Michael O'Loughlin, Co-Founder, Energy Trust Better Living Show
What the world of genetics research lost, the world of event planning – and the eco-green movement by extension – gained. Michael is well-known across the country as one of the best, most knowledgeable show managers around. But even after repeated questions from me regarding his successes, he’d politely demur and say, “Please visit our website; the information is there.” Not only is he very good at what he does, he’s also humble.
What DOES get him talking is the passion he shares with his business partner, Stephanie Frisch, for sustainability, alternative energy and the green movement in general. Well, that and his chickens. But I’ll get to that in a minute.
Michael co-founded Blue Ocean Events with Stephanie in 2006 with the mission of producing the top sustainable lifestyle events show in the country. If the Energy Trust Better Living Show is any indication, they’ve both found their calling.
Their goal was to appeal to people who might think sustainability or living green is out of their reach. They wanted to make the information, products and green producers approachable and accessible–that was the focus. In 2008, the first year for the show, *only* a little over 20,000 people attended! Not bad for their first year’s effort and for a show that doesn’t charge an admission fee. That’s right; the Energy Trust Better Living Show has totally free admission!
Michael enjoys all the exhibitors, but I think he likes the things that surprise and delight attendees best – like the high-end fashion show slated for the upcoming 2009 show. “Beautiful and sustainable – how can you argue with that?” he asked, and then continued, “I want people to see that living green can happen at any point in our lives – and anywhere.”
Michael’s passion extends into his personal life – quite literally, he walks the walk and talks the talk. In his spare time, (not that he has a lot, mind you) he builds school gardens, is a 4-H Wildlife Steward and participates in Oregon Green Schools. And then, there are those chickens.
Urban Chickens
“My kids call me a dork because I like to carry my chickens around, but I don’t care, I love them!” he gushes. His main reason for having chickens in the first place is the eggs. “You can’t beat a fresh egg just out from under a chicken – they just taste so good. You know they’re healthy and good for you. Plus I’m saving money!”
Did you know there’s an “Urban Chicken” movement that’s changing the face of many municipalities? “They’re beginning to realize the benefits of allowing for certain types of farm animals in their communities. Chickens are a good start because they not only provide eggs, but they help fertilize the grounds, too,” Michael said.
Michael admits to enjoying just watching his little hens peck around the yard, clucking and scratching the ground. “I never thought I’d have as much fun as I do simply watching them do their thing. I find it very relaxing.”
Michael’s dream is for everyone to be aware of living green and doing just one thing to make a difference. He insists it isn’t hard to do; but starting is the hardest part. “Vetting your decisions is a great place to start. Asking questions like, ‘Where is my organic produce coming from? Is it local or trucked in?’ This can make a huge impact on where and what you buy. Reducing energy used for moving food is important, even if you don’t really see the results,” he insists.
Follow Michael O'Loughlin's green tips on Twitter
To help others become better at sustainable living or to show beginners lots of different ways thinking green manifests itself in the marketplace, Michael shares tips and news items about sustainability and green living on Twitter.
Anyone can read Michael’s tips for free by joining Twitter and then going to Michael’s profile, MolFamily, to “Follow” him. In fact, he’s attracted so many followers on Twitter that Michael’s now considered one of the official Portland “TwitterElite.” (That means a recognized expert with nearly 2,000 people reading what he writes about!)
It’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of living green – especially when talking with someone as knowledgeable and passionate as Michael O’Loughlin. But then – why not be excited? We have only this one world to care for. Why not take one step to lessen your carbon footprint, and make your decisions impact the whole world?
Learn more about the Energy Trust Better Living Show, and make plans to attend. If not this year, then when? It’s never too soon to start living and thinking green!
Originally posted 2009-02-16 20:14:58.
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