This Is Why I Love Minneapolis

Go Green Expo at the Minneapolis Convention Center this weekend

As I soldier bravely forward into my third year of car-free living in Minneapolis, I’m marking the occasion with two earth-shattering pieces of information:

1)    The Go Green Expo, an eco-focused, interactive, and educational showcase, is going on this weekend at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

2)    I’m giving away a slightly used Solio hybrid solar charger (a $49.95 value). Just leave a comment below for a chance to win.

First things first, this weekend’s Go Green Expo is for “Everyone interested in learning about environmentally friendly goods & services for use in modern everyday living.” Friday is the business-to-business stuff, but Saturday gets decidedly more interesting for normal folk wanting to learn more about green living and business. You can peruse the entire schedule here, but some of the more notable attractions include the latest in energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly products, a rock climbing wall and Segway tours. (What? You’ve never been on a Segway? Well, I rode one all over Paris, no big deal.)

There’ll also be interactive seminars featuring leaders in the green industry, local politics, and community organizations. The Minnesota Vikings cheerleaders are reportedly leading some sort of cheer for the Vikings Planet Purple initiative for sustainable business practices and renewable energy, then hanging out to sign autographs and pose for photos. Also, Ms Minnesota will be singing “It’s Not Easy Being Green”, with backing vocals by RT Rybak, Woody Harrelson and Lady Gaga. No really, Ms Minnesota will be there.

You can bring your old cell phones and chargers for recycling, and take part in educational sessions on green jobs, sustainable and fair trade design, green building, clean air and greening your business.

You can even bus your green selves to the event on Sunday for free with the Go Greener Pass (valid only on Sunday, November 8, 2009 from 9:00am – 6:00pm only).

Oh and full disclosure about that Solio hybrid solar charger, if you click the link, you’ll see that it was given to me for a product review with no return packaging or instructions for how/where to send it. That was two years ago. So, I’m giving it away!!! Just leave a comment below before 5pm CT on Friday November 6th and I’ll choose the winner in a random drawing. You must live in the Minneapolis/St Paul area or be willing to spring for shipping.

The Go Green Expo

WHEN:
Friday, November 6th • 10am – 5pm
Business-to-Business Expo

Saturday, November 7th • 10am – 6pm & Sunday, November 8th • 10am – 5pm
Business-to-Business & Business-to-Consumer Expo

WHERE:
Minneapolis Convention Center
1301 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
(612) 335-6000
www.minneapolisconventioncenter.com

TICKETS:
The full weekend pass is $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors (with proper ID). Children 12 and under get in free. Tickets provide access to the entire exhibitor floor, all panel & speakers discussions and can be purchased in advance at www.gogreenexpo.com or the day of at the ticket counter.

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Events | 3.11.2009 7:00 | 8 Comments

Doniree

What was the hardest part about going car-free in the Twin Cities when you initially decided to do so?

3.11.2009 11:27

TravelWithDave

Leif–

I really enjoy your blog at Killing Batteries. The Minneapolis bits are interesting as well.

3.11.2009 11:59

leif

Hey Doniree – It’s actually been quite easy. There’s maybe one or two times a year, when I really wish I had a car. Usually when I need to move something heavy or get to a place that is not serviced by public transport (say, Woodbury) and is too far for biking. When I do need a ride, I’m quite happy to bribe the driver with food or drink. I went on a long anti-car, solo debate in the “Time is money” section of this post.

Thanks Dave!

3.11.2009 12:41

Lauren - Ephemerratic

I love that the charger is used. Way to take reduce-reuse-recycle to a whole new level.

4.11.2009 10:41

Reclaimingstuff

Keep up the good work. Car-free is no joke.

6.11.2009 10:26

Chris

Living downtown makes it a lot easier to go car-less. The Cities still need to do a lot to get the public transportation option up to speed, though.

6.11.2009 10:30

Erin

Shipping is a small price to pay for something so useful – count me in!

6.11.2009 11:03

leif

Hi folks,

We held the drawing. To make it as fair and random as possible, we cut out slips of equal sized paper, wrote your names on them, put them in a box, I held the box up high and, while blindfolded and standing on one foot, my girlfriend drew.

And the winner is Lauren! Thanks everyone for leaving comments!

6.11.2009 18:29