If you're considering solar panels, insulation, a high-efficiency hot water heater, fireplace or any other new green technologies for your home or garden, it might be worth a stop at the Better Living Home & Garden Show this weekend. You might even drop in if you're thinking of going vegan or vegetarian - there will be groups promoting a more vegetable-based lifestyle there, too. Vendors and non-profits will have their products set up and available for sampling, handling and, of course, questions.

This is the sixth year of this three-day extravaganza of sustainable businesses, products and services geared towards retail consumers. You'll find non-profits and businesses displaying electric cars, green cotton and bamboo fashions, soy-based candles, natural skin care, energy-efficient appliances, and sustainable home remodeling and garden design materials.

Marianne Cusato, designer of the now-famous Katrina Houses, will speak and sign copies of her book on Saturday March 23 at 1 pm. Read more about her here.

Take a break from the showroom floor and stop by the Ten-Minute University gardening classes taught by OSU's Master Gardeners. Held in the Oregon State University booth (#615) on the main show floor, these succinct programs provide a quick introduction to various gardening topics, with research-based information and hand-outs summarizing each topic. Click here to read and print out some of the fliers on topics listed below. On Friday March 22, 2013 there will be food preservation experts from the OSU Extension Service on hand to answer questions about current resources, equipment and techniques for safe, healthy home food preservation, as well as growing food in your garden.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

Sunday, March 24, 2013