DeKALB — On Saturday, DeCarbon DeKalb hosted its free annual Earth Fest, offering a full day of activities designed to promote sustainability and ecological awareness within the community.
DeCarbon DeKalb is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring the DeKalb community to embrace sustainable practices by creating fun and engaging opportunities for participation. Last year, they partnered with NIU Campus Sustainability to bring Earth Fest to the Founders Memorial Library.
“So often community members and NIU members alike are looking for spaces to commune, gather and talk about something that matters,” said Assistant Director of Campus Sustainability Holly Hansen.
Earth Fest began three years ago in Egyptian Theatre and has steadily gained momentum each year. The event features sustainable vendors and resources, a keynote speaker, a children’s learning section and food trucks. Some of the participating vendors have included Robin’s Nest Bookshoppe, Sycamore Park District and She She’s Bakery.
Hannah Bailey, the owner of She She’s Bakery, said it’s important for people to know that organizations aren’t the only ones practicing sustainability.
“We try to have as small a footprint as possible, that’s why we don’t have a storefront, we rent one because we don’t want to have that footprint,” Bailey said.
Attendees had the opportunity to explore interactive stations and receive free plants from booths, including the DeKalb Public Library. The library also offered a seed exchange program, allowing guests to take seeds home and return harvested seeds the following year.
DeKalb resident Lynn Batalden said supporting events like Earth Fest can bring awareness to the environment.
“Topics like this can feel overwhelming and it’s really important to understand what you can do as an individual to help make our environment better,” Batalden said.
Currently there is no confirmation on whether the next Earth fest will be held in the Founders Memorial Library, but people who want to get involved can visit the DeCarbon DeKalb website for more information.
