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Email [email protected] if you want to help with the Eco Track this year.

*2012 Eco Track (Planning Phase)

By Jody Raiford

2011 Eco Track By Sarah “Sparrow” Slovik

In the words of Cantus Fraggle, “We are all a part of everything and everything is a part of all of us.” As the core mission of Eco Geeks everywhere, this sentiment truly upholds the value of saving our planet. This is the third year that Penguicon totes the Eco Track. Sustainable Computing and Eco-Friendly Open Sourcing have joined up with DIY, Natural Products, Recycling and Upcycling to show how each area of life affects the rest of the world. The “ECO” prefix literally means “concerned with living things in relation to their environment.” The EcoGeeks support earth friendly motives and hope to share those goals with interested con-goers. Cooperation from several generous organizations helped make this track what it is today.

Lush Cosmetics stands as the track's Premier Sponsor, supporting programming and offering gifts and prizes. As a two year supporter, Lush has increased it's participation, donating a wonderful selection of fresh handmade soaps. Lush Cosmetics strives to make effective products from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, the finest essential oils and safe synthetics. They invent products and fragrances by hand using little or no preservative or packaging, using only vegetarian ingredients, and put the expiration dates right on the product. Plus, their ingredients come only from companies that do not commission tests on animals. Visit their stores here in Michigan at Somerset Mall or Twelve Oaks Mall, or check them out here: www.lush.com

Red Pepper Deli comes forth as a brand new and shiny supporter of this year's convention. This gourmet vegan deli arrived in Northville, Michigan in 2008 and has been growing ever since. The restaurant has provided gift certificates, as well as one of this year's Nifty Guests, Carolyn Simon, owner and operator of the raw food eatery.

Another two year sponsor, Sweet Lorraine's Cafe and Bar has generously donated a gift certificate, offering gourmet food from the finest local, vegetarian, fair trade, and organic ingredients whenever possible. They also offer a unique vareity of American classics, and have been voted amongst the top ten restaurants in Michigan. Sweet Lorraine's has two locations, one in Southfield and one in Livonia, or you can visit them at www.sweetlorraines.com

The Eco Track is also supported by local artists providing samples of their creative abilities. Ellembee, and InYourHands stand as two year supporters, while others are brand new for 2011. Check out their Etsy Stores and a Treasury set up to feature their best products by visiting Comfy Island: www.comfyisland.com

Thanks Again For All Your Help and Don't Forget: “You Cannot Leave The Magic!”

* 2011 Staff on Eco Track *

* Sarah (Sparrow) Slovik (Track Head)

* Jody Raiford (Track Assistant) Nifty Guests: Philip S Proefrock, AIA

https://psproefrock.wordpress.com/2011/05/02/science-fiction-materials-for-your-home/

Carolyn Simon, Red Pepper Deli

Sparrow Slovik

Sarah Metzler

Ashley Prescott

(Check out our Local Artists)http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2c94f18ebb8eefafe624f9/penguicon?ref=pr_treasury

Comfy Island

Lush

Red Pepper Deli

Sweet Lorraine's

ellembee

InYourHands

The EcoTrack was born immediately following Penguicon 6.0. First, existing interest in eco-friendly practices continued growing and began showing up during that con. As the amazing weekend came to a close, it was evident that a formal collaboration was necessary. Sustainable computing and eco-friendly open sourcing started to creep in under the radar. With a solid need for recycling, creating sustainable goods, and sharing the information, several committee members have collaborated to make this new track possible. There was some debate on what to label the track, so as a compromise, Eco was the final decision. The “ECO” prefix literally means “concerned with living things in relation to their environment.” Each track was given an opportunity to share ways to have their own subjects Go Green! The EcoGeeks support earth friendly motives and hope to share those motives with interested con-goers.

With the help of many committee members, businesses and public supporters, the EcoGeeks focused on each area of the convention. The track has supported a Wellness Station in the past with complimentary massage and other professional services that provide a holistic view of health. There is hope to bring back the Wellness Station at future conventions.

EcoGeeks researched open source recycling, reusing electronics and computers, reducing electronic waste and sustainable computing. Interest in eco-friendly open source automotive surfaced and made the final cut as well. We are also looking as Urban Farming and Composting. Cooperation from several generous organizations helped make this track what it is today.

[email protected]

Supported Resources

www.blackle.com
www.comfyisland.com
www.lush.com
www.ecogeek.org
http://ecogeekgoddess.blogspot.com
http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2c94f18ebb8eefafe624f9/penguicon?ref=pr_treasury
http://www.scrapbox.org/
http://www.redpepperdeli.org/
http://openmaterials.org/
https://sites.google.com/site/ossbank/home
http://www.mifma.org/home/
http://www.pickyourown.org/MI.htm
http://www.designspongeonline.com/2009/08/made-with-love-found-terrariums.html
http://our.windowfarms.org/
http://www.mi-geocaching.org/
http://www.sweetlorraines.com/

History

2010 Staff on Eco Track

Sarah (Sparrow) Slovik (Track Head)

James (Waldo) Hice (Track Assistant)

Panelists

Sparrow Slovik
Tim Slovik
Doug Houseman
Geralyn Lance
Jer Lance
Limey Z
Sarah Metzler

Wellness Station Providers

Sparrow Slovik
Jon Pickell
Josie
Kim

Email [email protected] if you want to help with the Eco Track this year.

2010 Staff on Eco Track

Panelists

Wellness Station Providers

Sponsors