If you want to learn how to reduce your carbon footprint by changing your methods of consumption, diet, energy, and transportation, head to Sustainable Future Festival at the Eau Claire County Expo Center. “Several area organizations and businesses were interested in starting an event like this to increase awareness about what sustainability is and to showcase their sustainable products,” Erin LaFaive, Eau Claire County UW-Extension educator, said of the festival, now in its second year. Sustainable living is a lifestyle that attempts to reduce your use of the Earth’s natural resources. Economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and strong and healthy communities must be pursued together to achieve sustainability. The festival features nine presenters, 17-plus exhibitors, and a Master Gardener Plant Sale at 9 am, which features perennial and non-invasive plants from $2 and up (as well as some gardening tools). The presentations run the gamut of eco-friendly themes, from cooking to beekeeping: “Do It Yourself Solar Power Installation” by Steve Terwillinger; “Fermentation as Food Preservation: A Traditional Food Art Form (Just Like Grandma Did)” by Noel Kroeplin; “Building a Climate Change Justice Movement in the Chippewa Valley” by Kate Hale Wilson; “How Geothermal Heat Pumps Work” by Jesse from Water Source Heating and Cooling; “Garbology 101 – A Brief Pictorial Review of the 3 Million Year History of Garbage Disposal by Humans” by Terry Mesch; “One Family’s Story: Recovering from Western Civilization” by Kenton Whitman; “Citywide Compost Collection – Discussion of Eau Claire Possibilities” by Glen Fisher; “Hobby Beekeeping” by Ellen Sorenson; and “Rain Barrel Workshop” by Dan Zerr and Mike Erickson. (There is a fee for that last workshop to cover the cost of the barrel and materials, and the class size is limited, so call 715-839-6226 to pre-register.)

Sustainable Future Festival • Saturday, Aug. 10 • plant sale begins at 9am, exhibits open 10am-4pm • Eau Claire County Expo Center, 5530 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire • 715-839-4712 • www.sustainablefuturefest.com