The Toronto Green Living Show: Round Four

Speaking of anniversaries and such, this weekend marks the FOURTH Green Living Show held at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre on the CNE grounds. And what, pray tell, could be more intense than four years of this consumer-driven, eco-assuming showcase?

Oh, perhaps the fact I have attended ALL FOUR SHOWS.

I think I've reached the point where I need to attend for the sake of my strange ego. Who out there can boast their attendance at all four Green Living Shows? (Well, aside from my Mom who's attended with me, of course). At this rate, I could reach a decade of Green Livin' madness. Who knows, the Earth might stop revolving if ever I miss one. You know that volcano in Iceland? Perhaps it's a warning sign of worse to come should I ever not attend Toronto's Green Living Show.

Right.

Readers might be interested to re-read last year's post in which I examine the 2009 Show in reference to the earlier shows. (I also attended the Fly By Night theatre company's fundraiser that evening which involved a bachelorette/bachelor auction, so, um, click on over to that.)

So, conclusions for the 2010 Green Living Show:

• FOOD STALLS. OH SWEET GOODNESS. People shoved food samples at me from all angles. And drink samples. I had fresh-squeezed orange juice, white tea, protein smooties, and boxed apple juice in a one-minute span. Dizzying, indeed. 2009 was nothing but yogurt samples. In 2010, visitors needn't even purchase lunch due to the sheer volume of free snack samples available.
• CORPORATE SPONSORS. Seems the big hitters are coming around to the show's increasing revenue/success. From major magazines to auto dealers, from major grocery chains to home renovation locales -- it was big business all around. Granted, there are tons of small business there as well. But, it seemed the major players bought up the best real estate in the building.
• FREE(ish) TICKETS. Mom read somewhere about the One Electronic Waste Product = FREE Admission to the Show. Lo, the Moffatt clan has stock-piled a collection of ancient cell phones so we got in free(ish) of charge. We've had those cell phones since, oh... 2001? I know. They're relics, now. All you could do with them was make phone calls. Weird.
• HIGHER EDUCATION APPEALS. I do believe this is the first time I saw Toronto-based universities and colleges with booths at the show. All were natured-focused, earth science-y, or arbour-related. Power to them if it aids enrollment.

And, most vital for the readers of said blog:

• QUEER PEOPLE WITH THE CASH TO SPEND ON ECO-CONSCIOUS PRODUCTS WERE IN ATTENDANCE ONCE AGAIN.

Serious. I referenced this phenomenon on a past blog and I stand by it now: if you want to meet successful queer people outside of the clubbing circuit, visit trade shows focused on green living or healthy lifestyles. It's staggering the number of gay, lesbian, and bi individuals you will stumble across at these places.

And, if these demographic stats are correct, then it's an impressive bunch to socialize with:

84% between the ages of 20-49

66% are female [...]

59% hold professional or managerial positions

69% have university or post-graduate degrees

SIGN ME UP. Oh, and on another note, the organizers managed to lure the likes of Colin Firth and Amy Smart to the Saturday main event. Perhaps the increased numbers of corporate sponsors is related to this.

Oh, and on a random tangent, I also found the gorgeous tea shop I purchased some goods from at the first Green Living Show. I was thrilled as I hadn't seen them at the last two events. I descended on Tea2Gather and picked up some white tea, pure green tea, and a delightful lavender tea blended with mint and rosemary. I'm still in the middle of a soothing, tea-induced reflective state and will likely remain here for the rest of the week.

So there -- 2010 = Success. I sampled, I steeped, and I partook in a fair bit of eye candy. Who knew a green lifestyle could coincide with increased visibility for the queer community-at-large?

I guess we're just savvy like that.

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And while we're on the topic of savvy kids, I know of one stellar individual who could use some of your support right this minute. The Advocate's in the running for The Best Travel Job Ever and she's closing in on the elusive top 25 position. Click on over and give her a vote or twelve -- let's send The Advocate packin'!