The world’s premier event dedicated to sustainability, social justice and ecological balance returns to Navy Pier in downtown Chicago this May 5-6!

Known for its rich and inspiring keynote presentations, workshops, demonstrations, extensive green marketplace and interactive fun, Chicago Green Festival is not to be missed. And with easy parking, accessible public transportation and walkability for downtown residents, Navy Pier is the ideal Windy City venue.

Expect a weekend packed with local, national and internationally acclaimed social and environmental authors, leaders, experts and cultural icons. From kids’ interactive programming and hands-on DIY demonstrations to uplifting keynote addresses from national heroes, Chicago Green Festival always brings forth an incredible sense of community.

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Green Festival continued its 10^th Anniversary celebration year at McCormick Place May 14-15. Participants escaped the cold and rainy weather to eat, drink, stretch, shop and celebrate a growing green economy and the opportunity to embrace healthier, eco-conscious and socially-just lifestyles.

Thanks to Green America and Global Exchange, as well as every attendee, volunteer, exhibitor, partner and nonprofit ally whose efforts made Chicago Green Festival a great success! Thank you also to Lieutenant Governor Shiela Simon for opening the festival with an inspiring call to action for every Illinois resident. Here is what the Lt. Governor had to say about the promise of a greener future in the state of Illinois:

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Get ready, because the Chicago Green Festival is this weekend, May 14-15 at McCormick Place Lakeside!

Discounted tickets are still available online. The deadline for you to purchase your discount online tickets is Friday May 13 at 5pm CST. You can also purchase your tickets at the box office on Saturday and Sunday.

Ride your bike and use the Bike Valet, or take public transportation for discounted admission at the door! Students with ID and seniors also receive discounted admission. All Green America, Global Exchange and Sierra Club members get in free, as well as all city, state and federal government employees!

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Green Festival is proud to partner with local business, Women and Children First, to create a wonderfully diverse Green Festival Bookstore!

Located in a new location in a spirited and diverse northside Chicago community, Women & Children First began in a modest storefront in 1979. Staffers include teachers, graduate students, professional writers and storytellers, political activists, board members and poets. The purpose in beginning the store 31 years ago was to promote the work of women writers and to create a place in which all women would find books reflecting their lives and interests. Women & Children First strives to do this in an atmosphere in which all are respected, valued and well-served.

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The City of Chicago is embracing sustainable home and garden practices in 2011. Through its Sustainable Backyard Program, the City of Chicago is hosting a number of workshops, including: how to compost, how to conserve rainwater and how to plant trees, native plants and more. The Sustainable Backyard Program is also offering rebates to residents who use local resources to purchase trees, native plants, compost bins and rain barrels. In an effort to reduce smog, improve air quality, conserve water resources and improve overall health of the Chicago community, the City of Chicago is committed to making these resources available and affordable, with the goal of increasing both incentives and demand to fight climate change and preserve the regional natural habitat.

Green Festival is thrilled to partner with the City of Chicago to discuss local resources available for residents to make their homes and business locations more sustainable. Chicago Conservation Corps (C3) leader Anthony Lindsey will educate and engage attendees on some of the simple things that can be done at home to be more sustainable as it relates to installing rain barrels, composting, weatherizing homes and more.

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Green Festival presents a new and exciting Green Kids Zone in Chicago this year! Bring your family to Green Festival in Chicago May 14-15 and enjoy two days of fun for all ages. Entertaining and enriching activities include animal and insect encounters, yoga, Green Kids parade and even a veggie farm in a truck! Visit the Green Kid's Zone and meet Flow the Water Woman and Aquaman - these time travelers from a land far away will lead kids on a journey through the natural world as they learn to reduce, reuse and recycle as well as love and protect Mother Earth. Explore the wonder of the world and learn why it is important to protect and conserve water, eco-systems, animal species and habitats.

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