Boston GreenFest is, was and always will be a free event. This is a place for everyone to learn, share ideas and enjoy each other’s company while thinking about ways to make our lives greener, our city more beautiful and our planet healthier. This event is run by a team of volunteers from all different parts of Boston and the Greater Boston area. They come from all backgrounds, all ages and have all kinds of interests and skills. Together, we sit and plan and work on this event for a year before it happens. We are only a few days away and the excitement is building.
A few weeks ago our team came up with a great idea. It started with one of our members, Mela Bush of Greater Four Corners Coalition in Dorchester. We were trying to find a way to supplement our budget since we don’t charge admission. She suggested selling a button for a $5 donation. Someone else said, what if we give something back with the button. Before you know, everyone had an idea of what the button could be used for. Why not a discount at a local restaurant? Or a special offer by one of our vendors? Or a downtown store that provides sustainable goods or services?
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This is how the Boston GreenFest Discount Button was born. Within 24 hours, the button was designed. We found a company that makes them entirely from recycled steel. One week later, a whole shipment was at our door. In the meantime, Tedeschi Food Shops agreed to distribute the buttons for us since they already had a great system in place for First Night. The magic began!
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Everyone we called wanted to come on board and get a little piece of the button’s marketing appeal. We have so many wonderful offerings, some of which last for an entire year! We realized that the more we can tell people about these great opportunities, the more we help the businesses who are trying to help us. This button is not only a round button, but a symbol of the circle of giving. We can each give to the other, support each other, and also keep Boston GreenFest alive. At our event, most of the vendors will offer special discounts or deals to our festival goers. Off site, there are many wonderful deals to take advantage of as well. See if the Tedeschi near you has some buttons that you can purchase. Otherwise, come with friends, family, colleagues, your neighborhood – come to Boston GreenFest 2013 at Boston City Hall Plaza on August 15-17 – and buy your buttons there – be a part of our family, our circle. After all, we’re in this together. We share the same air, the same water, the same city and the same planet. Let’s enjoy it!
Written by Dr. Karen L. Weber
Executive Director, Boston GreenFest and Foundation for a Green Future, Inc.
August 11, 2013