
Located in the heart of North York at Mel Lastman Square, the EcoSavvy Festival is an exciting, FREE event for the public, where you can discover local sustainable businesses, learn from knowledgeable speakers about "green" issues relevant to you as a consumer, and enjoy local organic food and LIVE entertainment. RSVP Online for a chance to Win a prize at the festival!


The EcoSavvy Festival is the brain child of Enlightened Events, whose focus for this event is on educating consumers in making environmentally and socially conscious purchases. With the growing number of companies claiming to be green and ethical, it is becoming increasingly difficult to distinguish which products are truly sustainable. To help consumers “screen through all the green” marketing, this festival will feature informative presentations from environmental advocates and business leaders, as well as showcase sustainable businesses and services that are available to them. It is hoped that at the end of the festival, attendees will understand that every purchase is a vote for their future.
Presenters | Musicians
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Candice Batista
Candice Batista is the host, creator and producer of A Greener Toronto TV series airing on Rogers TV. She is an environmentalist and green living advocate who has dedicated her life to animal rights and the environment. Before creating A Greener Toronto, Candice spent almost 4 years at The Weather Network working with leaders in both the meteorology and climatology fields. In 2007, Candice was endorsed by the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS), certifying her expertise in the scientific breakdown and communication of weather patterns. From her new in-depth understanding of global weather patterns, Candice became increasingly distraught with global warming and climate change. Her love of the natural world and all its inhabitants led her to create and develop her own environment show.
A "Greener Toronto" was born out of Candice's deep desire to open people's eyes to the realities of today's world. With her show, Candice wants to honor those people and businesses who are trying to make changes in the world. Live greener lives, as well as inspire others on how they can do the same. Along with her work, Candice is also an active volunteer with numerous organizations within the environmental community.
Candice holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ancient Civilizations and Broadcast Journalism. |
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Adrienne Yuen
Adrienne Yuen is an intern at the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy (CIELAP), presenting on behalf of Executive Director Anne Mitchell. CIELAP is an independent non-profit research and education organization, established in 1970. Its mission is to research and develop sound environmental law and policy that promotes sustainability and the public interest. For over two decades, CIELAP has been concerned about the rapidly evolving field of biotechnology and its implications for human health and the environment. In this presentation, Adrienne will speak about why consumers should be concerned about genetically-modified organisms in food and what citizens can do to push for mandatory labelling, stronger regulations, and greater education and transparency.
Adrienne is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy Studies and Environmental Studies at the University of Chicago.
www.cielap.org
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David Alexander
As Director of Operations for the Toronto Vegetarian Association, David oversees the organization's activities which focus on providing people with the information and support they need to make healthier, greener, more peaceful food choices.
The TVA relies on hundreds of volunteers to deliver programs like a volunteer-driven vegetarian resource centre, the week-long, online Veggie Challenge program and the website veg.ca. The organization also publishes the popular Vegetarian Directory of Toronto and a bimonthly membership newsletter called Lifelines.
David is currently working with others at TVA to coordinate the 24th Annual Vegetarian Food Fair, Toronto's tastiest green festival & marketplace. The event will be held September 5 - 7 at Harbourfront Centre.
veg.ca
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Cathy Nesbitt
Cathy Nesbitt is a worm advocate and founder of Cathy's Crawly Composters. Established in 2002 this environmental business specializes in vermicomposting and organic diversion. During the past 6 years, she has been involved in numerous collection/composting research projects and diverted tonnes from landfill.
Through inspirational story telling and an incredible sense of humour, Cathy has raised the level of awareness about environmental conservation. Cathy's thought-provoking style of speaking inspires individuals to take action and do something. Over 15,000 students have seen her presentation! Cathy has spoken on vermiculture at provincial and national conferences. She has been featured in a variety of media including print, television and radio. Coming soon – Squirm, The Story of Cathy’s Crawly Composters, a documentary. For more information about Cathy and her business, visit her award winning website – www.cathyscomposters.com.
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Glenn MacIntosh
Our Mass Imperative: See. Act. Inspire!
Through truth, passion, emotion, Founder of the Toronto-based environmental and social justice organization, ecoSanity.org, believes actions speak louder than words. Whether collaborating in a coalition to organize a major public rally like 'Reclaim Earth Day: U-Turn on Climate Change', or staging peaceful, high-profile, direct protests, ecoSanity.org mobilizes to confront the climate crisis head on. For MacIntosh, regardless of outcomes, how we all choose to respond to this challenge - our legacy - is everything.
www.ecoSanity.org
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Joanne Adair
As outreach Coordinator at WWF-Canada, Joanne loves meeting people and has a collaboration mind set in anything she does. Her passion is based in achieving those things that can only be done by working together. Joanne is currently working to complete her Masters in Landscape Architecture from the University of Guelph. Her previous education in Spanish and Business Administration allow her a unique perspective with which to bring people, businesses, and the environment in closer conversation with one another. In her spare time, she loves eating, dancing, running, sewing and growing vegetables.
wwfcanada.org
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David Masters
