27th Annual Energy Fair Highlights

Renewable energy has many benefits and you’ve heard the list before, we’re sure. The list of benefits include reducing our dependence on nonrenewable resources, offsetting carbon emissions, and creating diverse sources of energy generation. One benefit you may not have heard of before, one that doesn’t make the headlines often, is that it brings people together. There’s a growing community that believes in a healthier world, a sustainable future, and a cleaner way of living. Together these folks are doing amazing things in the realm of clean energy and sustainable living. Their success and progress was apparent at the Midwest Renewable Energy Association’s 27th Annual Energy Fair.

American Cultural Anthropologist, Margaret Mead once said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” Examining the now 27 years of Energy Fairs, Ms. Mead’s quote rings true. The proof is in the people.

Here are a few mentionable highlights of The 27th Annual Energy Fair, showing the impact these folks are making in the quest for a sustainable world.

13,000 people representing 8 countries attended the Fair over its’ three day span, June 17-19, 2016. Attendees from all over flew, biked, bussed, and caravanned their way to Custer, WI to show support, seek answers, learn from pioneers in the field, and leave with the necessary knowledge to take action towards a sustainable lifestyle. A lifestyle that’s not only good for them, but good for society. One Energy Fair Attendee notes, “The MREA Fair provides the greatest density of education on renewable energy anywhere.”

Over 300 volunteers contributed their time to make the Fair possible. Acting as the chief support system, the mainstay, the backbone of the event. Groups and individuals spent their weekend volunteering their time to help create a brighter future for all.

Over 500 hours of NABCEP continuing education credits were obtained by 180 solar professionals during the Fair. Showing their commitment to maintaining quality in the solar industry.

Over 850 people visited the Educator Tent at the Fair to gain knowledge and resources to incorporate conservation, sustainable practices, and renewable energy into their curriculum, so they can equip the next generation of leaders with the knowledge and skills to live sustainably. This year, the Educator Tent, hosted by the Wisconsin Center for Environmental Education, featured free water testing for nitrates from the UW-Stevens Point’s Center for Watershed Education. Over 100 water samples were tested for nitrates.

Over 275 workshop presenters shared their expertise with attendees on a variety of topics ranging from clean transportation to farm and garden to green building.

Seven keynote speakers took to the Main Stage addressing the breadth of issues we face in working toward a sustainable world. Topics such as energy sources, policy, financing, poverty and our food system, were addressed from experts working first hand to fix these issues. View keynote speeches by Nomi Prins, John Farrell, Sandrine Mubenga, Tony Shultz, J. Drake Hamilton and more at MREA’s YouTube Channel.

Over 240 people became members of the MREA, supporting the mission to promote renewable energy and sustainability through education and demonstration. Joining the group of thoughtful, committed citizens who are changing the world.

Together we are working toward a better today, tomorrow, and future for all.