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Festival Was Green Long Before it Was Trendy

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Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated 2012 is SXSW Eco's first year. KUT News regrets the error. 

SXSW Eco will kick-off next week. But it's a niche that the Renewable Energy Roundup and Green Living Fairin Fredericksburg first tapped into 12 years ago.

The 2012 festival is this weekend, from Sept. 29 to 30.

The roundup will concentrate not so much on policy but on practice —what Texans can do everyday to make the world a little greener. Panels include "How to Grow Your Own Groceries," "Growing Herbs and Making Your Own Vinegar,"  "Hot Attics: Turning a Problem into a Resource," and even "Green Smoothies."

There are also hands-on workshops about collecting rainwater and solar energy.

The roundup is hosted by two non-profits — the Texas Renewable Energy Industries Association and the Texas Center for Policy Studies. Debrah Dubay, a festival official, says the organizations bring together leaders in eco-friendly industries throughout the region and attracts Texans from Killeen to San Antonio.  

"It totally addresses the concept of the Greenbelt Corridor that would strengthen economic ties in the region and the economies as a whole," Dubay says.

The festival itself is also focused on its footprint: the music and beer tents will be solar powered.

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