Garden State GreenFest
Circa 2011 & 2012
Established in 2008, Garden State GreenFest in New Jersey' was the state's largest environmental event! For a number of years this was the official site of the Garden State GreenFest.
Content is from the site's 2011& 2012 archived pages providing a glimpse of what the Garden State GreenFest was all about.
The last posts from the Garden State GreenFest are from 2014.
www.facebook.com/GardenStateGreenFest/
About Us
From the beginning, Garden State GreenFest has been dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering children and adults, individuals and families, urbanites and small town folks to come together in their communities and workplaces to create a more sustainable planet for future generations. Every year we work to find great speakers, presenters and performers on a variety of topics. The result is presentations, panel discussions and hands on workshops with something for just about everyone.
Garden State Sprouts GreenFest
By Claire Sommer, Neighbor | Mar 18, 2011 | https://patch.com/
Take the 10-minute trip down the parkway to Kean University in Union for this weekend's Garden State GreenFest environmental event.
The three-day show kicked off Friday and continues Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Evening events include the Planet Hugger Film Festival and the Saturday afternoon Jersey Pour 2011 beer and wine tasting.
For adults, the festival offers opportunities to discuss solar and energy-saving options with dozens of exhibitors, hear local experts talk about greener lawn care and starting green businesses, see films, learn about bee-keeping, sample organic beers and chocolate, buy eco-friendly fashion, and lots more.
Kids can check out a low-maintenance pet that never needs a walk (more on that below), get their hands dirty making seed ball bombs and pick up tips on how to get composting-resistant parents on the green bandwagon.
Saturday at noon, Jeff Yeager, author of "The Cheapskate Next Door," is scheduled to talk about "how living green costs less, not more."
His Friday presentation included a humorous "trashcan autopsy," where Yeager pulled typically tossed items such as clamshell packaging, individual serving containers and paper towels out of a trashcan.
"The autopsy shows how and where families are spending and wasting money and resources," he said.
For each item, Yeager suggested cheaper alternatives to keep money from being tossed in the trash.
The festival's keynote speaker is Bill Nye, known as "Bill Nye the Science Guy" from his Emmy-award-winning television show. Nye is scheduled to speak Sunday at 1 p.m. about how New Jersey residents can reduce their energy deficit.
Now, back to that low-maintenance pet: how about some worms? To learn more, stop by self-declared vermicomposter Irene Marx's booth in the children's area to learn more about starting and maintaining a worm bin at home or as a classroom project.
"Vermi means worm in Latin. Vermiculture, or worm farming, can reduce your trash and create rich compost for the garden with little to no work," said Marx.
The green film festival starts at 4 p.m. each day and includes high-profile films, such as "Who Killed the Electric Car" and "The Story of Stuff," as well as Sundance entry "The End of the Line" about overfishing and the 20-minute "The Meatrix" about factory meat production. Films are $5 per film online or $7 at the door.
The evening session for the Jersey Pour Beer and Wine Tasting Festival is sold out, but an earlier session from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. still has tickets available. A $5 cover charge bought online or $10 at the door gets you in with a souvenir beer or wine glass to sample organic cheeses, crackers and more. Drink tickets for wine and beer samples cost for $10 for 10 inside the venue.
General admission tickets are $10 online or $15 at the show; kids under 18 free. Ample free parking is available.
The festival, sponsored by Kean, The Star-Ledger, Prudential and PNC Bank, will feature state and regional green energy and environmentally-friendly businesses alongside famed science educator Bill Nye. The weekend-long event also will include "Jersey Pour 2011," a local and organic beer and wine festival, and an environmental movie festival.
Fun-Filled, Planet-Friendly Festival
The Garden State Greenfest is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering children and adults, individuals and families, urbanites and small town folks to come together in their communities and workplaces to create a more sustainable planet for future generations. This year’s Garden State Greenfest will take place on March 18-20 at Kean University.
You’ll find much to inform, inspire and entertain you at the Garden State Greenfest.
- Presentations from exciting, knowledgeable speakers, celebrities, and activists.
- Fun and interactive kids’ activities and workshops including composting with worms, organic gardening, trash audits, and animal conservation.
- Educational workshops led by knowledgeable, passionate experts on topics like home energy audits, organic gardening, solar and geo-thermal energy, green cleaning and more.
