BALBOA PARK – Thousands of people saw varying shades of green at EarthFair yesterday at Balboa Park – and it seemed like all of them came in their cars.
On a cool, cloud-free day, the 19-year-old festival that organizers call the largest environmental fair in the world probably lived up to its billing. Traffic backed up for miles on state Route 163 before noon with visitors trying to reach the fair.
When people finally arrived, they found showcases for green technologies, artwork made from recycled materials, a children’s parade, live music and “The Cleaner Car Concourse,” featuring vehicles that run on alternative fuels.
They also may have spotted a vine-draped child on stilts, free belly-dancing lessons and a few environmental juxtapositions, including gas-powered generators spewing fumes next to the Zero Waste San Diego booth.
Exhibitors form the heart of EarthFair, and this year there were more than ever – nearly 340. Some, including the Defenders of Wildlife and the Sierra Club, have well-established emerald credentials. But a new crop of startups – a fair-trade-chocolate maker, an eco-caterer and a soy-candle maker – were there trying to make green names for themselves.
“There’s been an explosion of green businesses,” said Carolyn Chase, one of the fair’s founders. “It really demonstrates to us the green movement has arrived in the marketplace. Green capitalism has taken root.”
Nick Brune used a wooden paddle to stir a 20-gallon pot of chili at his Eco Caters booth. He has big plans for his small operation, which opened in San Diego last year and Los Angeles the year before.
Brune uses napkins and spoons made of corn starch and potato starch. He specializes in organic, gourmet foods for a variety of events, from bar mitzvahs to corporate parties.
“The green wedding business is blowing up right now,” Brune said. He also plans to open a green fast food chain soon.
One booth over, Marcie Shapiro displayed her chocolates, which help her sell a philosophy.
“It’s a great way to tell people about sustainability and fair trade, and supporting other cultures through fair trade,” she said while passers-by picked up samples of her MarcieSweets organic dark chocolate.
But the green hues with some of the exhibitors were not always easily spotted. There was the chiropractor offering free computerized screenings, and the San Diego Middle Eastern Dance Association showing people how to do those belly dances. They were selling reusable tote bags.
Northrop Grumman, a $32 billion defense and technology company, had a booth in the children’s activity area to help children make paper airplanes. Next door was Bank of America San Diego, where children spun a wheel for a chance to win pencils, an Earth Day necklace, sunscreen, lollipops or Frisbees. The flying disks were made from recycled tires.
The strolling crowds seemed soothed by the green messages and the sunny day.
“I just love it,” said Tami Woodruff of El Cajon, who was at the fair with her daughter, Emily, 10, and her golden retriever, Benji. “I love the atmosphere – some of the things you can learn about the environment.” Both Woodruffs enjoyed a helping of tofu-spinach lasagna.
Robert Webb of University City bought a soy candle because he didn’t want to “deal with the petrochemicals” in the typical paraffin candle. He got the fair’s environmental message.
“I’m trying to clean up my act,” he said.