I know I do it. I become insatiable, like a toddler in a candy shop, the second my eyes discern the word free. Yes, I would like a sticker that says we’re the best we sell for less. A pen low on ink you say? Don’t mind if I do. A hot pink reusable plastic bag too small for groceries, you had me at free.
I admit it. I’m a junkie. My closet harbors my dirty little secret. Some people have skeletons. I have a stash of promotional knick-knacks.
When I become entrenched in free mode, I completely ignore unpleasant thoughts like the carbon footprint associated with the item. Let’s face it; the junk will inevitably end up in either a landfill or the recycle plant. And yet, each time I return home with my free prize, I find myself overwhelmed with dysphoria. Not because I acquired another junky item, but because of the choice I made prior. I knowingly accepted free promotional items that will not be loved, used, or even remembered once I open my front door. What a waste and slight on the environment!
I fell privy to one of the classic blunders. Never trust free. If I’m not paying, then the environment certainly is. The time has come to just say no. Refuse ridiculous items and accept the potential grocery bag, recycled objects, and other environmentally friendly toys. Be selective. I know my fire hazard of a closet will thank me for it as will the world outside my front door.
Nothing motivates Portlanders more than beer and the environment. It takes a genius to come up with an organic beer festival complete with compostable cornstarch mugs and a special discount for public transportation riders. Thank you North American Organic Brewers Festival!
This weekend, June 26 to June 28, at Overlook Park on 1301 North Fremont Street in Portland, Oregon, the organic beer festival kicks off. Friday and Saturday beer tasting is open from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday fun day starts at 12:00 p.m. and lasts until 5:00 p.m. Admission is free. Reusable and compostable tasting glasses are $6. Max riders with a validated ticket are rewarded with a $1 discount! If you don’t feel like going public with the Max, you can bring in 3 cans of food and get a $1 discount too. Don’t worry; the canned food is not ingested by the hungry, boozed up volunteers. All food will be donated to the Oregon Food Bank. For more information about the festival visit them on the web at: http://www.naobf.org
Parking will be tricky. The best way to arrive is either walking or the Max. For easy Max directions visit their trip planner: http://trimet.org. Biking is always my favorite option, but in this case, be wary. Bike parking is extremely limited. If you insist on biking, make sure to bring your thinking cap and be creative with your bike lock. For the safest bike route, check out: http://bycycle.org
No matter which way you arrive, make sure that you do. The North American Organic Beer Festival will be the green social event of the season, beer tasting included.
