Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Pam McCurdy, 651-757-2559 St. Paul, Minn. -- For each of the past three years, more than one million people attended the largest environmental event of its kind in the nation, and it was right here in Minnesota: the Eco Experience, a 25,000-square-foot interactive exhibit that returns for its fourth year at the Minnesota State Fair. With hands-on activities and educational presentations, attendees can learn about water and air pollution, recycling, saving energy, climate change, green jobs, alternative energy sources, vehicles and transportation, and more. The Eco Experience also has a healthy local foods area featuring samples and demonstrations, a full-size Eco House and fun activities for the whole family. What's new this year at the Eco Experience? NEW: A Countryside Market selling fresh, local and organic food from Minnesota, including Caprese salad on a stick, apples, maple syrup soda, and watermelon slices. UPDATED: The Eco House is designed as a "net-zero" house that has a solar façade, green roof, and large, south-facing windows. "Net-zero" means using only as much energy as is produced on site on a yearly basis. Learn about net-zero and see some of the interesting features of the Eco House, including a dual-flush toilet that works with a hand-washing sink which reuses sink water with every flush, countertops made of reclaimed walnut shells, eco-friendly paint, energy-efficient LED lights, appliances and finishes. NEW: The Interactive Climate Change Exhibit encourages Minnesotans to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Learn about the causes of climate change, how it impacts Minnesota, and what you can do in your own home and life. UPDATED: Paper or plastic? Neither! Share why you'll use reusable shopping bags, get your picture taken, and take home a free bag. Each day, fair-goers will see cooking demonstrations, sample and purchase local and organic food, get answers to their questions at the Green Jobs booth, and learn all about Minnesota waterways, and much more. WHAT: Fourth annual Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27 through Monday, Sept. 7, 2009 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily WHERE: The Progress Center
The corner of Randall and Cosgrove
Look for the 123-foot-high wind turbine blade LEARN MORE: www.ecoexperience.org About the Eco Experience: A partnership between the Minnesota State Fair, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, and dozens of organizations and businesses across the state, the Eco Experience has become the second most popular exhibit at the fair. The Eco Experience is the largest environmental event of its kind in the country in the last two decades. Since 2006 over one million visitors have attended the 25,000-square-foot exhibit each year to learn more about clean water, saving energy, climate change, healthy local food, transportation, green building and remodeling, and other ways to lead more eco-friendly lives. Discover easy and uniquely Minnesota ways to go greener in your daily routine by exploring cutting-edge green technologies and having fun with interactive displays, kids activities, performances and more. Look for more information and schedules in July at www.ecoexperience.org.