INTEREST UP IN SUSTAINABILITY

ALL the potential of a sustainability fair came to town recently.

Charnwood Sustainability Fair was held at Queen’s Park in the centre of Loughborough and was said to be a great success.

Organised by Charnwood Eco Hub, founded by local councillor Sarah Goode and friend Emma Ward it was described as an amazing first for Charnwood. 

Charnwood Borough Councillor for Southfields Ward Ms Goode, who also runs the well-established Purple Pumpkin Patch on Ashby Road said she was amazed by the number in attendance and that families were picnicking on the grass. “The turnout is testament to its success,” said Cllr Goode who is also involved in the book recycling scheme bookcrossing.com, also present.
Local members Rita Spencer and Cat Appleton have shared books 1500 and 716 times respectively. Each book donated is given a unique tracking number so its journey can be followed.
“I’m really happy my books are more travelled than I am,” said Cat whose literary tomes have been picked up in the EU, Australia, the States and Russia and certainly reduce her carbon footprint!
Loughborough Climate Vigil asked people to stick tiles on a board representing each of their environmental concerns and going by the number people are very worried.
Supporter Paul Johnson said the vigils they hold every Friday outside MP for Loughborough Jane Hunt’s office are very peaceful.
“We’re a nice bunch of people. The media has created a negative image of climate protestors but we quietly stand by with our placards,” said Mr Johnson.
Saplings were given out by Charnwood Borough Council and social supermarket Your Store, with a waiting list, run by Jacob Nelson at John Storer House talked to community vegetable growers’ Incredible Edible about a possible forthcoming collaboration. The managers of the Plough pub in Thorpe Acre, who’ve run several pubs in the town, were also keen to offer ground at the inn for the organic gardeners to cultivate.
Former lecturer in business and design at Loughborough University Rose Deacon set up CIC The Crop Club and said the fair raised the profile of sustainability.
“It’s about sustainable behaviour change,” said Rose.
“While a new product may offer change, we have to do our bit. It’s about more than just buying something plastic – free, we have to change our behaviour.”
Barbara Attridge and Blessing Dombo represented the African Oasis promoting hydroponics to grow vegetables and said they have just signed a ten-year lease with Charnwood Borough Council for the community garden at Howe Road.
“We’ve also secured funding totalling £6k from the borough and county councils. Glebe House has finished our prototype and the Royal Horticultural Society is visiting next week to inspect it,” said Barbara.
She said they welcome members of the public to get involved, contribute ideas and volunteer and an open day is being held on Oct 6.
On her way to her new allotment with child and partner, Stacie Byrne stopped at Incredible Edible and Transition Loughborough’s stalls to get tips for more organic and biodiverse growing.
“It’s a lovely event with lots of different people with everyone caring about the same thing,” said Stacie.
Caroline Harmon also joins Loughborough Climate Vigil each week and said they try to engage the MP as well as members of the public.
“Jane Hunt’s come out to talk to us and has taken our questions we put to her to parliament, although we’ve yet to have any answers to date,” said Ms Harmon.