Maker Faire Preview: Seeing Green

This year's Maker Faire will feature many exhibits that focus on sustainability and green technology. Do-it-yourselfers of all backgrounds will be at the event to show off their eco-friendly creations. Intrigued tree huggers should start at The Green, Cost-Effective, DIY Extravaganza where attendees can learn how to make a solar oven, build a low-cost graywater system, make a pedicab, or set up an indoor garden. Visitors can also explore and talk to the makers of a hand built earthen oven and a solar powered water distilling device. Edible Austin Magazine will host the Food Maker Pavilion, a showcase of local food makers, growers, and artisans. Farmers and cooks will be handing out samples, selling their products, and extolling the virtues of local, sustainable food. Prospective green thumbs can talk to farmers and participate in the creation of an on-site community garden build. The Natural Gardener is providing material to build square foot garden boxes that participants can take home to start their own food producing patch. The Austin Bike Zoo will once again bring out their large, pedal-powered moving sculptures that they have made from recycled and found materials. Green cleaning demonstrations will take place daily and visitors will be taught how to make their own natural cleaning products that they can take home with them.

Many innovators of alternative energy vehicle technology with be at Maker Faire to discuss their work. The Illuminati Motor Works Team will lead eco-modding workshops all weekend long. These proficient warranty voiders are official contenders for the Automotive X-Prize (a $10 million dollar prize to the first team to successfully get a car to travel one hundred miles on one gallon of gas), and will share some of their efficiency secrets with those in attendance. The Austin Area Electric Vehicle Association will be at the event to discuss converting gas guzzling vehicles to electric powered dream machines. UT's Solar Vehicle Team will show off their latest project for the 2008 North American Solar Challenge.

Maker Faire, a celebration of all things do-it-yourself, is taking place in Austin on Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th at the Travis County Expo Center. Discount tickets are available now through Friday the 17th at the Austin Children's Museum and at Whole Foods on Lamar.