Environmental nonprofits to showcase efforts at Rock the Green

Local groups will promote sustainability missions in the festival’s Eco-Champs area

MILWAUKEE — Sept. 2, 2016 — Learn ways to reduce your carbon footprint during Rock the Green’s award-winning sustainability festival Sept. 17. Seventeen local nonprofit organizations will educate festival patrons about a variety of eco-friendly practices, such as sustainable water management and the importance of clean waterways, in the Eco-Champs area on the festival grounds at Reed Street Yards in Milwaukee.

“Although each organization is working toward a specific set of goals, we all have one in common — to improve the health of the environment and live more sustainably,” said Lindsay Stevens Gardner, founder and executive director, Rock the Green.

CannedWater4Kids (CW4K), a Wisconsin nonprofit and 2016 Eco-Champ, will play a critical role in the festival’s zero waste efforts. “CW4K is excited to be an Eco-Champ at Rock the Green this year, and pleased to provide each attendee with a refillable aluminum water bottle,” said CW4K founder, Greg Stromberg. “Aluminum water bottles are the most sustainable option, as aluminum can be recycled and reused well beyond the festival.”

Reflo, a Milwaukee nonprofit focused on community based water initiatives including green infrastructure, will demonstrate the importance of green schools using computer-based 3D models at its booth in the Eco-Champs area. Reflo will also feature an interactive map for attendees to explore local watersheds. “Community based green infrastructure is an exciting way to engage Milwaukee in critical water resource management.  Participating in Rock the Green is a great way to increase awareness of our region’s efforts” said Justin Hegarty, executive director, Reflo.

The following nonprofit organizations will be featured in the Eco-Champs area, with information and activities for attendees:

• All Hands Boatworks

• Canned Water 4 Kids (CW4K)

• Garden District Neighborhood Association

• Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful

• Milwaukee Riverkeeper

• Mequon Nature Preserve

• omTown Yogis

• Reflo - Sustainable Water Solutions

• River Revitalization Foundation

• Schlitz Audubon Nature Center

• Surfrider Milwaukee

• Sweet Water

• Teens Grow Greens

• Urban Ecology Center

• Victory Garden Initiative

• Washington Park Partners

• Wisconsin Bike Fed

Rock the Green tickets are $35 for general admission and $75 for VIP admission, and admission is free to kids 10 and under. Each ticket comes with a refillable aluminum water bottle for use at free fresh water stations on the festival grounds.

Visit www.rockthegreen.com for sponsorship opportunities and festival updates. Stay in the know and follow Rock the Green on social media:

• Facebook: RocktheGreen

• Twitter: @rtgMKE

• Instagram: @rockthegreen

About Rock the Green

Rock the Green (RTG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to educating and empowering the community to take actionable steps to live sustainably. RTG accomplishes its mission through engagement and entertainment. RTG educates the community through interactive one-to-one experiences that spotlight community organizations and innovators in sustainability. Annually, RTG presents an award-winning sustainability festival that showcases world-class music, zero waste efforts and locally grown foods. Typical festivals will see upwards of one pound of waste per attendee. At RTG’s sustainability festival, 93% of all waste was diverted from landfill - and composted, recycled or reused - producing only one ounce of waste per attendee. For more detailed results and information, go to www.rockthegreen.com. 

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