More than 35 Local Companies Offer Advice and Products for ‘Green Living’
Des Moines, Iowa, August 12, 2011 — What does it mean to “Go Green?” ARAG and 35 local ‘green’ businesses, agencies and organizations will be on-hand to answer that question during the 2nd Annual ARAG Green Fair, Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the Capital Square Atrium.
Open to the public, this free event will offer attendees the opportunity to discover eco-friendly products and services that are safe, healthy and cost-effective. Fair-goers will also be able to register to win a variety of prizes donated by participating vendors.
New this year, ARAG has partnered with Iowa Health System to include a demonstration stage on sustainability and the impact on public health. Local organizations like Iowa Health System, Des Moines Water Works and Rain Barrels of Iowa will provide interactive examples of things individuals can do in their daily lives to create a healthier environment. Back Country will also host a ‘green’ fashion show.
Laura Ippen, Iowa Health System Sustainability Coordinator said, “We attended ARAG’s Green Fair last year as fair goers and were inspired by the event to get more involved as a sponsor this year. Going ‘green’ often means taking stock of our daily activities and rethinking how we can responsibly use and dispose of materials. But, a ‘greener’ outlook also has implications for a healthier lifestyle.”
In addition to the new demonstrations stage, fair attendees will learn more about ‘green’ practices in everything from compost to cosmetics and biking to baking. There will be products for home, beauty and fashion, business services, government and utilities, health and nutrition and transportation.
The Green Fair is coordinated by ARAG’s Green Team. The team was created to analyze ARAG’s business practices and determine how the company could make more environmentally-conscious choices in the workplace. As a result, ARAG has made several improvements to benefit the environment including automated office lighting, a broad recycling effort, and a company-wide reduction of unnecessary printing and paper usage.
“When people see others supporting ‘green’ initiatives, they’re inspired to do the same,” said Ann Dieleman, Chief Marketing Officer and executive champion of the ARAG Green Team. “Whether it’s recycling, supporting cleaner air and water, or buying local produce — everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.”
“Through our internal efforts to make a difference our Green Team was inspired to spread awareness of the little changes that can make a big difference,” explained Dieleman. “As a community leader we wanted to go a step farther by connecting businesses and individuals to local resources who could provide concrete ideas and next steps to making greener choices.”
For more information about the ARAG Green Fair, please visit: http://www.ARAGgroup.com/green-fair
About ARAG
ARAG (www.ARAGgroup.com), whose North American operations are based in Des Moines, IA, is a global provider of legal solutions. The company has an international premium base of nearly $2 billion and it protects 15.5 million individuals and their families — worldwide.
Our Global Mission
Since inception more than 75 years ago, ARAG has focused on a single goal — to help people protect their rights and assets by making quality legal services affordable to all. As the Ultimate Advisors, ARAG protects and empowers individuals to achieve relief for everyday legal issues.”
Media Contact
Desiree Fletcher-Hayes (for ARAG)
515-229-9820
desiree@kellymooreconsulting.com