Chelmsford's Earth Fair Green and Growing

Earth Day 2011 brought out environmentalists, advocates, vendors, crafters and the curious who share a common goal of learning how to live a bit "greener." A variety of exhibitors ranging from wood workers to gardeners to the Chelmsford High School Recyling Club were on hand  to provide education and inspiration to attendees.

Kristy Medina, an eco-artist who was key in the organization of the event was on hand with a full array of gifts and crafts made from recycled cereal boxes, soda tabs, juice containers and VHS tapes.  Among the colorful and clever items on display were wallets made from juice pouches and sketchpads with covers made from cereal boxes.

Another crafter working with recycled items is Susanna Delgado.

"I started in stained glass and was inspired by news of this event to create something from recycled glass which is how I started to make decorative lighting out of wine bottles," she said.

Environmentally friendly cleaning products were the focus of Ami Hughes and Sue West who staffed a table where they gave away both the "recipes" and bottled samples of cleaning agents made from common kitchen items such vinegar, bleach and baking soda.

Jeffrey Merrill who uses "reclaimed lumber" to create lawn chairs, bird houses, garden benches and frames. One item of Merrill's was made of white oak.

"The same wood used by the Vikings to make their ship," he said. "And those chairs of redwood were made from redwood taken from a child's playset."

People looking for ways to get active in "going green" were welcomed by Jeannette Moreau of the town's Recycling Committee.

"We have projects like the town clean up. People pick their projects and choose their hours, " said Moreau.

"We're encouraging gardners to plant a row to help provide fresh produce to people who are on limited incomes, disabled or elderly," said Sheila Caman, a volunteer with Plant a Row, an organization with a fifteen year history.

The new generation of "green advocates" were well represented by Arielle Keller, Stephanie Dick, Emily Totten and Rachel Kane of the Chelmsford hHigh School Recycling Club. The club created a "single stream" recycling process for the collection of paper, bottles and cans. The club has approximately 20 regular members and has been running the recycling effort since 2009.