Green Festival 2008

<<Sounds of music>>

Narrator Says:

It was one weekend when Seattle was even greener than normal.

The Green Festival, a celebration of all things eco-conscious, made its first-ever trip to Seattle as it kicked off its four-city tour for 2008.

King County was a proud co-sponsor of the event, and hosted its pavilion that featured exhibits and information about the Department of Transportation’s green practices, and about how the more than 30,000 festivalgoers could green up their homes and commutes.

<<Sounds of wheel game>>

Narrator Says:

There were ‘hands-on’ exhibits that demonstrated the environmentally-friendly direction the Road Services Division is heading.

Among the more popular was the porous concrete and porous asphalt exhibits.

The county recently installed porous concrete for the first time on a sidewalk along Military Road and 272nd just outside Auburn.

King County Engineer Jim Sussex Says:

One of the key items we're looking at is incorporating pervious concrete and asphalt and low-impact development techniques for stormwater management. I've got some examples here of pervious concrete and asphalt, and those seem to be getting a lot of interest. A lot of people have sort of heard of it, some are telling me they just haven't had a chance to see it, touch it, feel what it looks like. They seem to be interested in using it on some of their own personal landscaping projects.

Narrator Says:

King County Metro was also showing off how it can help county residents ‘green-up’ their commutes.

Hundreds visited Metro’s table to learn about using Trip Planner, as well as carpooling. vanpooling, and car sharing opportunities.

On top of all that, festivalgoers heard King County Transportation Project Manager Melody Bennett speak about conserving fuel when they drive.

King County Transportation Project Manager Melody Bennett Says:

Things actually have proven to be effective such as driving within the speed limit, who would have thought it? Also, not doing jackrabbit starts and sudden stops. Anticipating, looking ahead at the road ahead of you so that you know if you have to stop so you can slow down. Keeping your tires properly inflated, reducing drag, not dragging around too much luggage in your vehicle. Keeping your car properly maintained, and of course the capstone is not idling, switching your car off when you're not using your vehicle. If you have to idle for more than 30 seconds, switch off the vehicle, tremendous fuel savings, up to 30 percent fuel savings if we combine some of these tips.

Narrator Says:

These great tips are especially relevant in a region where transportation continues as the largest source of carbon emissions.

The green festival will also make stops in Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco throughout 2008.