- Exhibitors showcasing all things green including organic food, clothing and household products, alternative energy, green building design, fair trade products and more Whether you’re already a green activist or a budding environmentalist, join us in Union, NJ March 18-20 as we celebrate our fourth annual festival!
It's Easy Being Green at GreenFest!
- Bring your reusable water bottle and fill up with filtered water
- Help us divert as much waste as we can from landfill!
- Recycling for paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, metal
- All food waste and plates, cups, utensils, get composted in compost bins!
- Get here with public transportation; Union Train station is right next door!
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DATES Friday, March 23, 2011: 9am - 2pm |
VENUE Kean University, Harwood Arena |
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PURCHASING TICKETS Adults: $5 in advance, $7 at the door |
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2011 Keynote Speakers
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Making science entertaining and accessible is something Bill has been doing most of his life. “My family is funny,” he says, “I mean funny in the sense that we make people laugh, not just funny looking.” Bill discovered that he had a talent for tutoring in high school, and while growing up in Washington, DC. He spent afternoons and summers de-mystifying math for his fellow students. When he wasn’t hitting the books, Bill was hitting the road on his bicycle. He spent hours taking it apart to “see how it worked.” |
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Brenda Greenfield Fashion Show Designer Artist and fashion redesigner finds inspiration all around her. Growing up on a farm in Wisc. taught her the importance of our earth and keeping it green. Having her family, which also included grandparents and great grandparents as her daily influences, her artistic sense began to develop. Brenda began to sew at an early age and almost immediately started to change the designs into what she wanted them to look like, not what was expected. It was common pratice to need the little extras for a project and with the question, "What can I use?" The answer often heard was, "let's go see what we can find". That's when the real fun began. Looking in grandma's closet, mom's sewing scraps, grandpa's toolbox, or dad's fishing stuff Brenda began to see that everything could have more than one use. To her it seemed like the whole world of fashion and art supplies just became limitless. It is with this mindset and vision of artistic possibilities that Brenda finds herself developing and showing her wearable art. She is honored that many of her wearable art creations have been featured in magazines.Going green to Brenda is in part the fun and playfullness in creating art and fashion from pieces that can tell a visual story. Rethink-Reuse |
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Event Schedule
We are excited about this year’s Garden State GreenFest lineup of presentations, workshops, and discussion panels. In addition to terrific talks on sustainability, this year we will host a wine and beer tasting, as well as provide a green video viewing area. Each year we work hard to be an eco-friendly event with water stations to refill water bottles, compostable utensils and plates, recycled carpeting throughout, and clearly accessible bins for recycling and composting… just to name a few.
*Please note that program details are subject to change.
Kids/Teens
GECKO - Kids Activity Zone
Visit GECKO, the kids’ activity zone for fun, interactive, educational activities that help children get in touch with nature!
Garden State GreenFest, a PlanetHugger Event, is free for kids and teens 17 years and under and makes a fun and educational day out. Our mission is simple: to educate, inspire, and motivate young folks to change the world, in small ways and big: whether by reducing their environmental footprint, becoming better earth stewards, advocating for environmental issues or growing up to work in a green field.
Saturday Activities and Workshops
Upcycle activities
One person’s trash can be another persons bowl, jewelry, gift box, bird feeder and more. You’ll be amazed at what you will learn in our Upcycling Center!
Environmental prayer flags
- Create a flag with good wishes for the earth out of old material and hang it outside for the wind to carry its message far and wide
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Wow, looking back at the Garden State GreenFest website brings back a lot of memories! I was one of the promoters for this event, and let me tell you, we poured our hearts into making it a success. We were so proud of what we built, starting in 2008, growing it into New Jersey's largest environmental event by 2011 and 2012. Our mission was always to educate, inspire, and empower everyone, from kids to adults, to create a more sustainable planet. We brought in amazing speakers like Bill Nye the Science Guy and Jeff Yeager, "The Green Cheapskate" , and had tons of interactive workshops for all ages, from composting with worms to upcycling activities.
But I have to share a frustrating experience that almost derailed everything. One day, to my absolute shock, I discovered that when you searched for "Garden State GreenFest" on Google, the top results were posts about mold and decay! Can you believe it? Here we were, promoting a "GreenFest" dedicated to environmental health, and Google was showing results that made us sound like a biohazard. I tried everything to get Google to address it, but they were completely unresponsive. Posting on various forums just led to a barrage of solicitations from incredibly costly "reputation management" firms, which was definitely not in our budget. I searched everywhere for affordable advice on how to remove these irrelevant and damaging results, but found absolutely no help. I was seriously about to recommend we just buy a new domain and start from scratch, which would have been a nightmare.
