The Green Living Show was back at the Direct Energy Centre last weekend for its 7th year. My fourth year going, I went with the intention of staying for one hour and left nearly four hours later. As in previous years, there was lots to see and buy, with exhibits and activities for families, foodies, tree huggers, yogis and others. I was famished upon arrival and swiped a sample of smoked organic chicken salad (smoked paprika, celery, green onion, mayonnaise) from the Yorkshire Valley Farms booth on my way to the Ontario Culinary Adventure Pavilion.
Thanks to the Ontario Culinary Adventure Pavilion, my lunch and dinner needs were covered. Lunch included a vegetarian samosa from Magic Oven (Toronto), pulled pork from JP’s Barbeque and Catering (Otterville, Ontario), and for dessert, a bacon butter tart by Madelyn’s Diner (Stratford). This was accompanied by Rosewood’s Mead (Niagara). Walking around works up an appetite, so I returned to the Pavillion where I ordered some Big Bruce Beef “still breathing” (the result was perfectly medium rare, as I’d hoped) and a fish taco from Hooked. $10 in food and drink vouchers went far!
I’ve attend so many public consumer shows they begin to all meld together, but the Green Living Show maintains its distinct feel. There was an element of The Yoga Conference & Show with Sweat Equity magazine sponsoring the Yoga and Fitness Pavilion with yoga classes and products for sale. The Whole Life Expo and Vitality Magazine co-sponsored the Health and Wellness Pavilion, with experts on stage and health and wellness brands including Canadian personal care brand Green Beaver (my toothpaste of choice). After testing out a back support from Blissful Back and feeling the difference, I bought one.
Even this non-makeup wearing girl couldn’t resist the Fashion & Beauty Boutique with its natural deodorants and pretty products. After a makeover from Sappho Organic Cosmetics I sort of wished that I had social plans for the evening rather than couch time and PVR.
There were organic cosmetics, organic food, organic clothing and building materials – organic everywhere!
And the green! The Our Forest Zone had three different zones all dedicated to forest management, conservation and education. Ecotourism operator G Adventures brought their purple school bus, which runs on vegetable oil. The kids’ area had an Earth Friendly Elmer’s School Glue replica that was taller than me, and resources for parents of kids of all ages – from parenting groups to a kids’ nutritionist. Get them while they’re young.
I’m running over my allotted word count here, so I’ll conclude with this: If you didn’t get to The Green Living Show this year, watch for it next year. It’s always an eco good time.