This is the second year in a row that Greg and I have taken time for a weekend of camping at the Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair in Custer, Wisconsin. The fair has been around for almost 20 years and is the biggest event of its kind in the USA and possibly the world. Attendance continues to grow and each year the crowd becomes more international. 

The MREA Fair focuses on education for a DIY crowd and has become a valuable resource to us. Experts come from all over to present workshops, deliver keynote speeches and set up exhibits on any environmental and sustainable living topic imaginable. For both years, Greg and I have split up to cover more ground. We have educated ourselves about available renewables, decreasing our carbon footprint, and living a sustainable lifestyle. Some of the sessions we have attended include: wind energy, solar energy, building with earth blocks, permaculture, root cellaring vegetables, natural cleaning products, composting, green construction materials, building with stone, building with cord wood, building monolithic stone structures, adapting your bike for carrying large loads, and even the use of humanure (Yup. Just what you think it means). 

Not only is the fair educational, but it is fun. So many ideas and possibilities come alive from learning about the most cutting-edge environmental information out there. We've spent hours talking about what we learn and shaping our plans for The Homestead. The other fun stuff is food and entertainment. It's all local and gives people a taste of Midwest culture...Where else can you have a Polka Breakfast!?!

The next Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair will be taking place June 19-21, 2009. In the meantime, here are a couple short, but alluring video clips for the avid environmentalist.

This clip gives you information on some of the people involved in the fair, exhibitors, and a glimpse of a firey keynote speaker. 

This is the 2007 official promo clip with a guy on a big yellow bike...