Then, just as I was about to give up, the problem mysteriously cleared on its own. The mold and decay posts vanished from the top search results. It was a huge relief, but the experience left me with a profound and lasting distrust of Google. I share this story with anyone who will listen because it highlighted a huge vulnerability for us, and it seems like there's no recourse when something like that happens. It really made me question the power they wield over online visibility and how little control businesses have over their own digital reputation. Jules Fetterman
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What are the Garden State Green Awards?
The Garden State Green Awards, also known as the "Boggies," honor individuals and organizations that have made a significant contribution to the environment:
• Through preservation, reclamation or conservation activities;
• Advocacy and pursuit of ‘green’ lifestyles or business practices;
• Support or development of green/sustainable energy or energy conservation.
The awards are named after the once abundant Bog turtle, which is now among 16 indigenous animals on the NJ endangered species list.
Honorees may have brought attention to a problem, pursued solutions, or inspired action. Honorees should have demonstrated that we can indeed “Save the Planet, One Person at a Time”.
2011 Award Winners
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Individual K-8 Teacher: Individual High School Teacher: Individual K-8 Student : Individual High School Student : K-8 School: Southern Boulevard School, Principal Ralph Pesapane, Chatham NJ |
High School: Public Official: Private Citizen: Corporate Citizen: Environmental Non-Profit: Other Non-Profit: |
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2012
Kean University: Union, NJ
Friday, March 23, 2012: 9am - 2pm
Saturday, March 24, 2012: 9am - 5pm
Garden State GreenFest offers environmental talks, awards and fun experiments
Posted Mar 23, 2012 | By Eliot Caroom/The Star-Ledger
Noah K. Murray/The Star-LedgerKean University hosted the Garden State GreenFest last year, and is also hosting this year's event.
UNION — Want to steep yourself in the latest on co-ops, composting and climate change?
Head over to the annual Garden State GreenFest, which will mark its fifth year today when doors open at 9 a.m. at Kean University in Union. The two-day event offers a mix of environmental talks, events and awards.
Some big name environmental draws will be in town, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saluted by Time magazine as a "Hero for the Planet" for his roles as chief prosecuting attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper and president of Waterkeeper Alliance. Kennedy’s credentials don’t stop there, though: a lesser-known fact is that he is a licensed master falconer.
Scientist Bob Pflugfelder will show off fun and possibly explosive experiments that he’s previously showcased on television shows including "Jimmy Kimmel Live," the "Doctor Oz Show" and "Live with Regis & Kelly."
Attendees will get actionable information as well: Leslie Reichert, author of the book "The Joy of Green Cleaning," will share green housekeeping tips to make homes safer.
Also on the program is Christy Morgan, known as "The Blissful Chef," who specializes in cooking that steers clear of processed food and harnesses the power of veggies. Don’t worry: she’ll be giving out samples.
Tickets can be bought in advance or can be purchased at the door for $10 a day.
GreenFest sponsors include Public Service Electric & Gas, The Star-Ledger, PlanetHonda and Kean University.
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FRIDAY SCHEDULE
• Insects: Dan Smith Kateri Environmental Center (Main Stage)
• School Field Trip: The 4 R's Penny Jones, Association of NJ Recyclers (Breakroom D-169)
• The Joy of Green Cleaning: Leslie Reichert, Author "The Joy of Green Cleaning" (Breakdown D-170)
• One Earth So Green and Round:
Lydia & Kathy (Main Stage)
• School Field Trip Program: What You Can Do More or Less Marc Rogoff - DEP (Breakroom D-191)
• Always and Forever: The beautiful truth about natural burials and green funerals
Robert Prout, Prout Funeral Home (Breakroom D-169)
• Sustainable Jersey: How Towns Can Save Money and Energy and Implement Sustainable Jersey Energy Actions (Breakroom 170)
• Garden State Green Awards Luncheon
(D'Angola Gym)
Noon to 12:30 p.m.
