Symposium on Replacing Petroleum
held in Grinnell - October 13th, 2006
Organizer say Iowa made products can improve economy, environment and national security
When: Friday, October 13th from 9AM to 4PM
Where: Old Glove Factory, 733 Broad Street in Grinnell
For more information, contact:
Rich Dana
GAPRI coordinator
319.530.6051
rich@gotoplanb.net.
www.gotoplanb.net/gapri
The Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative (GAPRI) is presenting a full day bioproducts symposium for anyone interested in how to reduce our dependence on foreign oil by using locally produced, agriculturally based products. The workshop is free and open to the public, and will be held Friday, October 13th from 9AM to 4PM at the Old Glove Factory, 733 Broad Street in Grinnell.
The purpose of the event is to connect area businesses, farmers, consumers, schools and local governments with Iowa-based companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of greener replacements for petroleum-based fuels, lubricants, cleaning supplies, plastics and even body-care products. The goal is to encourage local communities to adopt procurement strategies and buying habits that reduce Iowans dependence on foreign oil and support Iowa’s local economy, while providing a cleaner environment for our children.
"Central Iowa is home to a lot of great locally-owned new companies that are at the forefront of finding ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," said event organizer Rich Dana. "We want to help these folks by encouraging local businesses and residents to use these products - it's a win-win situation, but first people need to educate themselves. That's what the conference is all about."
The conference will feature displays from SoyClean and Creative Composites in Brooklyn, Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing in Plainfield, Corrugated Solutions in Des Moines, Ecolips in Cedar Rapids as well as other businesses and organizations from across the state. Free samples and information will be available.
"Ethanol and biodiesel are going to be important to Iowa's future, but they are not the only way we can replace petroleum with agricultural products" said Rusty Clayton of SoyClean, "I hope people will come and learn about all of the other ways Iowa can lead the way to energy independence.'
Sessions throughout the day will include an overview of bioproducts & biofuels, a showcase of Iowa-based bioproducts, health and environment, alternative biomass crops and policy and opportunities. A full schedule is available on the web at www.gotoplanb.net/gapri or by calling Rich Dana at (641)-236-6555.
Mike Ott is director of BIOWA, an organization hich promotes Iowa's bioeconomy. "BIOWA is very excited to showcase biobased products at this fantastic event. We strongly support the use of biobased products as replacements for oil because they are cost effective, environmentally friendly, and sustainable."
The Grinnell Area Petroleum Replacement Initiative (GAPRI) is a one year project seeking to reduce usage of petroleum based products in Grinnell Iowa and surrounding communities. It is sponsored by Imagine Grinnell, a local non-profit group focused on improving quality of life in the community, and the Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources.
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