Green After Dark: An Eco-Friendly Celebration To Be Held Feb. 25

Nearly 30 vendors from restaurants like Pizza Fusion, known for its menu of sustainable ingredients, to Java Planet, Tampa's only organic coffee roaster, will gather later this month at a new earth-friendly event.

The event, Green After Dark, is an evening expo that celebrates the environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Launched in August 2011, the next Green After Dark will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25, 5pm-9pm.

"This is a family friendly event that offers great products and great local music," said Lisa Custer, president of Going Green Tampa and an organizer of Green After Dark.  "I hope anyone who attends comes away with a better idea understanding of green living, supporting local vendors and their community."

It's also a chance for local businesses to showcase how they incorporate eco-sustainablity into their work.

Laura Maddrey, owner of Cupping Cakes, a cupcake bakery that uses recycled packaging and sources fruit from local farms, is a returning vendor at the event.

"Green After Dark is a great opportunity to bring people looking to make better, smarter, healthier and more natural choices in their lives together with companies who have the same ideals," Maddrey said.

Intensity Academy owner Michelle Northrup will showcase her all-natural, carrot-based hot sauces at this month's Green After Dark event.

"We do several events each month in the Tampa area, but Green After Dark holds a special place in our hearts," Northrup said. "It's just wonderful to see our community come together for an eco-conscious nighttime event."

Green After Dark is free to attend and dogs on leashes are welcome. For more information, visit Going Green Tampa.com.

What: Green After Dark

When: February 25, 2012, 5-9 p.m.

Where: Odessa Organic Market, 8701 Gunn Hwy.