STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER
GOING GREEN
Southern Vermont’s Environmental Innovators
From solar-powered music festivals to educational collaborations with international
climate advocacy institutions, a number of dedicated Southern Vermont
community members and organizations are working tirelessly to solve some of the
defining environmental issues of our time, including renewable energy and
sustainable farming. Many bridge the gap between global and local grassroots
efforts, paving the path toward sustainable prosperity.
SolarFest
Founded in 1995 in Middletown Springs, Vermont, SolarFest started as a social
gathering of creatively-minded friends who were passionate about music, art, and
renewable energy. The concept was simple: Bring people together to enjoy and
discuss music, art, and the environment.
The first festival was originally held in a remote location where there was no
available conventional source of electricity. The group decided to use solar energy
to power the stage lighting and sound system. Despite the rain that year, the show
ran smoothly. In that moment, the festival performers and attendees witnessed the
potential power that renewable energy and artistic expression could harness to
bring people together.
Since then, SolarFest has grown into a unique networking platform for
environmentally-focused organizations and independent projects (of all levels of
funding and influence). Local Vermont college students, environmental educators,
businesses, and independent vendors flock to SolarFest, spreading awareness for
their products and causes while educating festivalgoers on important
environmental issues.
In addition to music performances, artistic exhibits, and theatrical productions,
other highlights of SolarFest include workshops, presentations, and speeches from
sustainable technology innovators and environmentally-conscious business owners.
Over the years, the festival has attracted some celebrated speakers, including
Senator Bernie Sanders and acclaimed author Bill McKibben. Bill McKibben is the
founder of 350.org, a globally successful and influential climate-action platform.
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