The Peace & Earth Fair on Saturday, April 14, organized by the University's Peace and Earth Week Committee, featured an assortment of tables ranging from the political (Orange County Green Party) to simple, human kindness (free hugs). When asked about the event, Jessie O'Neil of the Peach and Earth Week Committee described it as "very dynamic and interactive, with different activities related to social justice and the environment."
The fair, held on the grounds of Chapman University in Orange, Calif., was indeed interactive. Jessie had mentioned pledge cards, which I saw in action as visitors wrote their own pledges on two posters. One pledged to switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs; another to take shorter showers. Other interactive tables invited visitors to make their own reusable bag, create friendship bracelets, and even decorate cookies. Out of all the interactive tables, the most popular had to have been the young woman giving out free hugs (at least while I was there). It was quite endearing to see the men and women who were lined up at her table; "peace" could not have been any simpler.
A couple of the other tables I visited was for The Road Less Traveled and The Grain Project. The Road Less Traveled is an eco-friendly store located at 2202 1/2 N. Main St. in the city of Santa Ana that opened in September 2006. They carry a variety of items for the eco-conscious consumer, including organic and hemp clothing (I have a fabulous bamboo scarf/sash from them), books on green living, non-toxic cleaning products, housewares such as recycled drinking glasses and hemp table linens, and much more. They are currently working on their online store, which should be open fin the very near future.
This was the second time I've seen their table; the first was at the Greenology event at The Camp in Costa Mesa, where I had the pleasure to meet the store's owner, Delilah Snell. At the Peace & Earth Fair, their table was manned by August, an intern for the store, who informed me of a party they're planning to have in celebration of the launch of the online store. Before leaving their table, August also told me about the Social Justice Summit at Cal State Fullerton on Saturday, April 21. I'm looking forward to both their launch party and the summit next weekend.
The Grain Project, which Snell co-founded with Lara Montagne and Branden Willman-Kozimor, is a nonprofit organization that worked tirelessly to bring a farmers' market to Santa Ana. After three years of going back and forth with the City Council, the trio finally succeeded and the Santa Ana farmers' market opened in May 2005. Going into their second year, the market is still providing the city with local produce, fresh baked goods and juices, art, and live music every Wednesday at the corner of 3rd and Bush from 3 pm to 7 pm. What I found especially admirable is that WIC, Senior, and EBT food stamps are accepted at the market, giving low-income families access to good and healthy food. The Grain Project is also working on establishing community gardens that aim not only to beautify the neighborhoods, but to also educate residents about gardening, composting, farming, healthier eating habits, and most importantly, to strengthen the community.
The Peace & Earth Fair was a lively, casual gathering of like-minded people. Individuals who took some time on a beautiful Saturday afternoon to make a reusable bag, to pledge that he or she will recycle more, to learn about sustainability, to listen to live music, and to celebrate peace and the Earth.
