Eco-friendly vendors, environmentally friendly organizations, freecycling, bicycle exchange and much more are slated for Monroe Township’s Third Annual Green Fair.
The fair, co-sponsored by the Environmental Commission and the Monroe Township Public Library, is free to the public and is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Oct. 6 at the Oak Tree School on Applegarth Road in Monroe Township.
“Every year the Green Fair grows and we are really excited about what we have scheduled this year,” said Green Fair Chairwoman Kathy Budge. “We have several eco-friendly vendors already signed up, but this year we’ve added a bicycle exchange, where residents can bring in their old bicycles and receive a receipt for a tax deduction, and we also have a freecycling event planned for the fair.”
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Through freecycling, residents can bring in items that are in good working condition from their homes that they do not want anymore, such as lamps, furniture, tools or other items they do not need anymore, leave them at the freecycling site at the fair, and then if someone wants an item they can take it home with them.
“The idea with freecycling, is that nothing gets sent to the dump,” Ms. Budge said. “Everything brought in will find a home. We even have RISE out of Hightstown coming in to take home anything left that will be distributed to residents in need.”
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The Bike Exchange is an all-volunteer effort that collects, repairs and sells bikes from its shop in the Capitol Plaza Shopping Center on the Trenton/Ewing border. The mission of the Exchange is to: (1) make low cost bikes available to low-income families and (2) make a significant financial contribution to after-school programs of the Boys and Girls Club.
Furthermore the fair will include tours of the Oak Tree School. The school was designed to LEEDS standards, has solar panels and natural light coming from 90 percent of the building through windows that are glazed with high-efficiency thermal Solarban glass. Also, a 50,000-gallon underground gray water system was installed under the school that is used to collect and filter storm water, so it can be used for the school’s toilet water.
“Residents can get an up-close and personal look at one of the gems of Monroe Township,” said Environmental Commission Chairman John Riggs. “Because of the solar panels, gray water system and light design the building is proof that going green can keep energy and water bills down, which is especially nice considering this is a public building.”
The Township Department of Public works has also arranged the shredding truck to be at the Green Fair, so attendees can bring their old documents to be shredded. The DPW is also bringing its Enviro-Mobile, which is a mobile environmentally-friendly classroom, with games that teach kids better ways to treat the earth.
The Library will host its portion of the fair, complete with eco-friendly arts and crafts, along with environmentally themed puppet shows and storytimes.
“Teaming up with the Library is always a pleasure,” Mr. Riggs said. “They are able to engage the children in thinking ‘green,’ which the kids can then bring home and share those thoughts with their parents. They do a phenomenal job, and we are happy to work with them.”
In addition, New Jersey Clean Energy will be on hand selling environmentally-friendly lighting products at discounted prices.
Furthermore, delicious dishes prepared with fresh ingredients will be sold by Taqueria’s Maria’s Deli of Docks Corner Road in Monroe Township.
The Green Fair will also feature a live performance by the New Royalty Band, which features Monroe Township High School Graduate Trevor Smith.
“You can learn so much at the Green Fair,” Ms. Budge said. “We are always adding something new, and this year’s event may be the biggest we’ve ever had.”
For more information about the fair call (732) 521-4400 and ask for John Riggs or Kathy Budge.
