Climate resilience fair debuts in Cotati

Cotati’s first Climate Ready Fair kicks off Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the SMART Train Depot, 970 E. Cotati Ave. Organizers hope this free event becomes an annual tradition, bringing the community together to take action on climate resilience and sustainability.

The fair’s goal? To educate, empower and activate people to reduce their environmental footprint, connect with resources and take steps toward a more sustainable future.

A community-wide effort

Autumn Buss, from Cotati’s Community Development Department, helped organize the event and sees it as a team effort. Several city of Cotati departments joined forces to make it happen, emphasizing the need to act on climate change now.

“In addition to saving the Earth, we have to focus on climate resilience — coping with what’s coming, like severe weather and rising energy costs,” Buss explains. “This fair helps people prepare for the future.”

More than 30 community organizations and agencies are stepping up to provide information, resources and hands-on solutions. The fair welcomes everyone in Sonoma County, not just Cotati residents.

Attendees who fill out a short sustainability survey will be entered into a drawing for gift cards from local businesses. The drawing happens at 1:45 p.m., and you don’t need to be present to win.

Waste-free food and clothing swap

Food trucks will be on-site, but meals will be served in reusable dishes provided by Sparkl Reusables. After use, the company collects and washes the dishes, reducing waste.

Got extra clothes? Bring them to the clothing swap! Donate clean, gently used items, and you might find something new in return. No heavy items, please. If you’re bringing coats, costumes or business attire, include a hanger. Just a heads-up — there won’t be a dressing room.

Fix what you have — free repairs

The clothing mending bar, hosted by Santa Rosa Junior College Fashion Studies and Fashion Club, offers free small fixes. They’ll also demonstrate mending techniques at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Have missing buttons or broken zippers? Bring them, along with any thread or supplies you have. Sign-ups are recommended on the city of Cotati website.

Have a small appliance in need of repair? A Reuse Alliance repair coach will fix it while showing you how it’s done. Microwaves and cellphones aren’t included. Repairs are first-come, first-served.

Bike repairs and kids’ activities

A volunteer bike mechanic will handle flat tires, loose brakes and broken chains. Bringing spare bike parts is encouraged.

Kids can join a book, puzzle and game swap, plus a plant giveaway hosted by Sandy Loam.

The fair also highlights Cotati’s new bike-sharing service. Attendees can take free e-bike rides from the pod at the Cotati SMART Station.

For details or to sign up, visit the city of Cotati website.

Marilyn Lane is a Sonoma County resident and former newsroom employee at The Press Democrat.