Georgia Southern University's Center for Sustainability holds its annual GreenFest, spotlighting recycling, reuse, conservation and other eco-friendly lifestyle choices, this Saturday from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. in downtown Statesboro.
The university's announcement asserts that GreenFest "brings town and gown together." GSU President Jaimie Hebert, Ph.D., and Darron Burnette, president and CEO of Sea Island Bank and chair of the Blue Mile Committee, will give remarks at noon on the courthouse lawn, and more than 40 vendors and exhibitors will share sustainability information and eco-friendly products.
Featured workshops this year include up-cycled vases and planters, pallet birdhouses, and bookmarks and placemats made from recycled Georgia Southern banners. GreenFest also offers live music and children's activities.
Greening the Blue Mile
New this year, festival activities will extend well beyond the courthouse square through downtown and along the Blue Mile around South Main Street.
A number of downtown businesses will be offering "GreenStop" shopping for sustainable products. There will be green activities and "green wall" tours at the GSU City Campus on East Main Street, recycled art projects at the new Roxie Remley Center for Fine Arts and bike riding on the Willie McTell Trail. Bicyclists will be eligible to enter a drawing for sustainable prizes at the festival.
Also new, the city of Statesboro is hosting a service opportunity for beautification along the Blue Mile. Volunteers will find a check-in table on the courthouse lawn.
Entries in the second annual Pallet Challenge will also be on display along Siebald Street, and winners will be announced at 12:15 p.m. Last year's competition drew items created from shipping pallets such as picnic tables, catapults, compost bins and even a bunkbed, from as far as Savannah.
GreenFest also coincides with the weekly Mainstreet Farmers' Market, offering local produce, baked goods and other items.
Shuttle service to the festival will be offered for Georgia Southern students living on campus. For more information, visit georgiasouthern.edu/sustainability online or email cfs@georgiasouthern.edu.