[OKC] Norman Goes Green with ECO 2nd Friday

[Tricia Dameron]

*Norman Goes Green with ECO 2nd Friday*

*Norman Arts Council Uses Art Circuit to Promote Sustainability*



On April 8, Norman’s monthly celebration of art will add green flair for
participants through a partnership between 2nd Friday Circuit of Art and
Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma (ECO), the state’s premiere sustainable
travel certification.



Visitors to the art circuit, which takes place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., can
participate in a sustainability-themed scavenger hunt featuring downtown
businesses such as Gray Owl Coffee, Blu Fine Wine and Food, Pink Elephant
Café and Michaelangelo’s Coffee & Wine Bar. Each location will provide
information on conservation efforts throughout the state provided by Sierra
Club—Red Earth Group, OUr Earth, Oklahoma Sustainability Network, Norman
Sustainability Network and the Oklahoma Food Coop. Participants will receive
green giveaways at each location as supplies last.



“Norman is a champion of the sustainable tourism movement, and we want to
honor that by engaging the community in those efforts,” Sandy Pantlik,
director of Travel Promotions with the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation
Department, said. “We hope the experience is educational and fun for both
the businesses and the members of the Norman community.”



The scavenger hunt ends at Stash (412 E. Main St.), where participants will
be able to find out about the Norman Music Festival Green Committee and its
efforts. People who complete the scavenger hunt will be eligible for prizes
such as VIP passes to the NMF and gift certificates to downtown businesses.



According to Josh Lunsford, associate director of the Norman Arts Council
(NAC), the collaboration between 2nd Friday Circuit of Art and the ECO
Program mutually beneficial.



"The NAC appreciates the goals of the ECO certification program and supports
the idea of sustainability and being environmentally friendly,” Lunsford
said. “We realize that as the community begins to support sustainability, it
is a natural fit to include the ECO program into what we are doing in
April.”



The NAC also wants to integrate sustainable goals to one of their biggest
events of the year, Lunsford said.



"The Norman Music Festival's Green Committee is currently working to have an
ECO-certified festival,” Lunsford said. “We are hoping that this helps
spread the word that even as we are supporting the businesses and artists,
we are doing so in as a sustainable way as possible.”



*2nd Friday Circuit of Art – a monthly, citywide celebration of art – is a
collaboration between artists, art organizations and business brought to you
by the Norman Arts Council. All events are free and open to the public from
6:00 p.m. until at least 9:00 p.m. A map, participating venues lists and
more information are available at
**www.2ndfridaynorman.com*<http://www.2ndfridaynorman.com>
*. **For information on other Norman Arts Council events, please visit **
www.NormanArts.org* <http://www.NormanArts.org>*, or call the NAC office at
405-360-1162.*



*Since 2009, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department (OTRD) and
Department of Environmental Quality’s ECO Certification program has
promoted, developed and encouraged sustainable tourism throughout the state.
OTRD works to advance the exceptional quality of life in Oklahoma by
preserving, maintaining, and promoting our natural assets and cultural
richness. The department is the steward of the state park system and also
promotes Oklahoma as a travel destination through many award-winning
programs. To learn more about Oklahoma Tourism visit
**www.TravelOK.com*<http://www.TravelOK.com>
* or follow us at **www.Facebook.com/TravelOK*<http://www.Facebook.com/TravelOK>
* or **www.Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism*<http://www.Twitter.com/OklahomaTourism>
*.*



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