Sharon Green Day 2023 Recap: A Successful Celebration of Sustainability
The much-anticipated Sustainable Sharon Green Day made its return in 2023 and was an event filled with numerous exciting highlights. This annual gathering, which hadn't taken place since 2019, proved to be a success that left both attendees and organizers alike with a sense of accomplishment and hope for a sustainable future.
Reflecting on the event, a committee member summed up the sentiment of many attendees: "I liked the participation of the younger generation. It seemed like a science fair for sustainability and attracted friends and families of the young people. And it underscored the fact that young people have the most to lose from an ocean full of plastic and an overheated climate." This statement highlights the success of Green Day in engaging and inspiring youth, who play an integral role in advocating for sustainable practices and raising awareness about environmental issues.
Feedback from exhibitors and vendors further emphasized the positive impact of Green Day. NEC-Solar, a regular participant and major sponsor of this year’s event, expressed their satisfaction, stating that it was their best Green Day yet. They noted that the quality of the discussions they had with attendees was exceptional. HomeWorks Energy, another vendor, reported an impressive result of eight sign-ups in just four hours. Mollie Tourjeman's educational session, located in the far corner, attracted fifteen enthusiastic kids, showcasing the event's ability to engage and educate younger attendees effectively. Debbie Tatro, appreciative of the organizers' efforts, conveyed her gratitude for a successful Green Day, particularly highlighting the decision to group all lake, pond, and river-related activities in one area, facilitating convenience for participants.
Electric vehicle exhibit
Outside, the electric vehicle (EV) exhibit attracted a large turnout, with over ten vehicles on display. Positioned strategically and fostering active engagement with attendees, the EV showcase effectively promoted sustainable transportation solutions. Three food trucks brought a bustling atmosphere alongside the EV display in the main parking lot.
Drop and Swap
The amazing Drop and Swap initiative, driven by Eve Carey, Recycling Coordinator for Sharon Public Schools and the Town of Sharon, drew people to SHS throughout the weekend, with busy drop-offs on Saturday and bustling shopping on Sunday. The event succeeded in redistributing household items and clothing to avoid landfill disposal. Remaining items were recycled or redistributed to charitable organizations.
In conclusion, Sharon Green Day 2023 was a resounding success, marked by various firsts and positive feedback from exhibitors, vendors, and attendees. The event not only showcased the importance of sustainability but also engaged and inspired the younger generation to take action. Looking ahead, recommendations for next year's event aim to further enhance attendee experiences, boost attendance, and strengthen community involvement. With continued dedication and enthusiasm, Sharon Green Day has the potential to become a cornerstone of sustainability advocacy in the community, promoting lasting change for a greener future. Thank you again to all who helped make 2023 Green Day a success!
We would love to hear from you. We would especially like your recommendations about local organizations who could boost participation and attendance in next year's Green Day. Please share ideas and feedback with us at greenday@sustainablesharon.org.
