Stephanie Shideler, the owner of Rebel Hips Studio, performs belly dance at Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre as a part of the "Green Shopper" Expo at the shopping centre in Edmonton, Alta. on July 2, 2011. The "Green Shopper" Expo was to encourage consumers to go green and be more conscious with their purchases.

While some Edmontonians may be feeling blue from all the recent rain, some spent Saturday celebrating living green.

The Green Shopping Expo kicked off Saturday at the Bonnie Doon Shopping Centre where the best of Edmonton’s eco-friendly companies came together to promote a greener city.

“It’s a great day, filled with green products, and eco-friendly visionaries from around the city,” said founder, and event organizer, Frankline Agbor, of the first annual exhibition.

“It’s organized to promote sustainability and created to help Edmontonians to go green.”

Agbor says he’s seen first-hand the enthusiasm community members have shown for green product options.

“I think people want to learn how to be green, and this is a great way to do it,” he said.

The event ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and showcased dozens of eco-friendly businesses in Edmonton.

“We had lots of businesses come out and set up booths where they can showcase green initiatives,” said Agbor, listing off several presentations including a Solar Panel Information Session.

“We had Edmontonian Linda Bodo here showing community members how to make useful things out of waste materials.”

Local green enthusiast and gardening expert Jim Hole was also on hand during the expo for a Gardening in Edmonton tutorial.

“The presentations are all really educational, and you can learn a lot about living green by growing your own garden,” said Agbor.

The event also boasts dozens of musicians and performers, including a group of belly dancers.

“It’s lots of fun and everyone learns a lot,” said Agbor. “If you care about your future, it’s important to recognize that being green protects all of our futures.”

Source: Edmonton Sun