For the first time in its history, the 7th annual Environmental/Arbor Day Expo will span two days and run from Friday, September 27, until Saturday, September 28, at the National Conservation Commission???s (NCC) headquarters at Codrington, St. Michael, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. each day.

The expo, which also reflects Government???s policy on the Green Economy, will climax a week of activities that will begin on Sunday, September 22. It will celebrate National Arbor Day under the theme: Trees: The Circle of Life, and will include a series of tree donations, tree planting ceremonies and plant propagation workshops.

Special Projects Officer at the NCC, Ricardo Marshall, explained that school groups will be accommodated during the expo on Friday, September 27, and it will be open to members of the public on Saturday, September 28.

???The objective of the expo is to promote the importance of trees and their impact on the environment, through practical and interactive demonstrations,??? he said. He added that the expo would also showcase various products and services consumed and utilised on a daily basis which were derived from trees.

???This year special emphasis will be placed on increasing awareness about environmental issues and highlighting environmentally friendly products, services and ideas,??? Mr. Marshall said. He added that it would also provide visitors with the opportunity to learn about energy saving techniques and garner information that would assist them in adopting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Mr. Marshall noted that while admission to this year???s expo would be free, those attending are encouraged to bring a non-perishable item to be donated to the HIV Food Bank.

This year???s expo will feature workshops and demonstrations on a number of areas including plant care, plant propagation, recycling, composting and alternative energy solutions.

Consumers will have an opportunity to get some bargains at a plant sale during the two-day expo with 20 per cent discounts being offered on selected plants, and a limited number of trees being donated to the public. Other items which will be available at the NCC???s Garden Centre will include play equipment, park furniture for seating, paving stones and garden accessories such as plant pots and fertilisers.

Mr. Marshall added that a number of exhibitors will also be present to introduce the public to their businesses, and highlight their green and eco-friendly products and services.

???The Expo will provide an educational, motivational experience suitable for the entire family. It is intended to raise the environmental consciousness of the populace and assist in the cultivation of a more environmentally conscious and friendly Barbados,??? the Special Projects Officer pointed out.

julia.rawlins-bentham@barbados.gov.bb

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