University at Buffalo - The State University of New York

Published: April 26, 2007

By JOHN DELLACONTRADA
Contributing Editor

Just about anything anybody needs to start "going green"—from energy-efficient light bulbs to fast-growing trees—will be exhibited at an Enviro Fair to be held at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the lobby of Alumni Arena, North Campus.

The free fair, organized by UB Green and Re-Tree WNY, precedes the 8 p.m. Distinguished Speakers Series lecture by former vice president and environmental activist Al Gore. The Gore lecture is the signature event of UB's "Greener Shade of Blue" initiative to raise awareness about climate change and celebrate the university's decades-long commitment to environmental stewardship.

More than a dozen businesses and organizations will participate in the Enviro Fair in an effort to provide lecture-goers with the opportunity to "go green" and take home environmental solutions recommended by Gore.

Walter Simpson, UB energy officer and director of the UB Green office in University Facilities, said the Enviro Fair will give attendees a chance to interact with, and learn from, participants in the local environmental movement.

"Everyone who's attending Al Gore's lecture is concerned about climate change," Simpson said. "They're eager to get involved, but they may be wondering how to begin.

"Enviro Fair introduces attendees to people who already are working on this issue so that they can start addressing climate change in their own lives."

Fair exhibitor The Home Depot will give away free energy-efficient light bulbs to anyone attending the lecture. In addition to the donation, valued at $30,000, The Home Depot's participation will include an exhibit of other products available through its Eco Options program.

RPM Ecosystems, developers of faster-growing trees with higher survivability, will be on hand to tell Western New York residents how they can order trees to replace those lost during last fall's surprise October snowstorm. Trees from RPM Ecosystems will be used to dress the stage for Gore's lecture.

GoodGoingWNY.com, a new ride-sharing program developed by the Greater Buffalo Niagara Regional Transportation Council (GBNRTC), will demonstrate a new Web service that provides information on smarter travel options, such as carpooling, taking the bus or rail and bicycling. GBNRTC encourages Gore lecture-goers to refer to the Web site when making travel plans for the lecture.

UB will be represented by UB Green, the Environmental Task Force, the UB Environmental Network and UB Engineers for a Sustainable World.

AAA of Western and Central New York will be unveiling its "Go Green" program that encourages the public to recycle automotive oil and batteries, and to maintain ignition systems as a way to reduce vehicle emissions and save fuel.

Waste Management Recycle America will pass out information about the right and wrong ways to recycle. Experts will be on hand to answer questions on recycling and waste disposal.

Verizon will display one of its hybrid service vehicles and will showcase its environmentally friendly Fiber Optic Network (FIOS).

Campus Wheelworks will have a bike display and is sponsoring bike racks at Alumni Arena for people who choose to bike to the Gore lecture.

WNY community organizations PeaceWeavers, Buffalo Wind Action Group, WNY Climate Action Coalition, WNY Sustainable Energy Association and the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper also will exhibit at the fair.

Wegmans has provided re-usable shopping bags that will be handed out following the Gore lecture.

Re-Tree WNY is a volunteer, not-for-profit group that formed to replace trees lost in the October 2006 snowstorm.

For more information about the Enviro Fair, contact the UB Office of Special Events at 645-6147.