As the first of its kind, the EcoMarket is an eco-conscious marketplace and conference coming to town on April 21, at the Waterloo Region Museum. This event promises family-friendly fun, interactive and carefully curated vendors and informative talks, all the while promoting eco-consciousness.
Jen Novakovich is passionate about bringing together green innovators in order to support a growing and diverse green sector in the Waterloo Region and is bringing that passion to life with the EcoMarket.
“Our goal is to help uplift local, green innovators and ideas and to have a more meaningful conversations with our community about how we can work together for a greener future,” Novakovich said.
Novakovich is the owner and operator of the EcoWell, a Canadian cosmetic business focused on public education and science communication regarding sustainability, cosmetic science, and clean beauty.
“[I’m a] firm believer in supporting local for a cleaner environment and more enriched community,” she said. “This event is 100 per cent free to attend, and carefully curated to bring some of the best sustainable businesses from right here in our region.”
Local green innovators and entrepreneurs will be showcasing their products, running demos and giving out free samples at the market.
“We have so many great vendors coming to our event. MEC, for example, will be doing free demos and repairs, we also have some really great local jewellery and clothing vendors and the food will be amazing. Come hungry, you won’t be disappointed,” Novakovich said.
You can expand your green knowledge at the conference portion of the event. Local speakers will cover a wide range of topics from harnessing the composting power of worms, to a review of the arctic aquatic environment using traditional Inuit knowledge.
Novakovich explained they are working to make this event “zero waste,” with help from community partners.
“Everything from the décor, to the utensils, will be either reusable or compostable,” Novakovich said.
The event will also be 100 per cent green powered with the help of Bullfrog Power, whose generators will match the amount of conventional electricity the event uses with green power back into the grid.
In addition to running her own business, Novakovich has plans to expand across North America, hosting events and creating more opportunities for green innovators to thrive. She is also busy creating content for her educational YouTube channel, blog and podcast.
“The EcoMarket is a celebration of sustainable businesses and ideas from right here in Ontario. We will be bringing eco-friendly vendors, expert speakers from the Region, and delicious local food & drinks,” she said. “Anyone who is interested in green living would really enjoy this.”
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