It Ain't Easy Being Green...but we're working on it!

Hello, all! Kaitzilla, here: one of D.r.e.e.m. Reality’s east coast voices! One of my favorite things to do includes noticing the many sustainable techniques already available where I live. It’s easy to take personal responsibility and make a difference, even in unlikely places!

For example, I went to the North Carolina State Fair this year. Growing up in the capital city of North Carolina, naturally I went to the State Fair every year. However, I noticed a different experience this year. I found myself surrounded by gardens, culture, and even… recycling? That’s right! The State Fair is no longer just about deep-fried candy bars, donut-bacon cheeseburgers, and nauseating rides anymore! It’s also about helping to protect the earth. For the record, no, I’m not kidding. There was seriously a bacon-cheeseburger with all the fixin’s served between two glazed donuts instead of a bun… Mmmm, can you feel your arteries shutting down just thinking about it? I digress. Anyway, I am proud to acknowledge that recycling bins were abundant and convenient at the fair this year! Almost every trash can had a recycling bin right beside it. Now, if we could keep the trash cans from overflowing, and use the recycling more, we’d be in great shape, NC! I want to urge people to be more aware and take notice of these convenient receptacles. They are available, let’s use them!

You may already be familiar with the giant pumpkin sporting a blue ribbon you can find at a state fair, but what about entire gardens? We saw dozens of squares of land, themed and decorated with a wide variety of beautiful plants. Beyond the judging area there were also larger gardens on display, including a huge one dedicated to edible plants growing easily together! This garden (a small portion pictured to the right), simply named “Pretty and Tasty Garden,” contains all-edible plant life. The experience felt particularly exciting for me, as I got to see a prime example of the many foods that can grow in my current climate! [*if you read my last blog, I recently encouraged everyone to figure out what kinds of foods can grow easily at home. In fact, I encourage you further. Check out Where to Find Pick-Your-Own Fruit and Vegetable Farms / Orchards for Local, Fresh Fruit, Vegetables*]

The art projects on display at the fair are inspiring to see. Entries include traditional folk art, to cake decorating. Wonderfully, the artists range from professional s to children! To close, I leave you with the wise words of my favorite entry, a robot built by a young child.

“Hi, I’m Recycle Bot! I am made of a lot of recycled things. Recycling is very important in the state of North Carolina! Each year North Carolinians throw away $74,072,000 in aluminum and $41,411,600 in plastic. Did you know N.C. has a statewide ban on the disposal of these items?...”

The delightful robot goes on to boast about the numerous things made from recycled materials! Listen to the robot, recycle!

<3 Kait