Sustainable Living Is For Everyone
Sustainable Living promotes everyday practices that seek to preserve our limited natural resources. These practices range from taking care of the land to energy efficiency to growing our own food to buying local. In short, Sustainable Living is a commitment to a more environmentally responsible lifestyle through the adoption of sustainable practices.
Sustainable Living doesn't require you to live off the grid; perhaps it means exploring energy efficiency by gathering some tips to help you lower your utility bills.
Similarly, Sustainable Living doesn't require you to undertake organic production; perhaps for you it means exploring new gardening methods such as: raised beds; high tunnels; and container gardening.
From alternative fuels to composting to specialty crop production to local craftsmanship, Sustainable Living has a practice for everyone and for every lifestyle.
Sustainable Communities are entrepreneurial in focus, reinventing themselves in an ever-changing world to ensure continued success. We, as residents of our 'community' of Southern Illinois, can help ensure our success through the adoption of Sustainable Living practices that contribute to the overall health and viability of Southern Illinois.
In her work with the University of Illinois Extension, Southern Region Community Economic Development Educator Susan Odum and a multitude of partner organizations and volunteers have joined with the Shawnee Resource Conservation & Development Area and the Connect SI Foundation in the development of an annual event focused on sustaining the natural resources on which we all depend.
The October 27th event will highlight Sustainable Living practices including: growing your own food; taking care of the land; home energy efficiency; and buying locally and saving money. Beekeeping; canning, freezing & drying; wild mushroom hunting; outdoor recreation; composting; value-added products; and a host of other equally exciting topics are on the agenda for the upcoming event.
While at the Expo, make sure to check out the following display areas: the energy efficiency wall; the live cooking demonstrations; the kid's area featuring hands-on activities; and the artisan tent where you can see Southern Illinois craftsmanship in action. Also, make time during your day to stop by Odum's Buy Local exhibit in the Main Tent to gain a better understanding of the impact of your buying patterns on the economic vitality of our 'community' of Southern Illinois.
Please make plans to join Odum and a multitude of other presenters from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, October 27th at the 2012 Sustainable Living Expo on the grounds of the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center near Simpson on Highway 145 N. Admission is free to the public, so please come on out to the 3rd annual event focused on promoting self reliance and sustainability at home, in our communities and across the Southern Illinois region.