Read the full article by The Local News here.
ROWLEY — Let’s be honest… convincing people to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon on the Rowley Town Common learning about the environmental benefits of composting and recycling is a bit of a tough sell.
But this past weekend at Striving for Sustainability’s Community Green Fest, the Common felt like the place to be.
Everywhere you looked, kids and adults of all ages were fully engaged — because the learning wasn’t just informative, it was fun.
Whether they were getting up close with opossums and lizards thanks to the Wildlife Encounters Ecology and Wellness Center, trading old stories for new ones at the Rowley library’s book swap booth, or crafting mini sailboats from recycled wine corks, the joy on everyones’ faces said it all.
“Today has been amazing. We’ve had such a good turnout,” said organizer Anya Ciarametaro. “There were a lot of sleepless nights planning this event, but today makes it all worth it.”
For organizer Laura DiPersia, the festival was about far more than just spreading environmental awareness. It was about connection.
“Yes, we want to educate people on sustainable living, but another big thing for me is bringing people together,” she said. “And we’re very thankful to New England Biolabs for providing the grant that made this all possible.”
Given the success of its first Green Fest, Striving for Sustainability is already looking ahead.
“It worked out well, and it’s been a blast,” DiPersia said. “So now we’ll start thinking about the next one.”
If this past weekend was any indication, Rowley may have a new summer tradition in the making.