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The Martha's Vineyard Times

The Martha's Vineyard Times is a weekly publication.
March 31 - April 6, 2005 Edition
Web Comments - Email Submissions

Keeping the green in our future:
Towards a sustainable Island

March 31, 2005


By Anna Marie D'Addarie

Spring, a time for rebirth, is also the perfect time to think about the Island's future. How can we sustain our economy and make ecologically sound choices? Some answers will be found at the second annual Sustainability Day at the Agricultural Hall in West Tisbury this Saturday, April 2. Co-sponsored by the Martha's Vineyard Commission, Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Society, Martha's Vineyard Chamber of Commerce, and the Polly Hill Arboretum, the day-long event will promote the local economy and a healthy environment.

"Business is the only mechanism on the planet today powerful enough to produce the changes necessary to reverse global environmental and social degradation."

- Paul Hawken, entrepreneur and author

A “Sustainable Marketplace” will offer a variety of local products from more than 50 exhibitors. Plenty of useful information will be available on conservation and environmental issues such as energy efficiency and water quality.

“Sustainability Day will explore current efforts as well as potential strategies that address water quality issues, preservation and restoration of open space, energy use, and natural land care while supporting the production and distribution of locally-grown food and the economy,” according to Melinda Rabbitt deFeo, education coordinator at Polly Hill Arboretum, an organizer.

This year's event will be bigger than the first one held last year. Island businesses have signed on in large numbers and the booths will vary from Island art and skin care to orchids and BioDiesel. Local farms will be well represented too.

The Fiber Folks will demonstrate spinning and handcrafts. Visitors will be able to see fleece in every stage, from sheep to wool from the spinning wheel. Video presentations throughout the hall will offer information on Composting, BioDiesel, Native Plants Solar Hydrogen Fuel and more. Music with Tristan Israel, Rick Bausman, and other artists will add a festive atmosphere.

“This is a day for everybody,” Ms. DeFeo said. “Our entire community should be thinking about how we can sustain our life and Island.

“Sustainability is an umbrella word,” she added. “It includes many different things. People might not be able to install solar panels, but everyone can recycle. Sustainability means supporting Island businesses. The event is about making connections.”

Schedule of Events

10:15 - 10:35 Sustainable Living - Anna Edey
10:40 - 11:00 Reducing Energy Use - Bart Smith
11:05 - 11:25 Passive Solar Homes - Jamie Weisman
11:30 - 11:50 E Paint - Dave Grunden and Shane Sargent
11:50 - 12:20 Music with Tristan Israel
12:25 - 12:45 Terra Madre and Slow Food - Rick Karney
12:50 - 1:10 Saving Heirloom Seeds- Caitlin Jones, Thalia Scanlan
1:15 - 1:35 Permaculture - Liz Toomey
1:40 - 2:00 Music ( t.b.a.)
2:00 - 4:00 MVC Forum
4:00 - 4:30 Music (t.b.a.)
4:30 Where do we go from here? - John Abrams
A highlight of the day will be the Martha's Vineyard Commission's forum, “Backyards and the State Forest: What role should natives and exotics play?” Tim Boland, executive director of the Polly Hill Arboretum will open with “Ecologically Informed Plant Practices.” Tim Simmons, Restoration Ecologist from the Massachusetts Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, will speak on “The Future of the State Forest.” Panelists Jim Athearn, Michael Donaroma, Allan Keith, and Tom Robinson will add their perspectives.

Other discussions will include one by Stanley Larsen of Menemsha Fish Market who will demonstrate low-energy food preparation. His tasty chowder and other favorites will be on sale for lunch.

Megan Ottens-Sargent of the Martha's Vineyard Commission has joined Ms. DeFeo in organizing the day's festivities. Andrea Rogers of Vineyard Artisans is lending her expertise in setting up the vendors in the hall.

Ms. DeFeo said her goal for the day is to have everyone go home with one idea about a change they can make. “We are such a small community, and we have such power to affect our community,” said Ms. DeFeo.

Get your one idea, or maybe two, at the second annual Sustainability Day, Saturday, April 2, 10 am to 5 pm, at the Martha's Vineyard Agricultural Hall, Panhandle Road, West Tisbury. Free. For information, call Ms. DeFeo, (508) 693-9426.


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