The entire exhibition space of the Direct Energy Centre will be turned over to purveyors of green products, tips, and food as the third annual Green Living Show opens on Friday. Ideas for a more sustainable lifestyle are on display and visitors will be able to go home with armloads of freebies - and plenty of merchandise available for purchase. Plus there are loads of activities, foods, workshops and speakers, all helping to fill our collective conscience (and tummies).

I found last year's event to be insightful and a fun use of my Saturday and am looking forward to attending again this year. Naturally, event organizers are hoping to see another good turnout so they're offering some free tickets to blogTO readers (see below).

Even at full price of $12 it's worth attending, and that can be reduced to $10.50 if you buy online or with your mobile (after all, paperless is green).

Whether it is to check out the latest local food creations by Jamie Kennedy, check out what Stephen Lewis has to say, or to visit as many exhibitor booths as possible, the show really does have something for everybody. Although it's not specifically geared for kids, there are plenty of activities for children to hold their interest, headlined by the Kid's Zone.

After a couple years of mega-stars speaking (President Bill Clinton last year, Al Gore the year before) requiring a special, expensive ticket, it's nice to see that the roster of speakers and special guests this year are included in the regular admission price. Perhaps there isn't the cache of a Clinton or Kennedy, but Stephen Lewis headlines and each speaker has an expertise that can be translated into practical application.

Living a more sustainable life doesn't require a big event, but it does make going green that much easier when all sorts of products and ideas are on display. And for those of us worried about green-washing, the Green Living Show provides pretty direct access to people in the know about a product.

To win a pair of tickets: (read carefully!)
Be one of the first 3 people to make a comment that includes a "green living tip" below, at or after 4pm today (blogTO time). One comment per reader only (we'll be watching IPs). Please provide a valid email address on the comment form field so we can contact you for prize claim details.

The show opens at 10am each day, going until 9pm Friday and Saturday and until 6pm Sunday.

Photos from 2008 Green Living Show by Joshua.