Renewable Energy at the Oregon Country Fair

More and more, people are looking for concrete action on climate change. I was recently reminded of this on a trip to the Oregon Country Fair, with a variety of eco-friendly practices and activities.  

I connected with volunteers from 350.org’s Corvallis chapter at a booth dedicated to environmental action. We discussed some of the campaigns for a stable climate happening right now in Oregon, such as opposition to the Jordan Cove LNG terminal and pipeline. We also talked about the September 8 Climate Day of Action, so mark your calendars! There is a lot of excitement about this nationwide event.

One of the highlights was Energy Park, with its focus on renewable energy. I met a representative from the Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (www.oseia.org) about home rooftop solar. The University of Oregon offered demonstrations of how various forms of renewable energy work. Other booths offered examples of novel solar technology, such as a solar oven and a solar water boiler. There was even a solar tack welder for metalworking! Yes folks, renewables are not only a solution, they can also be fun.

The Oregon Country Fair even made it easy to leave the car at home. Shuttles from downtown Eugene were a popular option, stopping just blocks from the Amtrak station. The fair has taken strong steps to reduce its carbon footprint, proving that a summer vacation need not be a huge carbon bomb.

By Brent Swanson