UpCycle Festival Promotes Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Strategic Insights -

The City of Norfolk is partnering with the Norfolk Public Library to host the UpCycle Festival, a community event to promote sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creative reuse. The festival will take place on Saturday, November 15, at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library, featuring hands-on workshops, upcycled art, and innovative ways to reduce waste and conserve resources. As part of America Recycles Day, the Norfolk Environmental Commission will host a panel discussion on actionable solutions to combat plastic pollution, moderated by NEC Vice Chair Ken Kimidy.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UpCycle Festival will feature over 10 hands-on workshops, including composting, jewelry making, and repair, basic hand sewing, plastic bag basket weaving, and metal flower-making.
  • The festival will showcase innovative ways to repurpose materials and reduce waste, conserving resources and creating something new and meaningful.
  • The Norfolk Environmental Commission will host a panel discussion on actionable solutions to combat plastic pollution, marking the second phase of the Commission's initiative.
  • The panel discussion will be moderated by NEC Vice Chair Ken Kimidy and will feature local leaders, environmental advocates, and residents exploring strategies for meaningful change.
  • The UpCycle Festival is free and family-friendly, with most activities taking place at the Randi Marston Peterson Maker Studio, Youth Services Program Room, and outside on the patio.

Statistics:

  • The UpCycle Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 15.
  • The festival will be held at the Mary D. Pretlow Anchor Branch Library (111 W. Ocean View Ave.) in Norfolk, VA.
  • The event is free and family-friendly.
  • Over 10 hands-on workshops will be featured at the festival.
  • The Norfolk Environmental Commission's initiative to combat plastic pollution will enter its second phase with the panel discussion.

Sources:

  • The City of Norfolk: [www.norfolk.gov/knb](http://www.norfolk.gov/knb)
  • Norfolk Public Library: [www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org](http://www.norfolkpubliclibrary.org)