Dreaming in green

Jordan Ekers and Casey Binkley are organizing the Atlantic Eco Expo, Nov. 21 and 22 at Exhibition Park. (Danny Abriel Photo)

What began as a class project for Dal student Casey Binkley, will evolve into a massive learning experience for the greater Halifax community. The motivated management student, with the help of some peers, has initiated the first annual Atlantic Eco Expo.

This expo includes everything from eco-friendly transportation and guest speakers, to fashion and cooking. “The main goal of the event is to unite consumers with sustainable products and services,” says Mr. Binkley, 23.

The event, taking place on Saturday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 22 at Exhibition Park, has more than 85 contributing organizations. The keynote speaker is Peter Corbyn, founder of the One Million Acts of Green Challenge and recipient of the 2007 National Clean Air Day Award for Excellence in Energy Efficiency Outreach.

This huge sustainability event will also have the Ride-and-Drive program offering test drives of hybrid cars. Mr. Binkley and co-organizer Jordan Ekers have arranged for five major car manufacturers to showcase their hybrids.

The two organizers are not leaving anyone out of this educational opportunity. There will even be a GREEN Kids Corner, where children can be dropped off and to play games with sustainable twists.

Mr. Ekers notes that the eco-fashion show, showcasing sustainable clothing lines and textiles, is one aspect of the fair that has been getting a lot of attention. There will also be some food demonstrations presented by the chefs of the Wooden Monkey restaurant.

“I think it’s really about education ... We’re trying to provide a medium where we can educate people on sustainable practices, services, products,” explains Mr. Binkley, a fourth-year management student.

So how did this massive event begin? Mr. Binkley chose this ambitious event as a project for the Recreation Entrepreneurship and Special Events course he took last year. He approached Mr. Ekers, now in his fifth year of commerce, and the duo began to research organizations they thought would like to participate.

Mr. Ekers received a work-term credit last year for his contribution to the event, but 10 months later, both students are no longer receiving academic credits for their work. The show must go on though!

“I just hope that we can get everyone from Dal and surrounding communities out there,” said Mr. Ekers, 22. “It’s a student-led initiative, so having support from the student body, from across different universities, is definitely something that we hope to get.”

Mr. Ekers emphasized the current significance of sustainability and its future. “In order to make a difference, we need to come together as a community to be able to tackle what we have in front of us.”

LINK: Atlantic Eco Expo