• School Field Trip Program:
The Science of Green Cleaning Leslie Reichert, Author "The Joy of Green Cleaning" (Breakroom D-191)
• School Field Trip:
What the Freak is Fracking? Food & Water Watch (Breakroom D-169)
I Pledge Allegiance to Home Sweet Home:
Penny Jones Association of NJ Recyclers (Breakroom D-170)
•12:30 to 1 p.m.
• School Field Trip Program:
The Science of Green Cleaning Leslie Reichert, Author "The Joy of Green Cleaning" (Breakroom D-169)
• Powered by the Sun Awards
(Main Stage)
• School Field Trip Program: What You Can Do More or LessMarc Rogoff - DEP (D-191)
• School Field Trip: Have a Career in the Green Economy Dr. Nick Smith-Sebasto (D-169)
• Sustainable Jersey: Your School as a Learning Opportunity for Energy Conservation
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
• How You Can be a Part of Healthier Communities: Renee Koubliadis The Citizens Campaign (Breakroom D-191)
• Energy 101: Gray Russell Environmental Coordinator, Township of Montclair (Breakroom D-169)
• What the Freak is Fracking?
Food & Water Watch (D'Angola Gym)
10 to 10:30 a.m.
• Student Led Sustainability Summit
(K-127)
10:30 to 11 a.m.
• Student Led Sustainability Summit
(K-127)
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
I Pledge Allegiance to Home Sweet Home:
Penny Jones Association of NJ Recyclers (Breakroom D-170)
11 a.m. to noon
• Leslie Reichert:
Author "The Joy of Green Cleaning" (Main Stage)
• Your Future in the Green Economy: Prof. Nick Smith-Sebasto, Kean University (Breakroom D-169)
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Investing In Your Values:
Eric Packer Professional Asset Management Group (Breakroom D-191)
• Indoor Air Quality Health & Wellness in Buildings:
Chris Murphy Smart Little House (Breakroom D-170)
11:30 a.m. to noon
• Student Led Sustainability Summit (K-127)
• Lydia & Kathy: One Earth So Green and Round (Main Stage)
• Always and Forever: The beautiful truth about natural burials and green funerals
Robert Prout, Prout Funeral Home (Breakroom D-169)
• The Facts About Genetically Modified Food: Food & Water Watch
• Student Led Sustainability Summit
(K-127)
1 to 2 p.m.
• Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
(Main Stage)
• Partner With Your Backyard Eco-System:
Dr. Jim Conroy & Basia Alexander Tree Whisperer (Breakroom D-169)
• The Importance of Green Body Care:
Dr. Vinay Desai, Desai Soap
(Breakroom D-191)
2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Science Bob: The Fizz, Pop, Boom Side of Green Science (Main Stage)
• Green Home Energy Tips: Gray Russell Environmental Coordinator, Township of Montclair (Breakroom D-170)
• The Realities of Climate Change: Harriet Shugarman The Climate Project (Main Stage)
• Blissful Bites: How Eating Vegan Can be Delicious and Good for You Christy Murphy, Author Blissful Bites (Breakroom D-169)
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2012 Keynote Speakers
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Robert F. Kennedy Jr Visionary Environmental Business Leader Advocate SATURDAY, MARCH 24 |
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Science Bob Pflugfelder As seen on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Live with Kelly SATURDAY, MARCH 24 |
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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s reputation as a resolute defender of the environment stems from a litany of successful legal actions. Mr. Kennedy was named one of Time magazine's “Heroes for the Planet” for his success helping Riverkeeper lead the fight to restore the Hudson River. The group's achievement helped spawn more than 130 Waterkeeper organizations across the globe. |
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Green science isn’t all organic produce and wind turbines. Science Bob Pflugfelder is a science teacher that has recently shared his love of science on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live with Regis & Kelly, and The Doctor Oz Show. He’ll show us how green science can be fun, and even explosive with experiments that you can try at home, and some you should definitely not! |
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Mr. Kennedy serves as Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Hudson Riverkeeper and President of Waterkeeper Alliance. He is also a Clinical Professor and Supervising Attorney at Pace University School of Law’s Environmental Litigation Clinic and is co-host of Ring of Fire on Air America Radio. Earlier in his career he served as Assistant District Attorney in New York City. He has worked on several political campaigns including the presidential campaigns of Edward M. Kennedy in 1980, Al Gore in 2000 and John Kerry in 2004. |
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He has worked on environmental issues across the Americas and has assisted several indigenous tribes in Latin America and Canada in successfully negotiating treaties protecting traditional homelands. He is credited with leading the fight to protect New York City's water supply. The New York City watershed agreement, which he negotiated on behalf of environmentalists and New York City watershed consumers, is regarded as an international model in stakeholder consensus negotiations and sustainable development. He helped lead the fight to turn back the anti-environmental legislation during the 104th Congress. |
