So much information to get out there!

I apologize for the delay, between the madness of the Natural Product Expo in Baltimore and scrambling to get the bus ready to go across the country, I’ve found wireless internet to be little and far between. Expo was madness, as expected, but I think everyone made it out alive (albeit a little tired!) A huge congratulations goes to Kopali for winning their Socially Responsible Business award. Our thoughts are always with you as you pull the long strenuous hours to make your dream a reality.
October has snuck up on us, although it certainly doesn’t feel that way thanks to this late summer weather (85 degrees? In October? Really?). We have a huge lineup of events coming up including Bioneers, Green Festival, as well as a whole new region of people to talk to (West coast here we come!). Never having experienced any of the conventions and festivals that are on the CGA schedule, I’m looking forward to the onrush of new experience. One event, the Green Festival, is something that I had heard of but did not know much about. Having just had their biggest turnout ever in Chicago this past spring, the Green Festival is really picking up steam and catching the public’s eye. Here’s a bit about the organizations that pull it together, what the mission is, and how you can get involved in this incredible event.
The Green Festivals (there are many that span the country throughout the year) are put on jointly by Global Exchange and Co-Op America. Global Exchange is an international human rights organization that has opened innumerable eyes to the root causes of injustice around the world. Visit their site and find out more about the incredible steps these members are taking to create a strong international force for change (www.globalexchange.org) To increase the good vibes and strong commitment to global justice, Global Exchange is working with Co-Op America. Co-Op America started in 1982 and is a not-for-profit organization that is working towards a sustainable society through economic strength. Through the power of the consumer and conscious business Co-Op America believes we can achieve a sustainable world. Their vision of the world is one in which “all people have enough, where all communities are healthy and safe, and where the bounty of the Earth is preserved for all the generations to come.” Learn more about their powerful and beautiful organization at www.coopamerica.org
These groups have put together an amazing gateway for consumers, students, families, and anyone who happens to be curious about what it means to be “green” in the Green Festival. The GreenFest is readily equipped with over 200 speakers with views on everything from social to environmental to political change and many hot topics in between. At the Washington D.C. Green Festival on October 6 and 7, all are welcome to see speakers such as Ralph Nader, Amy Goodman, and Dr. Alan Greene express their views on how we can better the world we live in. In addition to all of the speakers, the Green Festival also brings over 400 ‘green’ businesses in to show how their innovative minds are creating a sustainable future. Bring the whole family for a day of inspirational speakers, amazing ‘triple bottom line’ companies, and fun workshops. Visit www.greenfestivals.org to see who will be there, what is going on, and how you can be a part of the change.
As always, keep an eye out for the CGA Veggie Bus and I hope you make it to the Green Festival!
Peace and love,
Dani