Ecoexpo '09

Ecoexpo '09 - Christchurch's main sustainability event - opens on World Environment Day (Friday 5 June) at Christchurch Convention Centre.

The event aims to introduce the public through displays, workshops and film to some of the myriad products, services and solutions already in the market that deliver cost and health benefits to people and the planet.

The first 2000 visitors to Ecoexpo '09 will each receive courtesy of Energy Mad a free Ecobulb™ Mini Downlight worth $20 - double the cost of a three-day pass to the event.

“An eco-friendly lifestyle is no longer a luxury — it's what we need to be doing for a sustainable future,” says Ecoexpo event co-ordinator Glen Tregurtha.

And with Canterbury now firmly in the cold, wet grip of winter, the many solutions that allow people to be warm and dry throughout the year while saving energy costs are sure to be a hit, says Glen.

"Internationally, we're seeing that eco-friendly living is no longer just for 'hippies', it's the lifestyle of today and tomorrow. Families, schools, businesses, scientists, politicians... they're all looking for ways to live well, while still looking out for the environment. We're all about showing people how they can achieve that."

A broad range of products and services will be on display, including home retro-fitting experts, landscape and garden designers, natural health practitioners and products, composting solutions, environmental education providers, solar alternatives, and heating and ventilation engineers.

A creativity centre run by Creative Junk and Floyds Creative Arts will help entertain kids of all ages. The event will also feature a rolling programme of workshops, seminars and films throughout the day for young people and adults.

Christchurch City Council (CCC) has stepped up once again as lead sponsor and the community of Ecoexpo affiliates has grown to include fair trade organisation Trade Aid, community access radio station Plains FM, Ecobulb™ inventor and energy efficiency company Energy Mad, grassroots community building organisation Project Lyttelton, and eco-friendly living website Ecobob.

CCC's principal advisor on sustainability issues, Tony Moore, says Ecoexpo '09 has attracted its support again because the event helps make people more aware of the solutions out there in the market.

"We want to bring sustainable solutions to the attention of as many people as possible," says Tony.

"People are too often bombarded with the problems and not presented with the solutions. These sorts of events allows us to communicate with the public and to promote a sustainability ethic at home and in the workplace."

The Ecoexpo message is that action can save you money while saving the planet at the same time while also improving your health and well-being, Tony says.