A sustainable fashion show, a chance to drive an electric car, and a wildlife presentation are among the offerings at Princeton GreenFest, set for May 11 at the Princeton Shopping Center on N. Harrison Street.
The free event, sponsored by Sustainable Princeton in cooperation with the Princeton Shopping Center, runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Princeton GreenFest aims to celebrate living a sustainable lifestyle and to help visitors learn how they can do so by offering “green” tips, according to Sustainable Princeton.
“GreenFest is a fun-filled opportunity for residents to learn what they can do to reduce their impact on the environment,” said Molly Jones, Sustainable Princeton’s executive director.
To help residents learn what they can do, more than 30 sustainably-minded businesses, restaurants and nonprofit groups will set up shop in the courtyard at the Princeton Shopping Center.
Visitors can take a recycling knowledge quiz and also make a pledge to change a personal habit in support of sustainability.
Billed as a family-friendly event as well, there will be sustainable art-making, live music and other activities – including a live animal wildlife presentation.
Mermaid Brizo, who is an advocate for clean water and ocean conservation, will be on hand.
But perhaps one of the biggest draws at Princeton GreenFest is the chance to get up close to an electric car. Visitors may test-drive both pure battery cars and plug-in hybrid electric cars, which will come from a wide range of automobile manufacturers.
To test drive an electric car, all that is necessary is a valid driver’s license – which must be presented – and a completed waiver form.
Jones said that addressing climate change requires everyone to look at their personal choices through the lens of sustainability. Visitors to Princeton GreenFest can pick up new ideas to become more sustainable, and also sign a pledge to change a habit, she said.
Princeton GreenFest also will provide residents with a chance to learn about the town’s Climate Action Plan, Jones said. The plan was released last month, and officials are seeking comment from the public.
The Climate Action Plan seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make Princeton a more sustainable town. It is available on Sustainable Princeton’s website at www.sustainableprinceton.org.