Kerville Folk Festival 2009 - Bring Your Own Cup!

How simple of an idea yet what a profound positive impact it has at major festivals across the US and globe - when event organizers and producers mandate that you bring and use your own cup! This eliminates literally thousands of plastic bottles and cups, and thousands of pounds of waste. Kerville Folk Festival has been doing this for years and was one of the first festivalss nationwide to adopt this new policy. At first, people complained because change is always hard. But once folks got used to it, it was easy. I carried my reusable cup around all weekend. I used it for water when I was thirsty, beer when I was thirsty and coffee when I needed to wake up in the morning after sleepless nights of great campfire music.  

Green Fern event produces 1 bag of trash!

Last weekend Green Fern Events helped produce an event for 150+ guests that resulted in only 1 bag of trash! If I remember correctly, the garbage bag wasn't even completely full. Kudos goes to Whole Foods Market Culinary Center for managing the food waste portion of the event and to the family for making smart yet sustainable purchasing decisions from day 1 of planning. In addition, there were only 2 bags of recyclables remaining post event- mainly plastic and glass. 

Many individuals have the misconception that an event is green based on the amount of materials recycled post event, or that they used eco-friendly products. But this is not true in its entirety. A truly sustainable event reduces first and recycles last. There is a reason why the 3 R's are listed in that particular order: 1-Reduce, 2-Reuse, 3-Recycle. If you reduce as much as possible initially, purchase or rent reusable items and recylce last...you are more likely to have less waste at the conclusion of your wedding, special or corporate event. Thus resulting in a truly GREEN event! Imagine the positive environmental impact this would have on earth if every 150 person event across the globe only produced 1 bag of trash. We have a long way to go. 

Community Supported Agriculture in Austin - Johnson's Backyard Garden

We just recently joined Austin's CSA - Johnson's Backyard Garden! Over the last 20 years "Community Supported Agriculture" has grown increasingly popular. It is a  great way to buy ultra-fresh local and seasonal vegetables and it helps support your local farmers. Each week we drive to one of the drop-off locations and stuff our reusable shopping bags with an entire box of the most beautiful and vibrant vegetables. We also opted to purchase a dozen eggs once a week which are fresh and delicious! The only problem we've occurred so far is eating all the vegetables. It's forced us to be more creative in preparing meals. Maybe we should start having veggie parties? 

Green Fern Events Donates Organic Herbs for Dell Children's Medical Center Fundraiser

Yesterday, April 26, 2009, Green Fern Events proudly donated 80 herb plants for the Dell Children's Medical Center fundraiser: "Life + Medical Miracles + Hope". The event was held at Heller Hall on 8th and Congress and was sponsored by Andrew and Mary Ann Heller of Heller Records. Green Bistro Catering sponsored the gourmet dinner. 

Each organic herb was individually wrapped in 100% organic cotton cloth and tied with natural rafia. Not only do herbs make great centerpieces and/or give-aways for events, they are sustainable. Instead of discarding flower arrangements post event, guests can take the herbs home to plant in their gardens and use for culinary purposes. 

Green Fern Events Official Launch! News Release

NEWS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                         

GREEN FERN EVENTS, LLC OPENS ITS DOORS TO THE ENVIRONMENTALLY PROGRESSIVE AUSTIN COMMUNITY

Austin, Texas - April 2009 – In honor of Earth Day, Green Fern Events is proud to announce the debut of their green event planning and consulting services to the community of Austin. Green Fern Events, Austin’s premier green event planner assists clients in planning and producing high quality events that minimize the negative environmental impact.

In recognizing the increased demand for green event specialists in the Austin area, Green Fern Events has carved their niche. “Our goal is to connect clients to the best local vendors and venues that practice sustainability,” explained Green Fern Events founder, Emily Kahn. The company also aims to be the central resource for all things green related to events in Austin and Central Texas.

Events are by nature transient and wasteful, yet are a part of every culture in every country in the world. During Emily’s studies abroad, she was exposed first hand to humanity’s impact on the environment. Through these experiences, she knew she wanted to ultimately combine her love for the environment with her career and passion for the events industry. "Planning a green event does not only leave a good impression, but a legacy for future generations," said Kahn.

Whether you are an event planner, business, or bride-to-be, Green Fern Events welcomes the opportunity to assist clients with eco-friendly product purchasing, recycling, composting, and waste management solutions for their event. Green Fern Events services range from hourly consultations to full-service event coordination.

For additional information please contact Emily Kahn (512) 712-4833 or visit: http://www.greenfernevents.com.

ABOUT GREEN FERN EVENTS –Green Fern Events is Austin’s premier green event planning company and eco-event consulting firm. The company was created in 2008 for those individuals interested in becoming a leader of this progressive movement. Green Fern Events is dedicated to raising awareness of environmental practices for the social and economic benefit of the community.

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TerraBurger "Fast Food for the 21st Century!"

I must admit, I love a good burger and fries. But THIS locally owned and operated "All Natural and Organic" fast food joint located on the Drag tops them all! TerraBurger is a truly sustainable business from top to bottom. Not only do they use all natural and organic ingredients for the food & bevs they serve, TerraBurger converts their cooking oil into biofuel, uses compostable coffee cups, utensils and packaging materials, and much much more. Got a craving for an all-natural, organic juicy burger? Head out to TerraBurger today! You won't be dissapointed. To learn more about TerraBurger visit their website: http://www.terraburgeraustin.com

Million Tons of Trash Challenge!

Have you heard the latest news? The Green Meeting Industry Council (GMIC) has set a million ton target for waste diversion, recycling in 2009. The goal is for a million tons of waste to be diverted, recycled, or composted via the travel, meetings and hospitality industries. According to GMIC Board President Amy Spatrisano, "The Million Tons of Trash Challenge is a fun, competitive way to inspire the industry to measure and reduce the waste it produces, cut its carbon emissions, and save money along the way".  I think this is a phenomenal idea and that this challenge will definitely inspire folks in the industry to "go the extra mile" for reducing waste. Green Fern Events embraces this challenge and aims to be a leader of this exciting movement. For more information on the "Million Tons of Trash Challenge" please visit GMIC's website.