This Saturday we'll be journeying to the current center of the green universe -- Chicago, this year's host of the Green Festival. Among the things planners promise we'll be able to do there? Shop for eco-fashions, fair trade products and solar technology; take part in how-to workshops; sample organic food and local beer and wine; listen to live music and see more than 150 speakers. I just have one question. Can we bring the food and drinks with us while we participate in the other events?

Why Chicago is green

• Green Exchange - This eco-mall is set to be "the country’s first commercial real estate development designed for the advancement of green business." In other words, it's the dream of every person who has questioned the safety of products they put into their bodies and bring into their homes. It won't be ready in time for us, but we'll be sure to stop by one day should we ever be lucky enough to return to the windy city. The building housing the mall is being renovated with a goal of attaining silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
  
• Green City Market - Open from May to October (we'll miss out on this one too) the Green City Market features locally-grown, sustainable and organic produce.
  

Although we'll be missing out on two of Chicago's most exciting offerings, they'll be so much to do and see there wouldn't be time anyways. I prefer to think of it as an excuse to return. Hopefully the show will be providing some great Earth Day events so we don't miss out on the fun everybody will be having.  We'll let you know what we discover!