Fundamentals of Interactive Journalism

Shopping for clothing made out of organic materials.

Kermit the Frog said it, now average New York-area residents are, too.

As the green movement gains momentum in cities and small towns across the country, citizens are becoming more aware of both the issues being discussed and the ease with which they can live a greener lifestyle. Especially now that fuel prices have shot through the roof and oil and gas are such hot commodities, people – and governments – are more willing to embrace everything from recycling and reusing water bottles to shutting of light-switches and faucets.

Helping support green education this year was New York City’s 20th annual Ecofest celebration at Lincoln Center. Held on the alternately rainy and sunny last Saturday of the month, the festival was full of clothing and food vendors, school parents, community organizers, dancers, tourists and volunteers, this event serves both as a reinforcement and a new introduction to environmental living.

At this year’s September festival, entrepreneurs, students and Upper West Side moms and dads alike noted that global warming gets a lot of talk-time and cited everything from clean air, land preservation, sustainable clothing and recycling as green issues they think could use some increased awareness.

Interview Subjects:
Beverly Stycos, mom and volunteer with The Blue Rock School in West Nyack, NY
John Rossini, vendor and owner of Travel Chocolate, which sells certified organic and fair trade chocolate products
Jessica Park, stylist at Fox News Channel
Kate Brill, education assistant at Scenic Hudson
Erica Brooks, New York resident from California
Neena Ajwani, NYU grad student at the School of Social Work
Jean Mone, creator of online green product swap site
Ann and Marc Nioche, uptown residents and parents to two young children