Summer in Ohio is celebrated as a time to enjoy some fresh air, warm temps, open windows and the great outdoors. For many homeowners a vision of this begins in the spring and drives them to spruce up their homes with a little spring cleaning and perhaps take on a few home improvement projects to make their house and outdoor retreats more useful and enjoyable.

For ideas and motivation, this year thousands of people attended the 2015 Columbus Dispatch Spring Home and Garden Show at the Ohio Expo Center. The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) was one of more than 350 vendors who brought displays, products and expert information to the make this year’s show another success.

In an effort to promote the use of soy-based products, the display on behalf of Ohio soybean farmers exposed consumers to a wide variety of products including cleaning supplies, candles, beauty products, outdoor home improvement supplies and much more. OSC’s goal at the Home and Garden Show is to show consumers how versatile soybeans are and how soy-based products can be used inside the home, in the garage and out in the yard.

“OSC was excited to meet with and educate consumers while creating a demand for soy-based products,” said Patrick Knouff, OSC Chairman and soybean farmer from Shelby County. “We always look forward to occasions where we are able to engage with consumers in a positive way.”

To encourage use, more than 1,500 samples of cleaning products, crayons, craft paint, paint stripper, degreaser, wood and concrete stain, and stainless steel cleaner – all of which contain soy – where handed out to those who visited the OSC booth. With the samples serving as a conversation starter, many consumers were educated about the ability of soy to replace petroleum in household products while growing a market for one of Ohio’s top commodities.

Another item that attracted visitors was a couch from Broyhill Furniture which more than 800 attendees registered for a chance to win. Broyhill strives to use environmentally friendly materials for their products, which includes a soy-based foam in their cushions.

Furthering outreach efforts, and a take away for consumers, were resources guides with directions to online resources and a pdf booklet offering details on a variety of soy-based products available.