Ways to protect the health of your children, live a greener lifestyle and contribute to the overall health of the environment will be featured at the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Sustainability Expo on Saturday, April 24 at Mamaroneck High School.

The Expo hopes to attract 500 participants  and 50 vendors and organizations, according to the Larchmont Committee on the Environment, which devoted its Monday meeting to planning the event.

Lisa Boillot, who is organizing the speakers, said the workshops will focus on four areas: energy efficiency, children's and environmental health, the "Three Rs" (reduce, reuse, recycle) and gardening and composting.   

 Boillot expects speakers from Mount Sinai's Children's Environmental Health Center will be a major draw for the Expo in light of the latest findings that suggest autism and other ailments are, in part, the result of the impact of environmental chemicals on the brain as it is being formed.

Speakers from many of the major environmental organizations in Westchester have already confirmed their participation. A partial list of organizations, and the topics, includes:

• Croton Watershed Clean Water Coalition: Dr. Marian Rose & Elizabeth Royte on protecting water quality. The Coalition works to protect and improve New York City's watershed.
• Cornell Cooperative Extension: Rick Harper on urban trees and Anna Snyder on today's Victory Gardens.
• Grassroots Environmental Education: Patti Wood. This group educates the public about the links between common environmental exposures and human health.
• Green Home Consulting: Judith Martin on energy saving strategies for the homeowner. The company is based in Rye, N.Y., and oversees the building and remodeling of environmentally sensitive homes.
• Green Star Energy Solutions: Matt Slattery on tax credits and other incentives to make your home more energy efficient. This company performs energy audits and makes recommendations on ways to lower your energy bills.
• Sunlight Solar: Carolyn Humpreys on renewable energy systems

The Expo, which will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., is a tri-municipal effort and will include three workshop sessions in the morning, a noon keynote address, and three additional workshop sessions in the afternoon. Participants will also be able to browse the vendors and organizations that have displays in the school gymnasium throughout the day.

Expo organizer and Larchmont Committee on the Environment member Jensen said the program was created to accommodate the busy schedule of Larchmont-Mamaroneck families, many of whom have sports games in the morning or afternoon.

The Expo will have a "Ask the Environmentalist" booth, where questions such as "How do I recycle my batteries?" or "What plastics can I use in the microwave?" can be answered. Visitors can also learn how to compost and purchase low-cost compost bins.

In addition to lining up speakers, the Committee is focusing on three major areas: volunteers, vendors and supporters to underwrite the cost of the event. Three levels of support – either in a cash or in-kind donation – are offered: $1,000, $500 and $250, with different levels of benefits for each.

Registration, which will open shortly, will be $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Vendors and environmental organizations that wish to have a table in the Expo's exhibition area will be charged $75.

For now – anyone who wants to volunteer or receive information about being a vendor or sponsor should contact Jennifer Jensen, (cell) 813 230 7906, JenCarpenter@optonline.net