Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

Contacts: Laurie Gustafson, 651-215-0230
· laurie.gustafson@pca.state.mn.us
Colleen Coyne, 651-297-7363
· colleen.coyne@pca.state.mn.us
Media Contact: Elizabeth Nelson, 612-338-6999
· elizabeth@evanslarson.com
St. Paul, Minn. - New this year, the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are pleased to announce the grand opening of the Eco Experience at the 2006 Great Minnesota Get-Together, Aug. 24 through Sept. 4. Located in the Progress Center building, the entrance to the Eco Experience is marked by a 123-foot-tall blade from a wind turbine. As the fairground's newest permanent landmark, the blade is supported by 60 cubic yards of concrete, and marks the first time one has ever been mounted vertically. Upon entering the building, visitors will find a functioning example of an outdoor rain garden, a walk-through eco home and garage featuring an electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid car, a solar-powered boat, and the newest green technology, including a hydrogen-powered ice resurfacer. The Eco Experience includes eight areas featuring green exhibitors and educational programs, stage acts and samples of healthy organic food. Guests will have the chance to explore Minnesota's:
· Water - EcoFact: Although we've made progress in evaluating our state's waters, more than 2,200 of Minnesota's lakes and rivers tested so far don't meet water quality standards.
· Transportation - EcoFact: Minneapolis has the second highest number of green-commuters in the country!
· Solar Power - EcoFact: Minnesota has nearly as much solar energy potential as Miami!
· Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - EcoFact: The average Minnesotan produces 40 pounds of trash weekly.
· Green Buildings - EcoFact: Buildings in the U.S. consume 2/3 of all energy, 12 percent of all potable water and contribute 30 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions.
· Healthy Local Food - EcoFact: The Twin Cities have the most farmers' markets and community gardens in the Midwest.
· Wind Power - EcoFact: Minnesota is one of the top wind power producers in the country.
· Hydrogen - EcoFact: Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe.
Sustainability Onstage
On Wednesday, Aug. 30, at 2 p.m., see Arctic explorer Will Steger share his insights and observations on the impact of global climate change. Throughout the fair, the Sustainability Stage will offer children's favorite Tricia and the Toonies Enviro-Shows, demonstrations by Clancy, the only mercury-detecting dog in the country, and much more. For complete performance times, see the Sustainability Stage schedule at http://www.EcoExperience.org. Children of all ages can pick up an eco-passport at the information booth and explore each of the exhibit's eight topic areas. Completed passports can be turned in for an Eco Experience button. Kids can have fun with coloring pages, a button-maker, a recycling sorter and more! Alex the Frog takes children on an interactive computer search for ways to be kind to Mother Earth. Think Outside the Building
The greening of the Great Minnesota Get Together isn't limited to the Eco Experience. This year, one of the most popular free exhibits on the fairgrounds, the CHS Miracle of Birth Center, will run on renewable energy from the sun. The equipment for the solar system, designed and installed by Best Power International LLC, was funded by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. About the Eco Experience at the Minnesota State Fair
A first of its kind, the Eco Experience is an indoor green space with lush rain gardens, an eco home, live entertainment, and cutting-edge displays on renewable energy, new fuels and vehicles, and organic farming. Perfect for do-it-yourselfers, techies, gardeners and nature-lovers, the space features a children's area with fun for kids of all ages. The Eco Experience is presented by the Minnesota State Fair and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, helping Minnesotans protect the environment since 1967. Bring your family, bring a friend - get in on the Eco Experience! The Eco Experience is located in the Progress Center building at the corner of Cosgrove Street and Randall Avenue on the State Fairgrounds. The Minnesota State Fair runs Thursday, Aug. 24 through Labor Day, Sept. 4, 2006. Park and ride information is available online at http://www.mnstatefair.org. Visit http://www.EcoExperience.org for more information about the Eco Experience.