“It will be an utter mash-up of creative expression, enlightening exposure of knowledge, and ultimate fun galore,” predicted Maharishi University of Management student organizer Emanuel Schachinger, of this year’s EcoFair and EcoJam.
Did the EcoFair live up to his prediction?
“EcoFair did not just live up to, but exceed our expectations,” said Emanuel, “The mixture of Fun, entertainment, spirituality and hands on knowledge worked out very well, and the feeling during the whole weekend was amazing.”
Last weekend Maharishi University of Management hosted this annual event around the unique theme Energizing the Metamorphosis to Sustainability.
What is an EcoFair and EcoJam?
The tradition of Maharishi University of Management’s EcoFair and EcoJam began with a student-driven desire to educate and inspire people about sustainability, self-sufficiency, and integrated ecological design. The EcoFair is now an annual, student organized, weekend-long, event on campus.
Local foods workshop, EcoFair 2011
The weekend includes:
- lectures
- workshops
- booths
- eco-fashion show
- networking
- films
- live music
This Year’s Event
Emanuel Schachinger, Ecofair organizer
The theme was chosen through a collaborative effort at the beginning of the school year. Any student who was interested was welcome to attend several visioning meetings where the event theme and structure were discussed.
After these initial meetings a team of 15 students worked tirelessly on creating and organizing the event. During the event the team more than doubled, incorporating about 40 volunteers to help run the event.
Weekend re-cap by Emanuel:
- Friday was an amazing kick off! Julie Woods’ gave a very powerful and spiritual
Julie Wood, keynote speaker, Ecofair 2011, photo by Ken West
opening presentation focusing on her message about building bridges.
- Saturday offered something for everybody with hands on knowledge, academic speakers, vendors, and a job and internship fair. Bands playing framed the day; we had an awesome day of knowledge, fun, and inspiration.
- Sunday was a little quieter and focused. People seemed to appreciate the opportunity to focus on specific topics in smaller groups.
- EcoJam was the most memorable weekend event. The fashion presented was amazing. Our surprise guest, the owner of Green Apple gave a short presentation, and Julie Woods gave an amazing, heart-touching concert.
Other highlights included:
- Kevin Doyle, president of Green Economy and coauthor of three books on environmental careers
- Richard Kahn, core faculty in Education at Antioch University Los Angeles, where he specializes in ecopedagogy, a form of education for sustainability and author of three books
- Kim Strubell, cofounder and chief operating officer for Caritas Seeds, a non-profit organization that trains farmers in countries plagued by famine to feed their families sustainably by using locally available resources
- Workshops: native plant gardening, blacksmithing, local currencies, local food
Learn more about these speakers and workshops, as well as many others by clicking here.
Connect with EcoFair on Facebook
Photos courtesy of MUM EcoFair
 |
Anna Bruen is a MUM alumnus who graduated with a degree in Sustainable Living. Anna is the resident blogger here at MUM. To learn more about Anna take a look at her introduction post. |
