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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
New State Fair exhibit encourages fairgoers to be ‘green’RALEIGH – As the N.C. State Fair adds more “green” initiatives this year, its new exhibit – Green NC – encourages fairgoers to do the same. Green NC, sponsored by Duke Energy, highlights alternative fuels and renewable energy sources, locally grown foods, recycling, water conservation and other ways consumers can be environmentally friendly. “It’s important that we continue to research and implement renewable forms of energy, like biofuels, but the average person can also contribute to a greener North Carolina,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “By doing something as simple as buying locally grown foods, or collecting rainwater for your lawn and garden, you can make a positive impact on the environment. I hope fairgoers will explore the new Green NC exhibit to find a variety of simple ‘green’ ideas they can use in their daily lives.” The Green NC exhibit features organizations in the state that are leading environmental research, education and outreach. Exhibit highlights include alternative fuel vehicles, an up-close view of solar photovoltaic panels and a backyard greenhouse made from simple materials found at any home improvement store. Fairgoers can take their picture with an Indy race car that runs on ethanol, research public transportation options for their area and find out how much energy it takes to power a light bulb by manual labor. Visitors to the exhibit have the option of completing a scavenger hunt that encourages participants to make a series of “green” pledges to earn a souvenir. Green NC will also house one of four recycling stations on the fairgrounds that will accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Other recycling stations will be located at Dorton Arena, the Midway and at Heritage Circle. Exhibitors include: Duke Energy, FJB Remodeling, State Energy Office, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Research Stations Division, N.C. Solar Center, SMARTT Challenge, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service E-Conservation Program, N.C. State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Sustainable Partners, N.C. GreenPower, Triangle Clean Cities Coalition, Biofuels Center of North Carolina, N.C. Soybean Producers Association, Rainwater Conservation Systems, N.C. chapter of the American Chemical Society, GoTriangle.org and the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources divisions of Air Quality, Pollution Prevention and Environmental Assistance, Water Quality, Coastal Management and State Parks and Recreation. Green NC is located near Gate 11. For more information visit www.ncstatefair.org/greennc. -nja, 1,2- |
