Learn to go green at URI expo

As Rhode Islanders anticipate the high cost of heating their homes this winter, the University of Rhode Island will host the 2008 Rhode Island Energy Expo to offer innovative and practical strategies to help individuals and businesses deal with rising energy costs.

The Expo will be held on Sunday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ryan Center on the University's Kingston Campus.

The Energy Expo will showcase dozens of local companies exhibiting products and services that provide greater energy efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative fuels for use in homes, businesses and communities. The event will also feature high-profile speakers, educational workshops and demonstrations, educational activities for kids, music and food.

Among the scheduled workshops are: "Solar, Wind, Hydro: Are They Right for Me;" "Geothermal & Biomass: Rhode Island's Hidden Resources for Home Efficiency;" "Saving Money and Protecting the Planet: Energy Efficiency and Conservation in the Home or Business;" "Alternative Fuels for Home and Transport;" and "Green by Design: The Green Building Process."

Attendees will leave with all the information they need to reduce their energy costs and "go green."

Event sponsors include the URI Partnership for Energy, the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources, the URI College of the Environment and Life Sciences, and the URI President's Council on Sustainability.

For more information or to register as a sponsor or exhibitor, visit www.rienergyexpo.org or contact Rachel Sholly at 874-5558.