The Green Factory Churns Out Sustainable Fun

's slogan of “It's all happening here” was certainly proved true this weekend as hundreds ventured out for Fall Fest. But for those looking to learn more about sustainable companies in the area, and hear some tunes, The Green Factory was the main event.

“The Green Factory is a mixture of sustainable practices and rock and roll, repacked to make it uniquely Cleveland,” said event organizer Rebecca Krueger, who was excited to see the event back for a second year.

“Cleveland is trying to become a sustainable corridor and The Green Factory is an important statement for Cleveland to make for its intentions towards the sustainability movement,” she said.

The event featured an ongoing rotation of bands, as well as a number of speakers raising awareness on topics such as bee keeping, everyday sustainable practices and other green issues facing the community today.

As a proud sponsor of the event, The Green Factory was also a chance for the Cleveland Aquarium to really get their name out there.

“Environmental education will be a big part of what the Cleveland Aquarium will be teaching,” said Tami Brown, general manager of the Cleveland Aquarium, which is expected to open either at the end of 2011 or early 2012.

While an exact opening date has yet to be set for the aquarium, their exhibit featured pictures showing an under-construction aquarium and final plans for the attraction.

Vendors included everyone from Rain Barrels N' More, educating visitors how to reuse natural rain water, to Ecorondack, who pride themselves in making outdoor chairs, particularly Adirondack style chairs, and furniture out of recycles milk jugs. Green options for everything from lawn care to solar panels, to groceries where all represented.

The biggest crowd pleaser came Sunday when two alpacas visited from That'll Do Farm in Grafton. Visitors were welcome to pet these very calm animals, who, according to a representative from the farm, are very sensitive to heat. Even on a day in the low 70s, these alpacas were seeking shelter in front of a big fan.

The Green Factory is expected to return next year, and for many years to come.

“We hope to have a much larger event with more national vendors and even more local innovative companies,” Krueger said.