For eleven years the Renewable Energy Roundup & Green Living Fair has been a source of ideas that are recyclable, renewable and reusable. “When options are available, people lean towards a green lifestyle that is organic; sustainable; locally produced; energy efficient; and less toxic,” said Russel Smith, Executive Director of the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association and co-organizer or the Renewable Energy Roundup. “The fair provides an outlet for community members to gain invaluable information, discover new resources and demo new products that can benefit future quality of life.” The Renewable Energy Roundup takes place in Fredericksburg’s Market Square, September 24 through 26.

For details go to the website TheRoundup.org.

People of all ages can find new ideas and demo products. There are talks, exhibits and workshops to find out about rainwater harvesting, organic cooking, tips on sustainable building or remodeling for your home and more. The Renewable Energy Roundup is informative, interactive and entertaining. It gives people the opportunity to make informed lifestyle choices and the ability to act on that knowledge all in one place.

Kids activities are fun learning experiences! They can build and race solar cars or build solar ovens and cook s’mores along with other activities, all free, in the kids tent.

People often get the urge to travel in the fall and many come from all across Texas to enjoy an autumn weekend in Fredericksburg at the Roundup. A Dallas Morning News article by Hillary Tyler Gant told the story of how the Roundup impacted Dallas couple, Dr. John Haley and his wife Margie, who decided they wanted to live more sustainably.

“The first big step came when their roof sustained hail damage. They had attended the Renewable Energy Roundup in Fredericksburg, and learned that metal roofs last longer and are ideal for rainwater harvesting and solar panels. And so it began.” The article went on to talk about the Haley’s solar oven and other projects including solar panels Dr. Haley installed himself that provide energy and heat water. Many people like the Haleys find the Renewable Energy Roundup helps them find new ideas and products for living healthier more sustainable lives. There will also be solar energy workshops for businessmen and homeowners.

The Roundup provides a forum where green business leaders speak on their expertise to Roundup audiences. It’s a great opportunity for sharing ideas that benefits both listeners and businesses. If you are a business leader you may want to come just to observe these talks and see how this annual event could benefit your business. Fair goers also learn from outstanding community leaders who provide a keynote address each day of the fair.

Keynotes

Friday, Kenneth Starcher, Assistant Director, Training, Education and Outreach at the Alternative Energy Institute’s (AEI) speaks on ”Small Wind Testing,” a more home sized product that leads to consumer confidence.

As Associate Director of AEI , Ken is in charge of all the courses and seminars at AEI, and has served as an instructor at wind energy seminars in throughout the US, China, Brazil and South Africa.

Saturday, Roger Duncan, Former General Manager - Austin Energy talks about “Utility of the Future.” Roger discusses both the near term and far future of the electric utility industry, with a focus on the transition to renewable energy, distributed generation, smart grid and the need for a new business model. The talk includes both the twin storms of peak oil and climate change and the technology trends reshaping energy generation, transmission and storage.

Roger Duncan has been recognized as a leader in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and smart grid activities. In 2005, Business Week magazine recognized Roger as one of the top 20 carbon reducers in the world.

Sunday, Thomas G. Mason, General Manager, LCRA speaks on Saving Water for Texas’ Future. With the state’s population projected to nearly double in the next 50 years, water is arguably the most precious resource in Texas. Finding the water for Texas’ future is a monumentally expensive and challenging task. The least expensive approach is to use what we have more efficiently. Mason will discuss how this can be done, particularly in the home.

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