Green Fair Coming to Chatham

Get ready to go green.

The Chatham Borough Environmental Commission, the Chatham Township Environmental Commission and the Chatham Borough Green Initiatives Committee are hosting the third annual "Green Fair of The Chathams" Sept. 11 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. by the borough gazebo. It will feature vendors offering green, sustainable products and services. There will also be entertainment and activities for children.  

Members of the two municipalities and representatives from a variety of local businesses will be on hand to discuss their commitment to environmentally sustainable practices and will talk about how the community can live a greener, cleaner lifestyle. Information will be provided on transportation options, energy and water savings, healthy home and personal care products, rain barrels, composting, recycling, trash reduction and alternative energy sources for the home. 

Vendors will show the latest Water Sense fixtures and irrigation equipment that conserve our water supplies. Others will give tips on how to reduce toxic chemicals inthe  home and yard by using natural cleaning products, eco-friendly flooring and bedding and custom made furniture finished with certain paints. Stanley Congregational Chuch will sell fair trade coffee and representatives will hand out free compact fluorescent bulbs. 

Water and air filtration vendors will be on hand as well. All are encouraged to bring a home water sample for testing. 

The fair is also the place to give new life to your used children's books and bicycles. Chatham Township Girl Scout Jillian Srygley will set up a donation box for children's books that will be sent to the Paterson Family Center or to the Community Charter School of Paterson. Boy Scout Troop 8 will collect used bicycles to be donated to the needy through Good Goes Round.

Professional clowns will act out creative, humorous environmental stories at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children will be able to see live reptiles up close during a 9:30 a.m. show and will learn how recycling helps protect the animals' habitat. The Chatham Community Band will perform at noon. 

Children can also explore compost, seeds and herbs, and make crafts such as pinecone bird feeders at eco-art stations hosted by Girl Scout Troops 1240, 1187, and 510. The Chatham High School Environmental Club will host eco-play stations that feature games such as soda bottle bowling and guessing games. 

Troop 1956 Girl Scouts will be on hand to answer questions about rain barrels, and a free rain barrel will be given to a winner in attendance.

All signs from the fair will be totally recyclable, and children's crafts will be made from recycled or natural items.

The event's sponsors are Coviello Brothers Landscape and Irrigation, GreenPath Landcare, Investors' Savings Bank, The New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers, Pinnacle Environmental and Como Hotels and Resorts. 

Vendors interested in participating in the fair should email the Green Fair of The Chathams Committee at environmental@chathamborough.org.