June 16, 2008

Returning for the second straight year, the youth-run non profit organization Envirolution will bring back their Experience event to beautiful Wingfield Park in downtown Reno on June 29. Last year’s inaugural event proved to be a major success, with over 1,500 people showing up to enjoy the music, organic food and drinks and to learn about sustainable solutions from local environmental leaders and organizations. One seasoned city official called it the “most impressive inaugural event for a new organization that he’s ever seen.”

This year’s event will take place on Sun., June 29, 2008 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free and the entire family is welcome! The Experience seeks to showcase environmental leadership and innovation in the Reno/Tahoe area and to educate and empower local citizens to become environmentally responsible in their personal and professional lives. This year’s event will highlight local youth leadership and action in environmental sustainability. Envirolution Club high school and college students will assist in coordinating certain aspects of the event and there will be an entire section devoted to youth environmental groups, demonstrating that our youth care about our local environment and are actively engaging in sustaining it.

Similar to last year, the Experience will include great music from the popular local band, Sol Jibe, as well as from Truckee Tribe and the local high school band, The Yavin Four. There will be delicious organic and natural foods, and Silver Peak Brewery will provide organic and local beer. We have some awesome raffle prizes to give away as well, including ski tickets to outdoor apparel.

There will be many fun and educational booths from local environmental non profits and businesses. Additional committed sponsors include Reno Toyota, Regional Transportation Commission, and Tahoe Creamery. This year's event will include added features such as a major electronic recycling drive from New2u Computers.
They will be around all day to recycle all those items that are just lying around your house. Working and nonworking items are accepted.

All of Envirolution's events seek to leave as little impact as possible on the environment and event space. Recycling and composting bins will allow for all waste to be disposed of efficiently. We ask all food and drink vendors to use recyclable or compostable cups, plates and utensils. RTC will be advertising and encouraging public transportation to the event. In addition we will be offering incentives to those that bike (or walk) to the event by giving them a free raffle ticket with proof of a bike. Lastly, we will conduct a survey to assess the number of cars and distances traveled to arrive at the event. We will calculate the emissions produced as a result and purchase carbon offsets to help curb our impact.

“On June 29, there will be no better place to be than Wingfield Park,” said Alex Gamboa, Executive Director of Envirolution. “Come join us to feel the excitement and shared benefit that comes from enjoying each other’s company, doing something good for the community and learning how to contribute to a more sustainable region.”