Starting today and running through the weekend, all segments of the area's sustainable community are coming together for down:2:earth, "an exploration into sustainable living."

D2E is an exploration into the movement that seeks answers on how to tread more lightly on the earth. It is an exposition of companies who are responding to consumer wishes for products that combine sustainability with style and innovation as well as an education forum for learning about a greener lifestyle.

An education forum, highlighted by keynote speakers Bill McKibben and Frances Moore Lappé, will feature a symposium on green design, a green jobs youth forum, an eco-chic fashion show, cooking demonstrations, community video forum, book signings, panel discussions, and workshops on gardening, food, energy, eco-weddings, and home remodeling. The event "will give New England designers, chefs, authors, businesses, educators and artists an opportunity to share their knowledge and talents."

An extensive list of exhibitors (here is a PARTIAL LIST - wow!) representing every facet of the green movement will be on hand, including etcetera media (who I've written about before).

down:2:earth is being held today through Sunday at the Hines Convention Center.

Hours: Friday, March 28 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Saturday, March 29 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, March 30 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

Tickets can be purchased on-line at www.d2eboston.com
Prices: Adults: $10.00 ($12.00 at the door)
Students & Seniors: $8.00 ($10 at the door);
Weekend Passes: $20.00
Zipcar members receive an extra $2 off.
Children 12 and under are free.

First off, I want to thank everyone that commented with interest in trying Dropps.

Congratulations to Tara, the winner of the giveaway for a 20-pack of Dropps! Tara is the mom to three children under 5; I'm sure she knows a thing or two about laundry. After she's had a chance to try them out, Tara will let us all know what she thinks of Dropps.

This is only my second contest. The first was for a bigger prize and held over a longer time, but this got nearly as many replies! I think this shows how excited people are about trying eco-friendly things in their homes. Am I wrong?