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It's
New! It's Green! And It's Coming to the Minnesota State
Fair!
 New
this year, the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency are pleased to announce the grand
opening of the Eco Experience at the 2006 Great Minnesota
Get-Together, August 24th through September 4th. Located
in the Progress Center building, the entrance to the Eco
Experience is marked by a 123-foot-tall blade from a wind
turbine. As the fairground’s newest permanent landmark,
the blade is supported by 60 cubic yards of concrete, and
marks the first time one has ever been mounted vertically.
Upon entering the building, visitors will find a
functioning example of an outdoor rain garden, a
walk-through eco home and garage featuring an electric
vehicle and plug-in hybrid car, a solar-powered boat plus
the newest green technology, including a hydrogen-powered
ice resurfacer.
The
Eco Experience includes eight areas featuring green
exhibitors and educational programs, stage acts and
samples of healthy organic food. Guests will have the
chance to explore Minnesota’s:
 Water
– EcoFact: Although we’ve made progress in
evaluating our state’s waters, more than 2,200 of
Minnesota’s lakes and rivers tested so far don’t meet
water quality standards.
Transportation –
EcoFact: Minneapolis has the second highest number of
green-commuters in the country!
Solar Power –
EcoFact: Minnesota has nearly as much solar energy
potential as Miami!
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle –
EcoFact: The average Minnesotan produces 45 pounds of
trash weekly.
Green Buildings –
EcoFact: Buildings in the U.S. consume 2/3 of all energy,
12 percent of all potable water and contribute 30 percent
of all greenhouse gas emissions.
Healthy Local Food –
EcoFact: The Twin Cities have the most farmers’ markets
and community gardens in the Midwest.
Wind Power – EcoFact:
Minnesota is one of the top wind power producers in the
country.
Hydrogen – EcoFact:
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
Mark
your Calendar:
September 3rd is Fair
Trade Day all day
at the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair! Come
stop by and learn more about Fair Trade principles and the
farmers that grow your coffee. Peace Coffee will be served
everyday of the fair at Gepetto's Coffee House inside the
Progress Center. Stop by and enjoy a mug of Peace Coffee
with your mini doughnuts and deep fried Snickers.
Bring
your family, bring a friend — get in on the Eco
Experience!
The
Eco Experience is located in the Progress Center building
at the corner of Cosgrove Street and Randall Avenue on the
State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday,
Aug. 24 through Labor Day, September 4, 2006. Park and
ride information is available online at www.mnstatefair.org.
Visit www.EcoExperience.org
for more information about the Eco Experience.
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