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Leslie Reichert Author of “The Joy of Green Cleaning” FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 23 & 24 |
| Among Mr. Kennedy's published books are the New York Times’ bestseller Crimes Against Nature (2004), St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy (2005), The Riverkeepers (1997), and Judge Frank M. Johnson, Jr: A Biography (1977). His articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Rolling Stone, Atlantic Monthly, Esquire, The Nation, Outside Magazine, The Village Voice, and many other publications. His award winning articles have been included in anthologies of America’s Best Crime Writing, Best Political Writing and Best Science Writing. |
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Leslie Reichert, "The Cleaning Coach", is a nationally-recognized green homekeeping expert dedicated to educating people on keeping their homes, schools and work areas "green". Leslie's mission is to teach and encourage others in the "art" of green homekeeping. Leslie is a green consultant whose wit, insight and humor has raised the "green" awareness in all of us. Leslie writes for a number of websites such as "The Daily Green" and is also featured as the green expert for Examiner.com in Boston. |
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Mr. Kennedy is a graduate of Harvard University. He studied at the London School of Economics and received his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School. Following graduation he attended Pace University School of Law, where he was awarded a Masters Degree in Environmental Law. He is a licensed master falconer, and as often as possible he pursues a life-long enthusiasm for white-water paddling. He has organized and led several expeditions in Canada and Latin America, including first descents on three little known rivers in Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela. |
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Leslie's warm and energetic workshops and trainings serve to improve awareness with simple steps that make a home safer for everyone. Her speaking skills put a room in an enthusiastic and open frame of mind about "thinking green". Clients such as National Grid and Mass Maritime Academy along with many women's groups have used her material to remove toxins in the home and the work place. Leslie is also a TV personality, appearing on Green House Project, and author of the book "The Joy of Green Cleaning" which is available internationally at Amazon.com. |
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Schedule
Directions to Harwood Arena, Kean Uinversity:
1000 Morris Avenue • Union, NJ 07083 • 908-737-KEAN (5326)
BY Train FROM Union Station
Located at 900 Green Lane in Union, N.J., the station is directly across the street from Kean’s main campus. Union Station is on NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley line, which runs northeast to Newark Penn Station, and southwest to High Bridge in Hunterdon County.
For a Raritan Valley line train schedule
FROM Elizabeth STATION
Elizabeth Station is located on West Grand Avenue, one block west of Broad Street in Elizabeth, N.J., which is just two miles from campus by bus or taxi. The NJ Transit Northeast Corridor and North Jersey Coast line trains stop there. The Northeast Corridor line runs northeast to Newark Penn Station and New York Penn Station, and southwest to Trenton. The North Jersey Coast line runs northeast to Newark’s Penn Station and New York City and southeast to Bay Head in Ocean County.
BY Bus
NJ Transit #52 and #26 between Elizabeth and Springfield pass the Campus on Morris Avenue. NJ Transit #113 between Plainfield and Port Authority Bus Terminal, New York, stops at Salem Road and Morris Avenue.
For further information about fares and schedules for buses and trains, visit www.njtransit.com
More Background On GardenStateGreenFest.com
GardenStateGreenFest.com served as the official digital hub for the Garden State GreenFest, one of New Jersey’s most prominent environmental festivals during its peak years from 2008 through the mid-2010s. Designed as both a promotional platform and an informational resource, the website documented the growth of a regional sustainability movement that brought together educators, environmental advocates, businesses, families, and policymakers under one roof. Through archived versions of the site and independent media coverage, it is clear that Garden State GreenFest was not just an event—it was a reflection of a broader cultural shift toward environmental awareness and green living in the Garden State.
Ownership, Organization, and Founding Vision
Garden State GreenFest was established in 2008 by a group of environmental advocates and event organizers committed to sustainability education and community engagement. While the website itself did not prominently feature a single corporate owner in the way modern branded events often do, the festival appears to have been operated as a collaborative initiative involving local institutions, sponsors, and environmental organizations.
