Sunderland will host the Waste Not Eco Fair on March 22, featuring eco-friendly workshops and local businesses committed to sustainability.
A new event aimed at promoting sustainability will take place in Sunderland this March, featuring a range of eco-friendly activities and workshops. Dubbed the Waste Not Eco Fair, it is scheduled for Friday, March 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Keel Square Pavilion. The event is organized to bring together local businesses focused on sustainability, creativity, and community engagement.
The Waste Not Eco Fair is part of the Culture House pre-opening program and has received funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The event is spearheaded by Reinvented With Friends CIC, a social enterprise based in Sunderland dedicated to reducing furniture waste through upcycling and reupholstery. The initiative reflects the collaborative effort within the region to advance sustainable living practices.
Ali Williams, founder of Reinvented With Friends CIC, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Waste Not Eco Fair is a brilliant opportunity to bring people together to share skills, ideas, and creativity while promoting sustainability.” Speaking to the Sunderland Business Partnership, Williams highlighted the plethora of talented businesses in Sunderland that are doing commendable work in sustainability. She added, “It’s fantastic to create something that encourages community spirit,” emphasizing her enjoyment of collaboration.
Various activities will be available for attendees, including hands-on workshops focused on upcycling textiles and furniture, making eco-friendly cleaning products, and constructing micro composters and eco coffins. The event aims to provide visitors with practical techniques to help reduce waste in their daily lives, thereby illustrating how small life changes can lead to significant environmental improvements.
A diverse array of local organizations will participate, including Dead Good CIC, Just Let Your Soul Grow CIC, Eco Connect North East CIC, Delightfully Denim, and LG Designer Maker CIC. This enables attendees not only to learn from experts but also to connect with businesses and community groups that prioritize sustainability.
Cllr Beth Jones, who holds the portfolio for Communities Culture and Tourism, expressed her support for the fair as a vibrant platform for creativity the fosters sustainability. She stated, “We’re thrilled to see local businesses come together and share their expertise and encourage people to rethink waste.” Jones noted that this initiative aligns with the community-driven goals of Culture House Sunderland and expressed hopes that the event becomes a regular occurrence.
Culture House Sunderland is set to open in autumn 2023 in Keel Square. The venue aims to serve as a multi-purpose cultural hub and will include the City Library, alongside a variety of interactive and educational features designed to engage the community year-round.
The Waste Not Eco Fair is also backed by Sunderland City Council, which acknowledges the significance of sustainability initiatives that are consistent with the city’s broader environmental objectives. The event aims to foster a culture of sustainability within the community while offering creative engagement opportunities for all participants. For further details about the fair, interested individuals can visit the event’s Facebook page.
Source: Noah Wire Services
