Green City?
Aerial view of the Bay
The Bay Area is eagerly pushing this phenomena of “greening” our cities and our lives through the banning plastic bags to giving perks to those driving smart-fuel efficient-hybrid cars. However, last week the Bay Area was struck by devastating and ever growing scandalous toxic oil spill during prime migration season for birds. Wednesday morning a cargo ship dumped 58,000 gallons of heavy tar like fuel onto the Bay. There has been much frustration and discussion about why clean up is taking so long and why volunteer have been physically prevented from helping clean the Bay. The reasons are still a mystery and the media is not telling us what’s up.
In the midst of this disaster, 36,000 people attended this year’s Green Festival. This festival is a joint project by two local nonprofit organizations, Global Exchange and Co-op America, and takes place in four different cities: Washington DC, Chicago, Seattle, and our very own San Francisco. This mega event strives to bring together local and national socially responsible businesses, and environmental, social justice and community organizations. At the Green Festival you can eat organic, shop fair-trade, learn about green building, urban renewal, and learn how mushrooms can save the world. Although the general fee was $15, the festival does provide attendees with many ways and opportunities to attend the event for free. Aside from the presentations and speakers, the Green Festival (as is the case for many festivals in the Bay) is primarily a good opportunity to buy “green” and most products are not cheap. I wonder if the this movement can go from being a consumer trend to making these “green” products and solutions accessible and affordable. Or will “green” cities only be inhabited by those who can afford to live there?
