WEEKEND PREVIEW: Expo promotes greener lifestyle in Bay

THIS SATURDAY the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre in Tauranga will be packed to the brim with  exhibitions from local businesses at the Bay of Plenty's premiere environmental event.
The Eco Family Expo will showcase 51 stalls from local and national businesses.
The expo was brought to the Bay by sisters Bekki Monger  and Saskia Etherington in an attempt to show people in the Bay of Plenty greener ways of living.
Mrs Monger said the expo would focus on being "environmentally friendly" and show people eco-conscious products and services needed to raise a healthy, happy, green family.
"We want people to realise what fantastic businesses we have locally that can enhance our way of living," said Mrs Monger. "It is an event aimed at families and children but there will be something for the whole family."
This is the second annual environmental expo. The previous event was called the Eco Baby and Kids Expo but Mrs Monger said they wanted to expand from concentrating specifically on children to accommodate the needs of entire families.
"Our first expo was so successful that we have been inundated with people wishing to visit our 2010 expo."
Organic food stalls, organic clothing, wooden toys and natural therapies including massage will be available.  Health, safety and education demonstrations and workshops for children and adults, including gardening demonstrations and beading workshops from Uncle Black Beetles Tea and Craft, will also be held.
The event is sponsored by www.yourfood.co.nz, a new organic grocery delivery service based in Tauranga. Yourfood has more than 1000 lines of organic food and sustainably-produced groceries available, and members get a 15 per cent discount, plus free delivery,  in the Bay.
Admission is by gold coin and the first 300 entrants will receive a free goodie bag  of samples, information and vouchers.
Every visitor will also be entered into the free prize draw to win a family trip (two adults and two children under 12) for a two-night package at Mount Tutu Eco-Sanctuary, worth more than $600. The package includes a breakfast on both mornings, a glow-worm tour and rainforest eco-tour.
Have cash - the venue has no  Eftpos or ATM facilities.
For more information on Saturday's expo, or to have an exhibition stand, please contact earthkindkids@hotmail.com
WHEN AND WHERE
What: Eco Family Expo
Where: Queen Elizabeth II Centre
When: Saturday,  May 15
Time: 10am-2pm
Cost: Gold coin donation