The Nibbana Family

Sustainable Living

posted by Kelsi on May 24, 2008 8:24 PM under Natural Family Living

What better way to spend a Saturday then to learn about living sustainably?

Today, with the girls in tow, I visited the Maryland Heartland Sustainable Living Fair.  We didn't leave as early as I hoped, but with two young kids I rarely leave on time for anything.  The festival was held at the Carroll County Farm Museum, which I had never visited before, but I plan to return.

I went in the hope to learn more about green building or retrofitting a house, but unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to go to any of their workshops.  What self-respecting five-year-old would sit patiently for an hour?  When we first arrived Ari spotted the children's area, where we spent some time.  Ari used some materials they had on hand to do some weaving.  We wandered around a bit more, looking at the booths, and then stopped for lunch - an organic cheeseburger, vegan popcorn and cookie, and ice cream.   Next we stopped by the animals they had in pens on the farm  and strolled through their vegetable garden, staffed by Carroll County Master Gardeners.  Ari played on their playground and then we walked to the plant booths and back to the kids area where she planted a flower for herself.

I did learn some useful information and make new contacts.  I first found out about the fair from Karen Daniel of Daniel Creations, who had a booth set up for her cloth diapers (we bought a large hot pink one for Abby - Ari's choice).  We discovered the benefits of Lamb's Quarter, an edible weed, from a gentleman staffing the Common Ground Farms booth.  Did you know that Lamb's Quarter has tons of calcium, beta carotene, fiber, niacin, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin C?  I'm munching as I type!  We also stopped by booths set up by Baby Drawers & More, Lolababiez - where Ari loved a purple Sigg water bottle, and the non-profit Green Building Institute, which looks like it will be helpful since I missed all of the workshops today.  I bought a cool blue reusable bag with an Earth on it that is stored in a tiny pouch, which I plan to keep on hand for other festivals such as this where I neglect to bring a bag.  Finally, I stopped by a booth run by Natural Parenting of Carroll County.  The ladies at the booth were friendly and helpful, and just seemed like so much fun!  They were also handing out free wipes from Seaside Quilts.  Ari picked out an adorable one that was pink with crowns, and had polka dots on the reverse.

Eventually, with our bags stuffed and my skin somewhat sunburnt, we headed home.  Ari was sad to go, which made me feel pretty good as I went for myself!