Greater Cincinnati businesses head to Lebanon with thinkGREEN mission

A record number of businesses and organizations will set up shop at Marvin's Organic Gardens in Lebanon for the third annual thinkGreen event April 24.

thinkGreen commemorates Earth Day, and showcases environmentally friendly companies across Greater Cincinnati. This year more than 40 vendors and 1,000 people are expected to attend thinkGreen, from noon to six p.m. rain or shine. The event is free - the first 100 attendees will get eco friendly swag bags.

"We wanted to create a fun, educational way to give Cincinnati residents more information on living green," Marvin Duren, owner of Marvin's Organic Gardens said. "We want to keep it simple. A small adjustment to your routine can make a difference; it becomes more tangible when people can actually see it. We all know we should be doing our part. This event is a great way to find out what options are best for you."

Marvin's Organic Gardens is a full-service nursery, landscape design company, and retail and garden center. Founded in 1999, the business was USDA Certified Organic in 2003.

The vendors will run the gamut, from food and retail to consulting and services. thinkGreen is sponsored by Whole Foods Mason and CincyChic. Loveland vegetarian restaurant Veg Head and Milford's Sugar Cupcakery will be there, as will non-profits Keep Cincinnati Beautiful, Sierra Club: Miami Group and Hamilton County Fair Go Green. Retailers Park + Vine, an Over-The-Rhine green general store and The Soapbox Soap Co. in Lebanon will also be there.

"We are thrilled to have doubled the number of participants from last year for our annual thinkGREEN event. I believe this shows us the growing interest among our community, which is exactly what we need. The more people we can educate, the more changes we can make and the better we can care for our families, neighborhoods and our Earth," Duren.

A series of lectures will be ongoing throughout the afternoon including "Living Green, Living Well: Top Ways to Green your Home & Lifestyle by Ellen Hall of Green Irene, and "Tips to Avoid Injury & Next Day Soreness" by Stacy Walters with Fit to Garden.

For the kids, there will be a petting zoo with baby animals from Sunrock Farms in Northern Kentucky, face painting from Face Painting By Tuesday and a special hands-on activity presented by Granny's Garden School. Kids activities are from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Find a full schedule here.

Writer: Feoshia Henderson
Source: Marvin Duren, owner of Marvin's Organic Gardens

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