Researchers at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine released a study yesterday indicating that over-consumption of resources shortens lives, but also contributes to climate change and environmental destruction. This is troubling news as statistics from the Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. indicate that obesity has tripled in the last 30 years, with more than 1/3 of all American children qualifying as overweight or obese.

Lead researcher on the study, Dr. Ian Roberts asserts, “Everyone accepts that population growth threatens global environmental sustainability – our study shows that population fatness is also a major threat. Unless we tackle both population and fatness our chances are slim.”

While this study brings to the forefront worldwide obesity and its possible repercussions, in Aspen childhood obesity and healthy eating have been on residents’ minds for at least six years. The Annual Greenalicious Culinary Extravaganza takes place every summer to raise money for healthy school lunch programs and weight-loss programs for children throughout Colorado. Organizers of this event are dedicated to stemming childhood obesity by educating parents, teachers and administrators at local schools about the economics of healthy food. Through scratch meal preparation, the elimination of high fats and preservatives and healthy food choices, good eating habits can be instilled in children at a young age offering them a better, slimmer and healthier future for themselves and the planet as a whole.

Hosted by the Children’s Health Foundation, this year’s Greenalicious Culinary Extravaganza will take place on July 17^th at Little Nell in Aspen. This feast, prepared in collaboration by top chefs, Lincoln Carson, Rob Evans, Terence Feury, Anthony Martin, Robert McCormick, and Takashi Yagihashi will be paired by master sommelier Jonathan Pullis. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live auction and will enjoy the musical entertainment of violin virtuoso, Bobby Yang. Yang, a classically trained violinist, has pushed his performance into a new genre of violin music consisting of a passionate rock/bluegrass mix.

For those interested in investing in the health of future Coloradans, Greenalicious Culinary Extravaganza offers two ways to participate. A posh cocktail party in The Little Nell plaza with the first course of hors d’oeuvres from the chefs or the full 5-course dinner served in Montana’s dining room at tables for 10. All tickets include cocktails, the Bobby Yang concert and live auction.

While this resort town has a reputation for fun, incredible outdoor experiences, shopping, art and great food, there is a more serious side to Aspen/Snowmass Village. Residents of Aspen and Snowmass Village are committed to making the planet and its people healthier through education and action. Of course, in Aspen/Snowmass these goals are met while getting together with friends from the world over having fun and enjoying life.

It really is the best of all worlds in Aspen/Snowmass Village. Get in on the fun, and make a difference in the future, click here to see homes, townhouses and condos in and around Aspen and Snowmass Village today!