Sustainalize!
This year’s 2010 Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show, at the David Lawrence Convention Center, March 5 through 14, will feature displays and landscapes that create awareness of important environmental issues and answer your questions of sustainability.
The event is a great way to find out how you can become pro-active in preserving the rich natural resources of our region, starting right in your own backyard. Along with some of Pittsburgh’s most impactful environmental groups and organizations, the students and alumni from Bidwell Training Center’s Horticulture Program have created an interactive experience like no other, to help you “Sustainalize” your home, community and world. It is our hope to demonstrate how we all can be more responsive to change as we advocate for “greener” survival strategies for tomorrow. The exhibit will help create awareness of Pittsburgh’s role in regional, as well as global ecology and serve as an entree to celebrations of Earth Day 2010 on April 22, and World Environment Day 2010 on June 5. It is because of our rich history, abundant natural resources and concern for the environment, that Pittsburgh has been chosen to host North America’s celebration of the United Nation’s World Environment Day this Spring. Many of the regional activities being planned for the six week-period between April 22 and June 5 will be highlighted as part of Bidwell’s “Sustainalize” exhibit.
“Sustainalize” is a 3000 sq. ft. design on the first floor in the Garden Pavilion that invites visitors to stroll through a natural woodland setting featuring beautiful native plants, “pushing” leaves and flowers to announce spring 2010. Enjoy the sounds of water in babbling streams and waterfowl in the wetlands. Inspired by this glimpse of nature, and just down the path, you will transition into the designed landscape of your urban home. Strolling through the space visitors discover that Mother Nature herself has the answers to their most perplexing environmental and gardening questions. Featured in this space are sq. ft. gardening plots of herbs and vegetables, rain gardens abounding with aquatic and ornamental plants, and a landscape that borrows its’ simplistic, sustainable design from its’ natural surroundings. In the yard, composting efforts, and container gardens practically and artistically demonstrate ideas of recycling and reuse. These ideas are simple and economical and the home itself is filled with ideas on how you can make interior spaces more sustainable. As we look to what lies ahead, new green technologies are demonstrated in both hydroponic and green wall / green roof displays.
“Sustainalize Too” is a beautifully designed 1800 sq. ft. space on the second floor that promotes the idea that you too, can become energized by the green movement. The interactive walkthrough contains exhibits, mini workshops, informative presentations and products that will inspire you in your efforts to “Sustainalize” your home, your community, your world. This “hands on” area is designed for the entire family. There are fun children’s activities and great ideas for the adults. Get involved in the building of a working greenhouse made of recycled plastic bottles. See how to utilize a rain barrel and compost bin as part of your sustainable landscape. Discover what’s hot and what’s not. Natives are in, invasives are out. Take a few moments to view the fascinating video, the “Story of Stuff.” Get expert organic, urban gardening and permaculture tips. See how “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” can help transform our communities. If you have cell phones or small electronic items that you’re not sure how to dispose of, an eloop recycle bin will be available.