Key partnerships included Kean University, which hosted the event in Union, New Jersey, as well as corporate and media sponsors such as The Star-Ledger, Prudential, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G), and PNC Bank. These partnerships indicate that the festival operated at a significant scale, with institutional backing and regional visibility.
The underlying mission of the organization was consistent across years: to educate, inspire, and empower individuals and communities to adopt sustainable practices. This mission positioned the festival not merely as entertainment, but as a catalyst for behavioral change and environmental stewardship.
Location, Venue, and Regional Context
The festival was primarily held at Kean University in Union, New Jersey, specifically at Harwood Arena. This location was strategically chosen for accessibility and regional reach. Union sits within close proximity to major population centers including Newark and New York City, making it an ideal gathering point for attendees across northern and central New Jersey.
Transportation access was a key feature emphasized by organizers. The venue was located near Union Train Station on NJ Transit’s Raritan Valley Line, and multiple bus routes served the campus. This accessibility aligned with the festival’s environmental ethos by encouraging the use of public transportation.
The choice of a university campus also reinforced the educational focus of the event. It allowed for the integration of lectures, workshops, demonstrations, and student involvement in a setting already associated with learning and innovation.
Growth, Popularity, and Audience
By 2011 and 2012, Garden State GreenFest had grown into what was described as New Jersey’s largest environmental event. Attendance figures were not always publicly detailed, but the scale of programming, number of exhibitors, and level of sponsorship suggest a substantial turnout.
The audience was notably diverse. Families with children attended for hands-on activities and educational experiences. Students and young professionals were drawn to career-oriented programming in the green economy. Homeowners and consumers came to learn about sustainable products, energy solutions, and eco-friendly lifestyle changes. Environmental activists and nonprofit organizations used the event as a platform for advocacy and networking.
Ticket pricing was intentionally accessible, with free admission for children and modest fees for adults. This pricing strategy reinforced the festival’s inclusive mission and encouraged broad community participation.
Programming, Features, and Event Experience
Garden State GreenFest distinguished itself through a wide-ranging program that blended education, entertainment, and practical engagement. The event typically spanned multiple days and included:
Educational Workshops and Panels
Workshops covered topics such as solar energy, geothermal systems, organic gardening, green cleaning, sustainable business practices, and home energy audits. These sessions were led by experts, authors, and practitioners who provided actionable insights.
Panel discussions allowed for deeper exploration of environmental issues, including climate change, conservation, and sustainable development. These sessions often encouraged audience participation, fostering dialogue rather than passive consumption.
Keynote Speakers and Notable Figures
One of the defining features of the festival was its lineup of high-profile speakers. Among the most notable were:
- Bill Nye, widely known as “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” who delivered keynote presentations on energy and scientific literacy.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental attorney and activist recognized for his work with the Hudson Riverkeeper and Waterkeeper Alliance.
- Jeff Yeager, author of “The Cheapskate Next Door,” who promoted cost-effective approaches to sustainable living.
These speakers brought national attention to the event and helped elevate its credibility and appeal.
Exhibitors and Marketplace
The festival featured dozens of exhibitors showcasing environmentally friendly products and services. These included:
- Organic food and beverages
- Eco-friendly clothing and fashion
- Renewable energy solutions
- Green building materials
- Fair trade goods
This marketplace component allowed attendees to directly engage with sustainable alternatives and make informed purchasing decisions.
Film Festival and Entertainment
The Planet Hugger Film Festival was a recurring feature, screening documentaries and films focused on environmental issues. Titles included well-known works such as “Who Killed the Electric Car” and “The Story of Stuff.”
In addition, the event incorporated entertainment elements such as beer and wine tastings featuring organic and locally sourced products. These offerings broadened the festival’s appeal and created a more dynamic, festival-like atmosphere.
Children’s Activities and Family Engagement
A significant portion of the festival was dedicated to children and families. The GECKO Kids Activity Zone offered interactive experiences such as:
- Composting demonstrations using worms (vermiculture)
- Seed planting and gardening activities
- Upcycling crafts
- Environmental games and experiments
These activities were designed to instill environmental awareness at an early age and make sustainability engaging and accessible.
The Garden State Green Awards
An important component of the festival was the Garden State Green Awards, also known as the “Boggies.” These awards recognized individuals, schools, organizations, and businesses that made significant contributions to environmental preservation and sustainability.
