Stephens goes green

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Known for her witty lyrics, deejay Tanya Stephens is taking her 'rebelution' to new planes.

The singer has plans for the environment which she is tackling through the Jamaica Eco-Festival.

Pointing out that there is more than music behind her signature shades, Stephens will host an environmental festival on Sunday, July 17.

The event, which will be staged at the Gray's Inn Sports Complex, Agualta Vale, St Mary, will have a number of features and demonstrations all aimed at showcasing and promoting eco-wellness and eco-living.

For those not up-to-date on their 'eco' terminologies, Stephens explains, "Eco-wellness seeks to uplift the mind, body and spirit. There will be interactive workshops and discussions led by dynamic instructors. It will also showcase what's current in holistic healing and self-improvement products and services, including nutrition, fitness, body therapies, and alternative and preventative health-care products."

"By extension, for eco-living and eco-building, the companies there will also be showcasing and selling energy-saving products. It's now the start of the hurricane season, and though we should be thinking of ways to conserve and save our environment right throughout the year, there's no time like the present to learn about living cost-effectively while reducing the harm on the environment," she said.

no surprise

Stephens, who is known for her stance on a number of topical issues, says the environment and her decision to align herself with an environmental cause shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

She told The Gleaner, "My family and I have gone green ourselves with a number of things, and we realise that there are many myths surrounding the process and it deters others from even trying. So we decided to bring all the elements together in one place for easy access, so others may gain info, firstly about what going green means and how they can participate. This isn't only for individuals, but also for companies. A number of companies across the world have included 'going green' and recycling in their initiatives, so we also welcome local companies to join the process."

The owner of her own restaurant H20 in Ocho Rios, Stephens is ensuring that no festival is complete without a healthy display of food items. The Jamaica Eco-Festival's culinary showcase will feature cooking demos by local chefs, with an emphasis on natural food, in addition to the latest trends in the natural-foods industry.

A mother herself, Stephens has also ensured that there will also be something there for children.

The Kids Village will be a safe and secure haven within the festival grounds for children and their parents or guardians to discover and enjoy a delightful variety of children's entertainment - face painting, bounce-abouts, food and more.

"For persons who wish to know more about it or contact

us they can find us on Facebook or send an email to jamaicaecofest@gmail.com," said Stephens.