Greenerpalooza!

Take a performing arts center that's met the challenge of going green. Add a headliner known for being committed to environmental causes. Then, throw in 5,000 or so fans and dozens of "green" businesses from around the state gathered in a eco-village in the venue's midway, and you have New Hampshire's celebration of energy efficient and green efforts in the Granite State: Greenerpalooza!

Against a backdrop of a concert at the Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion in Gilford - headliners have included Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Alison Krause, and Crosby, Stills and Nash - Greenerpalooza showcases ways residents can "go green" by adopting more environmentally-friendly practices and by using green products and services produced in New Hampshire. The event, which has been held every summer since 2008, is co-sponsored by Public Service of New Hampshire and Citizens Bank in coordination with the New Hampshire Division of Economic Development and media sponsor New Hampshire Business Review.

"Greenerpalooza shows why New Hampshire is one of the 10 greenest states in the nation," says Steve Boucher, Communications and Legislative Director of the Division of Economic Development, citing the ranking of states by Greenopia that takes into account air and water quality, recycling rates, LEED buildings, per capita emissions and other factors.

The Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion prides itself on being environmentally conscious. Meadowbrook offers artists the option of producing their shows by using a generator, fueled exclusively by biodiesel, that is capable of producing enough power for even the biggest national touring acts. Meadowbrook's food service uses recyclable/compostable cups and plates made from corn, while the office uses recycled materials for as many office supplies as possible. The venue even reserves its first parking lot for attendees who arrive with at least four people in their vehicle.

"When you realize that we typically have up to 6,600 attendees at a show, carpooling can make a huge difference on our carbon footprint and on traffic," says Chris Lockwood, marketing director for Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion. "If we didn't have this beautiful location on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, we wouldn't have a venue like this. That's why incorporating green practices and technology just makes sense to us." Next on the Meadowbrook's green agenda is installing solar panels on the roof, which faces due south. "It would be prohibitively expensive, but the Division of Economic Development introduced us to an USDA grant and loan program that will help us implement this over time," says Lockwood.