I'm not sure if this object had a function, or was strictly mechanical art.

Sustainability Fair

Felix Wong's avatar
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For someone who makes an effort to be eco-friendly—at least within the parameters of my love of sports cars, motorcycles, and traveling—it’s kind of a shame that until now I’ve never attended the annual Sustainability Fair of Fort Collins. It’s another bummer that this year I only allocated one hour within my overloaded schedule to attend the event since it became quickly apparent that a person could easily spend a whole weekend there.

My one hour actually ballooned into two because at the venue—Legacy Park north of Old Town—I encountered my good friends Charis, Dave, Shantel and Tori. We enjoyed our happy reunion over burgers made from grass-fed beef and free snack bags filled with organic fruit-and-nut bars and other edible treats.

Afterward, I made quick rounds of the tents. Catching my eyes immediately were electric Porsche 914 conversions, battery-powered motorbikes and even bicycles hand-crafted in Fort Collins from bamboo. A plethora of nontoxic, environmentally friendly products were on display along with functional eco-art.

Various tents featured guest lecturers and demonstrations. Wish I had time to attend any of these.

The last thing to catch my eye was a Dream Board where anyone could write down and share their Utopian desires. Wishes included, “When we can transport ourselves far without fossil fuel,” “That my children will make choices based on education and from the heart,” and “I dream of when the power of love outweighs the love of power.” Pretty inspiring stuff, really.

When I left I couldn’t help feel slightly more optimistic, a tad more aware, even a bit inspired. Among my resolutions was that the next time I go, I’d devote an entire day for the fair. Next year for sure.

A raft with a solar-powered spigot was popular with the kids, many of whom jumped in.
A raft with a solar-powered spigot was popular with the kids, many of whom jumped in.
This water wheel was also powered by solar cells.
This water wheel was also powered by solar cells.
I had a delicious grass-fed beef hamburger.
I had a delicious grass-fed beef hamburger.
At the fair I met with Charis and her kids, Tori, Dave, and Shantel.
At the fair I met with Charis and her kids, Tori, Dave, and Shantel.
Supposedly, the cost of one paper towel could dry 22 pairs of hands with this efficient hand dryer. It actually felt nice and was relatively quiet.
Supposedly, the cost of one paper towel could dry 22 pairs of hands with this efficient hand dryer. It actually felt nice and was relatively quiet.
A solar-powered attic fan.
A solar-powered attic fan.
An electric-converted motorcycle.
An electric-converted motorcycle.
An electric-converted Porsche 914.
An electric-converted Porsche 914.
Small Planet E Vehicles electric bicycles.
Small Planet E Vehicles electric bicycles.
Panda bicycles are made of Bamboo and are hand-crafted in Fort Collins.
Panda bicycles are made of Bamboo and are hand-crafted in Fort Collins.
I'm not sure if this object had a function, or was strictly mechanical art.
I'm not sure if this object had a function, or was strictly mechanical art.
The dream board included people's thoughts such as, "I dream of when the power of love outweighs the love of power."
The dream board included people's thoughts such as, "I dream of when the power of love outweighs the love of power."
Attendees of the Sustainability Fair were from all over the world.
Attendees of the Sustainability Fair were from all over the world.