An extension of the 21-year-old Manayunk Arts Festival, the largest outdoor juried craft show in the region, the First Annual Manayunk EcoArts Festival will be a celebration of artistic, sustainable, and local green initiatives. On Sat., Sept. 25 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 26 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., eco-minded artists, green businesses, and ecologically-concerned community groups will gather at this free event to share resources and education about green and healthy living.

A hub for sustainable, eco-conscious living, Manayunk has the feel of a small, riverside town, just outside the bustling city. The area features dozens of locally owned and operated businesses, restaurants dedicated to sustainability, new LEED certified residences, a heavily trafficked towpath, and a convenient waterfront location. In addition to exhibitors from across the country, EcoArts Festival will highlight the sustainable efforts of Manayunk’s merchants. Examples of local green initiatives include:

• In addition to supporting local farms, Derek’s Restaurant recycles its fryer oil to power greenhouses and local trucks

• Sheldon Crossing townhomes offer the ultimate in eco-conscious Living. Platinum LEED certified for state of the art construction practices and exceptional building materials, these homes exemplify energy efficiency.

• Main Street’s Agiato Bread Company bakes bread for neighboring restaurants Cooper’s, Jake’s, Mugshots, and Winnie’s Le Bus

• Dairyland serves homemade ice cream with milk purchased from local farms

• Mugshots Coffeehouse & Café offers fair-trade, organic coffee, and food made with free-range organic ingredients bought from local farmers whenever possible

• Cadence Cycling & Multi-Sport, Sweat Fitness, and SportsWorks are active in the fitness community and promoting healthy living. Manayunk is also home to the TD Bank Philadelphia International Cycling Championship

• Upscale resale shops like The Attic, Upscale Resale, and V.A.M.P. offer customers the opportunity to buy, sell or trade their clothes – the perfect way to stay chic while reducing the 68 pounds of clothes Americans throw away each year.

• Art + Science: an AVEDA Concept Salon green initiatives include Spa carpeting made from corn, 100% PECO wind-powered energy, and spa beds made locally from sustainably sourced hard woods and PVC free tops. The salon also donates hair clippings to make mats to soak up oil spills.

• Winnie’s Le Bus is famous homemade baked goods and sells its specialty brand of granola —“Winnola”

• Gary P. Mann Jewelers recycles old, unloved pieces of jewelry into new pieces customers will treasure.

• The Furniture Workshop does beautiful antique restorations, allowing customers to avoid disposable furniture and retain quality heirloom pieces.

Participating businesses and sponsors include Dollar Energy (PECO), The Parkway Corporation, Kashi, Burt’s Bees, Yelp.com, Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia, Grid Magazine, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Nestled along the banks of the Schuylkill River and the Manayunk Canal, and located just minutes west of Center City, Manayunk was named a National Historic District in 1983. The Main Street area is one of the region’s premiere shopping and dining destinations. Its galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, home furnishings, and antiques stores offer personalized service and unparalleled shopping. A newly restored towpath on the banks of the canal is ideal for jogging, walking, and biking. In addition, special events throughout the year make Manayunk an exciting residential and business community and a favorite destination spot in the Philadelphia area. For further information, please call (215) 482-9565 or visit http://www.manayunk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=58.

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