Washington Home & Garden
Article for Brooksfield School
October 27, 2010

Organic Food, Fitness & Fun
Brooksfield School Green Day a Huge Success

More than 500 people were on hand Saturday, October 23 for the first McLean Green Day event brought to the city by The Brooksfield School. More than 30 green vendors and activities for kids transformed the five acres of grounds and St. Dunstan's Church where the school is located. There was Halloween fun, pony rides, a climbing wall, fitness demonstrations, and face painting. For adults there were organic food samples, fitness tips, gardening and cooking demonstrations. The event also showcased dozens of green business vendors, plus builders, architects, nutritionists, farmers and businesses that provide local, green and organic products. For instance, Whole Foods did a raw food dessert demonstration. A sculptor showed distinctive animal sculptures made from recycled plastic. At the same time, local musician John Henry had all the kids singing and dancing.


The event was organized by a large team of volunteers from the Brooksfield School, and sponsored by the McLean Chamber of Commerce, Blu Homes, EQUINOX, Green Living Consulting and GreenSpur. John Foust of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was on hand and commented, "It is an exciting opportunity for McLean area residents to learn how we can all take action in our own lives to protect and improve our environment."

"This was a great grassroots effort to educate and to raise the awareness of our fellow citizens," said state delegate and attendee Barbara Comstock, "And to inspire a healthier lifestyle for our community. Other speakers included Ghassan Abukurah of the McLean Chamber of Commerce, Addie Spahr of Green Living Consulting on how to "Green Clean Your Home," Eric Oliver of EMO Energy Solutions on "How to Audit Your Home," and Anita Capizzi, R.N., CHC from the Citizens for Community Wellness on nutrition choices.

The school developed a distinctive logo and slogan – "Sustain McLean" – and Mary Anne Duffus, founder of The Brooksfield School said organizers want to continue the effort. Many school alumni came back from area middle and high schools to volunteer for the event. There were lots of rewards for the school as host on many levels. "I just heard from a 7th grader who was one of our volunteers," said Ms. Duffus. "He is beginning a drive to take care of #5 plastics recycling for us (Fairfax does not currently recycle these types of plastics), and wants to come and help teach our younger kids about recycling."


It's surprising how the greening of homes and businesses has become mainstream, commented Ms. Duffus after the event. "I would call businesses and offer Green Day, and several of them didn't even categorize themselves as 'green' or 'sustainable,' yet they are. At the same time, our honored guests were from opposite sides of politics, yet they both agreed that being green is not a party issue, and that green initiatives are about health, prolonged life and jobs, and good for Fairfax County."

Want to find out more? Go to www.brooksfieldschool.org/green-day
The Brooksfield School is a Montessori institution founded in 1987. Its 90 students range from preschool through third grade with an emphasis on the arts, outdoor learning and environmental stewardship. The school is expanding to include a fourth grade class in 2011.

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