Bonnaroo 2010 – Lessons on Love
Some of the classes available through the Academy taught gardening & natural composting, lessons on creating a Shitake Mushroom log, wild fermentation, seed exchange programs and much more! I walked away with great information, some new contacts and an expanded view on what can be done at a local level to impact the global issues. Recycling and re-using was promoted as well throughout the event, although I did not see any recycled art classes available this year.
Next year, it is my hope that Humanity Healing will have a booth there and we can raise funds and awareness for some of our local / global projects as we connect with local teams who are making sustainable living work. The victory gardens were already producing and leading by example. The Natural Answer Wellness Center in Sparta, TN also plans to attend next year and bring their deKombucha to sell and distribute, as well as offer a variety of classes to benefit those wishing to increase or maintain good health. From breathing and yoga to cardio and zumba!
Ride Share Programs
Many carpooled and used ride share programs to cut costs and save our environment. I met a woman from New Zealand who was touring the United States via ride shares and other cost cutting / eco friendly travel solutions. She was an inspiration and joy to be around. For those that chose to use ride shares a bit of safety and precautions must be used, but there is no reason NOT to share a ride when possible. Not only does it provide the opportunity to meet new people, share ideas it is the kindest thing you can do for your planet! A couple of great sites with resources for traveling economically: http://www.tribe.net and http://www.couchsurfing.org/
Recycling Program Incorporated
Recycling was everywhere and the volunteers were out helping to ensure that the patrons knew what could be recycled, compost and pure garbage. This year the plastic cups were not plastic at all but made with corn and completely biodegradable in a short amount of time. The plates were made in such a way they could be used for composting. Of course even with all these efforts, the amount of garbage needs to be reduced, but significant efforts were made to reduce the carbon footprint of this event.
Beyond FEAR lives LOVE
When I began this small adventure I had no idea what I would find, but I knew that staying in safe and protected home environment was not the way to experience life. I had faith that the universe would and does provide in abundance and I stepped out of my comfort zone and into the red zone. The unknown and uncharted waters of adventures do not come to us, we must pack up and consciously decide to move toward them. My heart was heavy with personal and planetary issues of real concern, so I was not sure how much “comfort” could be found at an event that was jam packed full of FUN! The fun was not a distraction to my personal mission of data collection and expanding personal boundaries. Five days at Bonnaroo with 100,000+/- soulful beings has touched my heart and changed my life.
