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From windmills and ginger cookies to yerba mate and aerodynamic recumbent bikes, my Saturday was a real treat.   I have attended many green events and have to say the Organic Islands Festival team did a fantastic job.  The motto of the festival is; "live green, do good, and we'll show you the way".  The festival's commitment is evident in all that they do from having Energy Alternatives on-site to help solar power the event, providing a Tofino Bus biodiesel shuttle, and requiring all vendors to use compostable cups.  Started 4 years ago by Deb Morse, the festival attracts thousands of visitors every year to the Glendale Gardens and Woodland for an authentic and magical experience where "organic business" meets the "experience" of holistic living. 

I spent an entire day amongst the trees, fields and pathways of Glendale Gardens and was able to connect with numerous people, ideas, and businesses that share my passion and values for a more sustainable world.  One such business is Level Ground  a Vancouver Island Coffee company that actually pays it's employees to bike to work.  Speaking with Level Ground Co-Founder Hugo Ciro has me wanting to save every dime and give up my car so I can afford a Go-One3  aerodynamic recumbent bike. (which according to the go one 3 website is inspired by Michael Goretsky, a contributing force to the SMART car)  Hugo says on his commute to the the office he can maintain a steady 40k/hr speed with the combination of his "coffee fuelled" Go -one3 and the Bionix electric assist he has added to the bike". Not bad at all, considering he can stay dry, get some exercise and the cost of each commute is.... zero!

Level Ground Co-Founder Hugo Ciro answers questions and jokes about how his Go-One3 is "fuelled by coffee"

Claudio teaches map reading skills to his daughter and friend

Jon Chabun from Eat Smart BC, acts as a Yogi imparting healthy eating knowledge on Jason Robinson.

Right: View of main festival grounds

I especially enjoyed an unwritten "prevention fist" theme that really resonates with what I believe; that we are spending far too many resources on treating symptoms instead of the root cause of issues we want to improve. It was nice to see organizations like the Capital Regional District helping homeowners to reduce their water consumption, and the wide variety of companies and individuals working to promote preventative health and waste reduction.  This included companies like the smart little "Moukisac" foldable and reusable shopping bags, 423 nutrition and fitness counselling, cooking schools, yoga classes and a wide variety of local organic farms that I would highly recommend supporting - the samples were fantastic!!  To view the complete exhibitor list please click here.

What a reader, or someone who didn't attend the festival might find of interest is the consciousness, thoughtfulness, and imagination I found all around me. It's refreshing to find real innovation and imagination at work, especially when it is meshed with the values of sustainability.  It gave me a renewed optimism about the future especially when I hear from a father; how he made up a map reading game for his daughter and her friend, of the a family bicycle vacation to Saltspring Island, and how much he values and has a passion for learning to grow the fresh organic vegetables that go into his family's home cooked meals.

Out in the fresh air it's easy for one to see and feel the benefits of organic living.  This is why the location was so  spectacular as it really aided in my own and I'm sure others reconnection with nature...  What could be better than a beautiful summer day with places for people to take a nap under a tree, fall asleep with a paper, cuddle with loved ones, and be at peace with each other and with nature.  I encourage you to visit the Glendale Gardens and Woodland and Pacific Horticulture College, take a look at the different programs offered such as the Junior Master Gardener for Kids, and the Sustainable Gardening Program.  If you live nearby, go and volunteer, you will love the opportunity to experience nature, to learn, to grow (plants and as an individual) and be a part of the community.

Mark your calendar for next year as I highly recommend visiting the Organic Islands Festival in 2010 - Look forward to seeing you there!!

JR