David Masters is not just your typical wilderness guide. Born in rural southern Ontario, David found delight in the forests, meadows, and creeks of his family’s farm. In 1992 David studied Parks and forest recreation at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Lindsey, Ontario. After a bit of soul searching and two years of college behind him, David accepted a brokerage position with his families Toronto based company. Eight years later in May of 2002 an unexpected diagnosis of Cancer was delivered to David’s father Bill, it was then that David realized that it was time to step out on his own and create a new pathway towards a more naturally connected life. In November of that year David created a unique wilderness guiding company called Lunatic Adventures Inc. The focus of the company has been to help immerse individuals within nature and help facilitate a connection within their environment. As Bills health further deteriorated in 2005, David knew once again that he must push forward and make another drastic change. He sold all of his worldly belongings, including his home in Toronto, and built an off grid yurt in the forest near his family’s farm to help care for his ailing father. The attention generated by David’s radical life change, soon led to the creation of The LUNA Project, an alternative learning centre, where David along with his guides and educators can be found leading others toward creating their own unique natural connections.
Since Bills passing in 2006, David and his guides have turned The LUNA Project into a thriving year round business. David can still be found guiding in the wilds of Temagami, Algonquin, Killarney, and up great northern rivers towards James Bay, but he also reserves plenty of time to lead engaging discussions and lectures through National Parks, Trade Shows, Universities, and a host of media avenues. Through the platform of The LUNA Project, the adventures that David leads are not just wilderness adventures for corporate groups, students, and families, but are stepping stones that David and his guides utilize to help bridge strong natural connections in a modern world that could use a little helping hand.
LUNAProject.ca
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Dewan Afzal
Born in Bangladesh, Dewan Afzal has been a Canadian citizen for 29 years. He was the founding President of BCS, Bangladeshi-Canadian Community Services, a non-profit organizaton serving community needs in the GTA.
For some 24 years he has taken part in the annual Terry Fox run, despite quadruple by-pass surgery in 2001; he now walks 3 miles/day 5 days/week. In 2004, Dewan was inspired to carry out his One Man March for Peace and Harmony, walking from Toronto to Niagara Falls to draw public attention to racial profiling in the aftermath of September 11th. 2001.
On December 8th, 2007, the Global Day of Action on Climate Change, Dewan Afzal was among the speakers at Yonge-Dundas Square. At that time he announced his intention to walk from Toronto to Ottawa to focus public attention on global warming.
While Canadians struggle to reduce our sky-high emissions of global warming pollution, our emissions are already contributing to droughts, floods, tropical storms, rising sea levels and other crises. The human misery these changes bring is vast and growing.
A group of concerned Canadians is asking our government to do our part, not only in curbing our own dangerous emissions, but also in reaching out to the people of areas most affected and helping them overcome the effects of our actions. From October 4th- 20th, 2008, concerned Canadians will be walking from Toronto to Ottawa, carrying letters from our friends and supporters, asking the government of Canada to make Canada a leader in clean, renewable living systems at home, and in compassion and responsibility abroad. Please join us in The Sunshine Walk, as Canada walks for climate justice. Join us in re-imagining our world.
Sunshine Walk
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Annie Marleau
TBA
www.myspace.com/anniemarleau |
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Leah Speers
A mixture of contemporary pop, grungy guitars, and groovy R&B beats.
Leah performs with an unlimited amount of energy bringing every song
to life, capturing and uplifting the spirits of all who listen. This
Uxbridge, Ontario native released her first 3 song EP in March 2008.
www.heyleah.com/ |
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UHLAN
UHLAN is a two-member (Brandon Martin and Jessica Lewinski) Art-Rock Fusion group from Guelph Ontario. Dynamic, Dramatic and Dazzlingly unique, UHLAN shows have been known to start with chorale spoken word, move to blues rock, and end with thick electronic drum loops and orchestral guitars. Exploring unique worlds of sound juxtaposition and dramatic structure, they spin sound to suspend the listener in a web of ever-shifting musical reality. www.uhlan.ca
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Times
Times came together in early 2008 and since then have been writing an arsenal of hits with their own unique blend of indie rock charm. With influences ranging from The Killers and Joy Division to Guns n' Roses and The Strokes the sound speaks for itself in showing that Times is a versatile new breed of band ready to impress every crowd. www.myspace.com/checkthetimes
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PunchTube
PunchTube delivers a tasteful fusion of pop, rock, funk and jazz. Led by the soulful melodies of Shari Graf and the seasoned guitar antics of Brian McPhee, PunchTube will expose your over marketed ears to an uncommon but addictive new sound. www.myspace.com/punchtube
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The EcoSavvy Festival is proud to present a great lineup of local businesses and organizations promoting ethical and sustainable living, products, and services. To enquire about exhibiting opportunities, please contact us at 647-723-3693, or email exhibit@enlightenedevents.ca

RSVP to the EcoSavvy Festival for a chance to win a prize at the Festival! All online RSVP's will be entered into a draw, and winners will be announced at 12:00 pm at the festival. Winners must be present at the venue during the draw in order to receive their prize. RSVP Now!
That's right! Between 1:00 and 3:30 pm, we will be hosting an Eco-Scavenger hunt where attendees will be given a card with Eco-Savvy questions. Those who submit their correct answers to the Enlightened Events station will be entered into a draw to win a great prize! (Prizes will be drawn at 3:45 pm. Prizes must be claimed within 10 minutes of announcement, otherwise a new winner will be drawn)

Mel Lastman Square is located at 5100 Yonge Street two blocks north of Sheppard Avenue. By TTC, take the Yonge line subway (exit North York Centre)

Tucked away from busy Yonge Street, the square is located in an ideal spot for city activities. The sunken location is intended to provide shelter and segregation, so that activities can take place away from the busy traffic on Yonge Street.
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