How easy — or difficult — is it to make the house more energy efficient?
By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
How easy — or difficult — is it to make the house more energy efficient?
Everyone needs to eat, but where can one find locally produced cheese, jams and jellies or meat? What about recipes using locally grown food?
Which new cars are the most fuel efficient? And how practical are electric cars?
The answers to those questions and many more may be found at Sustainable Lawrence’s seventh annual Living Local Expo Fair, set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the New Jersey Army National Guard Armory on Eggerts Crossing Road.
The event, which is free and open to the public, has been organized by Sustainable Lawrence along with green teams from Lawrence, Ewing and Hopewell townships and the Mercer County Office of Sustainable Development.
The Living Local Expo Fair has grown larger every year, said Pam Mount, who serves on Lawrence Township’s green team. There were about 40 exhibitors last year, but this year’s edition will feature more than 60 vendors, she said.
”I am excited,” Ms. Mount said. “We are really focusing on our own local communities. It’s a great day. There is something for everyone. It’s a family event. Participants will learn stuff and learn how to become more sustainable.”
A new booklet, written by Ewing Township resident Joanne Mullowney and Hopewell Township resident Margaret Van Vuuren, will be released at the Living Local Expo Fair. The 33-page booklet, entitled “Tips for Greener Living,” will be for sale for $1.
The booklet covers topics ranging from recycling and hazardous waste disposal to locally grown food, organic food, green cleaners and transportation. It provides dozens of ideas and resources for living more sustainably.
Visitors to the Living Local Expo Fair can listen to speakers discuss a variety of sustainability issues, ranging from local school gardening and science projects, to the future of transportation — including electric cars and bicycles.
Several car dealers will bring their electric models for a mini car show in the parking lot. If it rains, the cars will be moved indoors, Ms. Mount said. Visitors also can participate in building an electric bicycle, using a simple kit.
One of the more popular features of the Living Local Expo is the “Ask Your Neighbor” table, where visitors can speak one-on-one with homeowners about their experiences remodeling and performing energy efficient projects, Ms. Mount said.
”Living local” also is about finding locally produced food, she said. More than a dozen local farm businesses and chefs will show off their wares. Cooking demonstrations by local chefs will be offered all afternoon, beginning at noon with a demonstration by chef Chris Albrecht of Eno Terra.
A farmers market will feature local fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses, plants and flowers. Visitors can talk to local farmers about the coming season and also enjoy a locally prepared lunch of soup, chili, bread, cider and fruit from local farms and local food businesses.
And what would a fair be without music? The TEMPOraries, which is a Ewing Township-based band, will provide live rock music from noon to 2 p.m.
To encourage children to recycle, the event organizers have set aside space for the young set to make a giant butterfly out of any recycled material — ribbons, yarn or beads — that they bring to the Living Local Expo Fair, Ms. Mount said.
Fair-goers also can recycle their clothing, bicycles and medical equipment. They can donate clothing that is suitable for the workplace to Dress for Success, and gently used medical equipment to Your ReSource. Old bicycles may be donated to the Trenton Bike Exchange to be refurbished.
And although it is not directly related to sustainability, the New Jersey National Guard Militia Museum will be open. The museum, which is housed at the armory, features weapons, uniforms and other equipment from various periods.

