Milan Earth Day Fair Diverts 92.9% of Waste

The Earth Day Fair brought a record crowd to Wilson Park in Milan on April 26, drawing visitors for vendors, speakers, music, live animals and hands-on activities while coming close to its zero-waste goal.

Organizer Josh Kofflin estimated the fair drew about 590 people. He said the fair produced 14 pounds of total waste: 3 pounds of recycling, 10 pounds of compostable material and 1 pound of trash. That means 13 pounds were diverted from the landfill, giving the fair a 92.9% diversion rate.

“I am happy with the turnout for the event, which broke last year’s record attendance,” Kofflin said. “Thank you to all speakers, volunteers, and sponsors. Thank you to all the volunteers for the previous two days for the art bus. I look forward to next year’s event with zero waste and more green business awards.”

Around the park, vendors and community organizations shared conservation information, local resources, handmade goods, plants, crafts and family-friendly activities. Children decorated a bus made from recycled materials, Double J Farms brought goats and other animals, and Laura Russeau provided live music.

The speaker lineup also reflected the fair’s mix of local and environmental issues. State Sen. Jeff Irwin spoke, along with Milan City Council member Shannon Dare Wayne; Sarah Brabbs, who spoke about data centers; and Ash Eichner Pendell of Moon Mama, who gave a talk on nature.

“Seeing such a strong turnout for Earth Day was incredibly encouraging,” said Dare Wayne. “It’s clear that people across our community are ready to be part of the solution. I also appreciated how inclusive and welcoming the event was.”

Holly Forbis said she was humbled by the participation from vendors and the community, including people from neighboring communities and both the Washtenaw County and Monroe County sides of Milan.

“I’m very happy with the turnout,” Forbis said. “The live animals were a hit. The plant giveaways were generous. The sustainability awards are planting seeds for future sustainability efforts in the community. It’s humbling to know that there are people who want to be good stewards and make it a good space. Please recycle.”

Organizers presented sustainability awards to S’Mac and Cheese, a food trailer based out of Milan, and The Owl, Morning ’til Night, a downtown Milan coffee shop and craft bar, as part of the fair’s effort to promote sustainable business practices.

Kofflin said S’Mac and Cheese was recognized for using compostable food containers, while The Owl was recognized for using local ingredients in cocktails and other offerings.

Forbis also designed a recycling resource poster, which encouraged visitors to “Reduce waste. Take a picture.” The display pointed residents toward cleanup days, drop-off sites, scrap recycling options and state recycling information.

For Kofflin, the fair reflected a simple idea with a local focus.

“Think global, act local,” he said.

Featured image: Holly Forbis holds the recycling resource poster she designed for the Earth Day Fair at Wilson Park in Milan. Photo by Heather Finch

Gallery photos by Heather Finch