Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contact: Pam McCurdy, 651-757-2559 Pamela.McCurdy@state.mn.us St. Paul, Minn. -- There are plenty of scales at the Minnesota State Fair: for weighing produce, livestock and even midway-goers. An exciting new interactive exhibit at this year's state fair, the Eco Scale Challenge, allows Eco Experience visitors to see the effect their choices at home and on the road have on emissions of carbon dioxide. Home energy use and transportation for the average household are responsible for approximately 21 tons of carbon emissions a year, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Even small changes can add up to big reductions. For instance, if visitors move the transportation slider on the Eco Scale to carpool or bus just twice a week, the scale points to a yearly carbon savings of half a ton. Committing to proper vehicle maintenance, which lowers emissions, cuts another half ton. Energy-saving actions at home, like turning off unneeded electronics, washing clothes in cold water, and lowering the temperature of the water heater, cuts another half ton of carbon. The Eco Scale Challenge not only allows visitors to see how their actions lighten their impact on the environment, but allows them to see how tradeoffs in their decisions work. Other categories on the scale include reducing/recycling, renewable energy, sustainable yard, saving energy, and eating local foods. As visitors travel through the Eco Experience, they'll receive a stamp as they learn how they can help the environment and, for kids, collect a prize at the end. 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. Since 2006, more than one million visitors have attended the 25,000 square-foot exhibit 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. More information and schedules are at www.ecoexperience.org.