The incoming Obama Administration has some eco-friendly business owners expressing optimism about the future.

Jessica Forres found them at the Convention Center this past weekend attending D-C's "Green Festival"...

GREENDC1-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

Lonna Anderson talks about Tranquil Soul… a clothing boutique in Takoma Park, Maryland...

WE ARE A WOMAN OWNED OPERATED FAIR TRADE ORGANIC BOUTIQUE AND WE MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS GETTING FAIR WAGES AND EVERYTHING WE DO IS ENVIORNMENTALLY FRIENDLY.

The economic crisis has hurt business, but she remains optimistic...

EVENTUALLY IT'S GOING TO SHIFT BACK BUT IT'S BEEN STEADY TO SLOW AND WE'RE GOING ON THE UPSWING. OBAMA IS IN SO THANK GOD.

GENE TROY is based in Silver Spring where his company specializes in making homes energy efficient...

WHEN THE ECONOMY IS DOING BAD, PEOPLE GENERALLY WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND THAT's WHEN WE DO WELL.

And he says business will continue to do well...

I THINK THAT IT'S GOING TO BE GOOD FOR EVERYBODY AND THIS IS THE RISING TIDE THAT FLOATS ALL BOATS.

DC's Green Festival attracted more than 360 vendors and more than 20,000 visitors.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News

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Some local, environmentally-friendly businesses are expressing optimism despite the ongoing economic crisis.

Jessica Forres reports…

GREENDC2-FORRESmp3'>LISTEN TO THE STORY THAT AIRED ON WAMU 88.5 FM

More than 360 vendors set up shop at D.C's 5th annual Green Festival at the Convention Center. Joelle Novey of Co-op America, one of the sponsoring groups, says the financial crisis is actually creating a positive impact...

I THINK IT'S REVEALED A LOT OF THE IDEAS THAT WE"VE BEEN TRYING TO TALK ABOUT ALONG THAT OUR ECONOMY SHOULD PRODUCE REAL WELL BEING FOR REAL PEOPLE TO SOLVE REAL PROBLEMS AND NOT BE ABOUT SPECULATION AND NOT BE ABOUT GREED.

Consultant KARA STRONG says a green economy makes sense.........

I'M STARTING TO THINK IT'S RECESSION PROOF. I WORK AS A GREEN BUILDING CONSULTANT WE GET CALLS ALL THE TIME FOR NEW WORK.

More than 20,000 visitors attended the Green Festival.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News