SAM Magazine-Stratton, Vt., July 1, 2010-Stratton Mountain Resort will stage the first Vermont Solutions Festival Aug. 27-28, held in collaboration with the state of Vermont, to celebrate sustainability, sport and wellness.

"The Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing is excited to be a partner in the new development of the Vermont Solutions Festival," said Steve Cook, deputy commissioner of the Vermont Department of Tourism. "This event will showcase the southern Vermont region, Stratton Mountain Resort and its long-time commitment to sustainability, and it will also exhibit Vermont's efforts in developing global solutions with global impacts." In keeping with its aims, the Festival is a zero waste event.

The Festival marries education with entertainment, collecting ideas, inspiration and movement from diverse events. The schedule includes a keynote address from Vermont author Bill McKibben; a real-world display of bicycle practicality at the Embrocation Cycling Journal Farm Stand Ride; a workshop on sustainability-outreach for students from the Race to Replace coalition; a panel discussion including environmentalist and NHL Hall of Famer Mike Richter; and live music from the Del McCoury Band. Nonprofits and local businesses will play roles in this first-of-a-kind event.

Stratton is no stranger to sustainable solutions, having won five Silver Eagle awards for 'excellence in energy conservation' and a pair of Vermont Governor's Awards for its efforts. Stratton follows a variety of sustainable measures, ranging from recycling initiatives and cleaning products to efficiency measures and greener purchasing-all themes within the events of the festival.

"I'm excited to see an event of this magnitude, that aligns with so many of our causes, come together," said Sky Foulkes, president and CEO of Stratton. "I think the different events are going to appeal to a lot of folks on a number of levels."