Categories included educators, students, public officials, nonprofit organizations, and corporate citizens. The awards highlighted achievements in conservation, advocacy, and innovation, reinforcing the festival’s role as a platform for recognition and inspiration.
The name “Boggies” referenced the bog turtle, an endangered species native to New Jersey, symbolizing the importance of protecting local ecosystems.
Environmental Practices and Event Design
Garden State GreenFest was not only about promoting sustainability—it also embodied those principles in its execution. Organizers implemented a range of environmentally conscious practices, including:
- Recycling stations for multiple materials
- Composting of food waste and biodegradable utensils
- Use of recycled materials in event infrastructure
- Water refill stations to reduce plastic bottle usage
Attendees were encouraged to bring reusable items and minimize waste. These practices demonstrated that large-scale events could operate responsibly and served as a model for other festivals.
Media Coverage and Public Reception
The festival received coverage from regional media outlets, including The Star-Ledger and local Patch publications. Articles highlighted the event’s educational value, diverse programming, and family-friendly atmosphere.
Journalists often emphasized the practical benefits for attendees, such as learning how to save money through energy efficiency or adopt healthier, more sustainable lifestyles. Reviews and anecdotal accounts suggest that the festival was well-received and regarded as both informative and enjoyable.
The presence of well-known speakers and partnerships with major institutions further contributed to positive public perception and credibility.
Cultural and Social Significance
Garden State GreenFest emerged during a period of growing environmental awareness in the United States. Issues such as climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable consumption were becoming increasingly prominent in public discourse.
In this context, the festival played a meaningful role in translating abstract environmental concerns into tangible actions. By bringing together experts, businesses, and community members, it created a space where individuals could learn, connect, and take steps toward more sustainable living.
The event also contributed to the normalization of green practices. Concepts like composting, organic food, and renewable energy—once considered niche—were presented as accessible and practical options for everyday life.
Digital Presence and Website Functionality
GardenStateGreenFest.com functioned as the central information hub for the event. The site provided:
- Event schedules and program details
- Speaker profiles and biographies
- Ticketing information
- Directions and transportation guidance
- Educational content and updates
The website’s structure reflected the needs of both attendees and participants, offering clear navigation and comprehensive information. Archived versions of the site reveal a focus on usability and content richness, typical of early 2010s event websites.
The site also linked to social media platforms, particularly Facebook, where updates and community engagement continued even after the event’s peak years.
Challenges and Digital Vulnerability
Like many event-based websites of its era, GardenStateGreenFest.com faced challenges related to online visibility and digital reputation. Anecdotal accounts from individuals involved in promoting the festival describe issues with search engine results that temporarily associated the event with unrelated and negative content.
These experiences highlight the broader challenges of digital marketing and search engine dependence, particularly for smaller organizations without extensive technical resources. They also underscore the importance of maintaining control over online branding and visibility.
Decline and Legacy
The most recent updates associated with Garden State GreenFest appear to date to around 2014. While the reasons for its decline are not extensively documented, several factors may have contributed:
- Shifts in funding or sponsorship
- Changes in organizational leadership
- Increasing competition from other events and initiatives
- The logistical challenges of sustaining a large-scale annual festival
Despite its eventual fade from prominence, the legacy of Garden State GreenFest remains significant. It demonstrated the potential of community-driven environmental events to educate, inspire, and mobilize large audiences.
Lasting Impact and Relevance
Today, the principles and practices promoted by Garden State GreenFest continue to resonate. Sustainability has become an even more urgent and mainstream concern, and many of the ideas showcased at the festival—such as renewable energy adoption, waste reduction, and sustainable consumption—are now widely accepted.
The festival can be seen as part of a broader movement that helped lay the groundwork for current environmental initiatives. Its emphasis on education, community engagement, and practical action remains a model for similar events.
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GardenStateGreenFest.com and the Garden State GreenFest represent an important chapter in New Jersey’s environmental and cultural history. From its founding in 2008 to its peak in the early 2010s, the festival brought together a diverse audience to explore and embrace sustainable living.
Through its programming, partnerships, and community focus, it achieved a level of impact that extended beyond the event itself. It educated thousands of attendees, supported local businesses and organizations, and contributed to a growing culture of environmental responsibility.
Although the festival is no longer active, its influence persists in the continued emphasis on sustainability across communities, institutions, and industries. Garden State GreenFest stands as a testament to what can be achieved when education, inspiration, and action come together in pursuit of a common goal.