Enviro Show targets helping people become more eco-friendly

Katie Barden’s passion for becoming eco-friendly kicked into high gear several years ago with the death of her mother.

Six years ago, Barden lost her mother, Cindy Barden, to complications of breast cancer. Cindy was 66. “Too young,” said Katie Barden.

While Katie Barden said she’s always had a passion for being a good person to the environment, it took off even more when her mom died. “After her death, I always felt I would do my darndest to eradicate cancer,” she says.

Barden’s passion has led to developing and coordinating the first ever Enviro Show in Owatonna on May 10 at the Four Seasons Centre. Along with help Lydia Yahnke at Owatonna Community Education, Barden has 70 vendors from across southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities metro area secured to promote their eco-friendly ways for the one-day show from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“This is a new concept to our area,” said Barden, who works as an inspector for Steele County Environmental Services. “We have found only one other Enviro Show in state in Stillwater.”

Along with vendor displays, the show will also feature recycling collection services from 8-11 a.m. Batteries, light bulbs, lamps and paper products will be accepted for per poud fees.

There will also be kids activities, including a scavenger hunt. Community Pathways of Steele County will be on hand to accept clothing and non-perishable food items. Food trucks will also be on the grounds.

Organizers are hoping the show will attract a couple thousand people. Admission to the event is free.

Barden is convinced people can “take your health into your own hands.” She hopes residents will be inspired by the vendors who will be focused on sharing green initiatives and other eco-conscious concepts.

When it comes to being eco-friendly, Barden is practicing what she preaches. While admitting it can be expensive, she went into it all at once and overhauled her entire house.

She focused on detoxing her kitchen, including getting rid of plastic containers and utensils. She has replaced the plastics with glassware. She rarely uses her microwave.

“I have revamped everything in our house,” she said. “Come high or hell water I wanted to eradicate health issues for my family. I went balls to the walls and looked at every aspect of our house.”

Barden said she is constantly educating her children to make good healthy decisions. “As a parent, I want to show them and teach them how to be kind to the environment. I want to be a good steward and leave this a better place for my children,” she said.

She added, “We can’t continue to sustain our environment the way we are going. It’s important to take care of it. The environment is a big factor in our health.”

The organizers know they are up against some stiff competition for May 10, which is Mother’s Day weekend as well as the fishing opener. But they are hopeful people will recognize the value in what they are doing and bring their families out to learn more about the environment.                                      
 

ENVIRO SHOW

Who: Owatonna Community Education and Steele County Planning & Zoning

What: First ever Enviro Show

Where: Four Seasons Centre- Owatonna

When: Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Recycling services 8-11 a.m.)

Other: Free admission