Second Annual Sustainability Symposium

TYLER – Baffled by recycling? Is composting a dirty word? Do you want to learn to live “green” but don’t know where to start? The answers to these questions and much more will be available at the second annual “Living Green: A Sustainability Symposium” to be held Saturday, Sept. 11, at the Harvey Convention Center. Cost for the day-long symposium is $5 for adults; admission is free for children under 12 and anyone with a student ID.

The program is presented by the City of Tyler, Keep Tyler Beautiful and the Texas Conservation Alliance and will include:
· Presentations on recycling, conservation and sustainability issues;
· “Green” vendor displays and exhibits; and,
· Demonstrations on how you can learn to sustain our planet.

“This symposium is the perfect opportunity to learn more about ways that each and every one of us can make a contribution toward making our planet healthier,” said Cheryl Roy, Keep Tyler Beautiful board member and Symposium co-chair. “The symposium will cover a variety of subjects from recycling to green building to energy conservation.”

Presentations and speakers include:
· Where Does My Trash Go by Kristi Boyett, City of Tyler
· What is Sustainability? by Jim Bundscho, Ben Wheeler Development
· Recycling Concrete by Hal Williams, Williams Construction
· Does Your Home Make You Sick? by John Vaselli, UT Tyler TxAire Project
· You CAN Afford to Build Green! by Anwar Khalifa, Pyramid Homes
· Getting Kids Outdoors by Alan Byboth, Camp Tyler Foundation
· Trash to Treasure by Jim Wooldridge, Habitat ReStore
· Lower Your Energy Bill Without Spending a Penny! By Joe Stowe, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning
· Earth Kind by Mark Chamblee, Chamblee Roses
· Clean Living with Natural Gas by Claude Figueroa, CenterPoint Energy
· Practical Ideas for Living Green – A Homeowner’s Experience by Rick Labicki

“The unique thing about this symposium is that you will find ideas, products and companies from right here in East Texas,” said Ms. Roy. “We want to provide a one-stop shop for people to find out how to live green.” Symposium sponsors include: Republic Services, Pyramid Homes, Natural Awakenings Magazine, Stonebridge Heating & Air Conditioning, Brookshire’s and CenterPoint Energy. Vendor booths for green businesses and organizations are available by calling (903) 714-2172. Log onto http://www.LivingGreenInTyler.com for more information.