, early Christmas presents or something for yourself.

No fair would be complete without live entertainment and food. Little tots will love listening to The Not-Its and Baby Gramps. The adults will appreciate Lost Lander and Ravenna Woods. Dante's Inferno Dogs, Snout and Company, and Patty Pan Grill will be on hand to satiate our appetites. Fleetwood Espresso will give us a jolt of caffeine and Whidbey Island Ice Cream will be on hand to satisfy our sweet tooths.

So bring the whole family and invite your clients, neighbors and friends to NW SolarFest for a good time and a new start on greening your business.

NW SolarFest is produced and directed by Shoreline Solar Project a local 501 (c) 3 organization run by volunteers. Full disclosure: Wendy DiPeso, author of this blog serves on the board of Shoreline Solar Project and recruited the exhibitors for this event.