Expo Wants to Help MB Residents Think Green

A new business expo has a goal of educating Manhattan Beach residents on how to be green. Mark Lipps and Angela Silverman are joining forces to bring the s.a.g.e. [sustainable and green environments] Expo to the city.

The expo, which is free to the public, is set for Sat. and Sun., April 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory on Bell Ave. off Rosecrans Ave.

“I think a lot of people are so busy, they don’t have the time to search it all out,” Lipps said. “We wanted to provide something that’s one-stop shopping.”

The two, who were both members of Leadership Manhattan Beach’s Class of 2012, decided to join forces after the class worked together to build a sustainable garden in front of the downtown Manhattan Beach Post Office.

“It was the impetus that led us to realize that there was a growing need for a marketplace, and that is what the expo is designed to be,” Silverman said. “It’s designed to be a two-day marketplace.”

The expo will feature a variety of vendors with local businesses included, among them Manhattan Beach Toyota, Shorewood Realtors and Body Glove, Silverman said. The event will also feature lectures and workshops providing people with information how to live a greener lifestyle, according to Silverman, who has a background in urban and regional planning.

Lipps, who recently ran for a seat on the Manhattan Beach City Council, said having this type of expo in the city would be ideal.

“One of my platforms was that as a city we need to be thinking of where are we sustainable,” Lipps said.

While Manhattan Beach is “better off than most cities,” Lipps said it is important the city stays "ahead of the curve" where sustainable lifestyles are concerned.

“I just think it’s something we all need to be involved in and thinking about,” Lipps said. “Everyone believes in saving a little more money.”

As part of the expo, people will be able to find out about financing, loans, building or buying a greener home and working with landscape architects as well as get access to fitness and wellness information, according to Silverman. It is designed to show locals how to embrace a greener lifestyle.

“If we can lower the carbon footprint, why not,” Lipps said.

It costs $300 to be a vendor or an ambassador, with the latter group consisting of businesses who signed on early to help serve as sponsors for the event. Some also have made in-kind contributions, according to Lipps. The ambassadors include Enviroscape LA, RJS Fitness and Shade Hotel, where a kickoff event was held in November.

“As planned, the expo experience is intended to bring something for everyone from young to old,” Silverman said.

There is also room for local volunteers to help out during the two-day event.

Visit the S.A.G.E. expo website to find out how to get involved.