Live green this weekend

Evanston's second annual Green Living Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd.

This year's festival focuses on practical steps everyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint, which is a measure of the impact activities such as burning fossil fuels for electricity have on the environment, especially climate change. Featured speakers and presentations will offer ideas on how anyone can live a more sustainable life.

In addition to presentations, the festival will include demonstrations, tours of The Talking Farms' new mini-farm in nearby Twiggs Park and hands-on activities that will pique the curiosity of all ages. Visitors will have a chance to find out how to compost and use rain barrels and explore a marketplace highlighting the products and services of greenbusinesses and organizations.

Admission to the festival is free, and all ages are welcome. Those who walk or ride bikes will receive a "green" token of appreciation and a guarded bike corral will be available.

For more information, call 847-448-8256 or read the brochure online.