Celebrating Sustainability

In a world that is increasingly focused on technology and AI, it’s such a treat to celebrate local foods and sustainable living in a county-wide, community setting. The county where I live, King County, named for Martin Luther King Jr. and home to Seattle as well as the surrounding area, hosts a free festival, Chomp!, every summer at a much-loved county park. All the vendors and booths that are there are focused on sustainability in one way or another, whether it’s a restaurant focused on fresh, local, seasonable foods or a booth for upcycled clothing, kids’ activities, twists on traditional fair attractions, and more, they all have the same base values. They also have live music throughout the day, and I was most excited about seeing Kim Deal, of Pixies and the Breeders fame and her band did not disappoint. Her new album partially reflects on her time as caregiver to her parents, one of whom had Alzheimer’s for twenty years, while still managing to transport listeners with her signature, ethereal voice and musical rhythms that play with quiet, voice on wind moments next to big, banging, all-out rocking beats. 

I loved the whole festival, but most of all I love that King County holds this every year. It reminded me that there are others who truly value sustainability and that all is not yet lost. Even Kim Deal, during her set, kept remarking how cool the festival was and how lucky we must all feel, and I had to heartily agree! I can’t say that I’m often praising the government these days nor feeling overly optimistic, but as far as King County goes, I’m extremely impressed with their priorities and values. I wanted to share this so other people can also be encouraged, as I was, that there are still people, communities, and even some leaders in charge who care about sustainability. 🌿 ️

Happy late summer ☀