It's Not Easy Being Green

It’s not easy being green, according to at least one media celebrity, but even so it’s not as difficult as you might think.  That’s the message behind the Go Green Expo taking place at the TSB Arena from Saturday 12 to Sunday 13 October.

And according to organiser Damien Hochberg, it’s going to take a whole new approach to sustainability issues.

“We’re not targeting the converted greenies,” he says.  “We’re aiming for ordinary people - average consumers who haven’t really thought of the issues before, or thought it’s all too hard - and the idea of the Expo is to show that it isn’t.”

Damien says there’s going to be huge range of products and services embracing healthier, more sustainable and practical living options on offer, with over 120 exhibitors fighting for floor space at the TSB Arena.

“We want to show that there are viable alternatives to everyday products that people are using,” he says.  “As an example, All Good bananas are exhibiting – they’re Fairtrade with a better reputation than others on the market and we’ll have ecostore washing powders on display, which feature biodegradable packing – so it’s a greener product that does the same job as other commercial available laundry powders.”

That’s the key to the expo, he says.  “We’re not reinventing the world, just showing that there are alternatives that are better for the world.”

Finding out more isn’t going to cost the earth either.  Entry to both or either of the two days is free, and it’s hard to think of any other Expo that doesn’t charge for admission.  There is the option to make a gold coin donation to one of two charities; Forest and Bird or Sustainable Coastlines.  Damien says all the money will go to the charities.  “We don’t take any of it – the aim is to give visitors the choice.  And if they don’t have a gold coin, we’re relaxed about that as well.”

As well as the two days of the Expo, there’s also an event on the Friday night – that’s the 11th - from 5.30 till 9.00pm at the Boatshed.  Called Green Drinks, it’s a charity fundraiser hosted by comedian Steve Wrigley, of Seven Days fame and a Billy T Award-winner to boot.  Steve will not only be doing a comedy spot but will introduce two guest speakers; ecostore founder Malcolm Rands and Chris Morrison, founder of Phoenix Organics and owner of All Good Bananas.  Local beers and wines and food will be available, there’ll be giveaways and auctions, with all proceeds going to Go Green’s two charity partners.

It’s been a busy few months for Damien and his team.  “There’s just the four of us at the moment” he says.  “But we’ll have a lot more to help on show day. “ He says the setting up has taken more work than they anticipated, but given this is the first Go Green Expo that’s to be expected.  “There always has to be someone to first jumper through the hoops,” he says.

 Go Green Expo will go to Auckland after Wellington, and Damien expects it will be back to Wellington same time next year, and every year thereafter.

“We don’t want to preach to the converted – Go Green’s for everyone,” Damien says.  “And we’re not pushing any barrows – it’s just making things available for people who haven’t really thought this way. There’s something for everyone - kids, adults.  There’ll be renovation ideas, gardening, and transport, as well as all sorts of different foods & beverages to sample and buy.   It’s all to show you don’t have to be a hard-out greenie to make changes.”

The Go Green Expo is on at the TSB Arena on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October, from 10am to 5pm.  Admission is free with, although there are two charities who’d love your gold coin donation. And don’t forget the Green Drinks Fundraiser at the Boatshed on Friday 11 October – tickets are $35 each or 2 for $60.

For a more information and a full list of exhibitors visit www.GogreenExpo.co.nz

ENDS

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