BARROW’S first Eco Fair is to be held this weekend to highlight how we can all reduce our carbon footprint.
As part of the Low Carbon Barrow programme of activities, Art Gene will be hosting the free Eco Fair at The Forum on 21 January, 10am – 3.30pm. The day of events will culminate in a sustainable fashion alternative catwalk.
The event will consist of 26 stands throughout The Forum, which will remain open to the public as normal throughout the day. People will be able to learn about renewable energy, composting, soil quality, carbon footprints, energy saving, Cold to Cosy Homes, the impact of fast fashion, local nature projects and volunteering opportunities.
There will also be a focus on reducing waste and saving money at the Eco Fair event.
Those attending have the opportunity to bring along items to exchange, repair or upcycle with the help of the expertise of stall holders on the day. A swap shop will be open for those wishing to trade unwanted goods for other items.
Ulverston Repair Café will be demonstrating how to fix small items, and mending small textile snags, while there will be workshops on how to make your own sustainable wrapping paper and how to upcycle old clothes. This will be followed by an alternative clothes show from 3pm, where models will show their new creations made during the day.
There will also be a number of conversations and discussions on climate and nature, which are also free to attend.
- 10.30am.
Introductions – Simon Fell MP
Starting the sustainability journey – Lee Stoller, Stollers Limited
Grants for renewable energy – Bill Shaw, Baywind Energy Community Trust
- 11.45am.
Introductions – Cllr Therese Assoaud, Barrow Borough Council
Reducing waste in Cumbria – Barbara Herridge, Cumbria County Council
How to set up a repair café – Dave Kyles, Ulverston Repair Café
Doing Our Bit to tackle the climate crisis – Chris Lindle, Cumbria Climate Champion
- 2pm.
The marine life of Morecambe Bay – Amber Woods, Cumbria Wildlife Trust
Social and therapeutic conservation – Glen Mahaffy, Mind in Furness
- 2.30pm.
Introductions – Cllr Judy Filmore, South Lakeland District Council
Low Carbon Barrow grants – Jo Reilly, Art Gene
A cross-party strategy to tackle the impacts of climate change in Cumbria – Cllr Giles Archibald, Westmorland & Furness Council.
Cllr Therese Assoaud, Barrow Borough Council’s Deputy Mayor and Lead Member for Climate Emergency, said, “This event is a perfect opportunity for the people of Barrow to come and ask any questions they have about becoming greener, and to see just how easy it is to mend, repair and swap items that aren’t working for us, rather than throwing things away.
“I hope the event will be a tremendous success as there’s lots to offer for all ages, with plenty of activities. I’d like to see people leave the event having learnt something new on how to be more green. It’s good for us as individuals and for our wider community too.”
Maddi Nicholson, Art Gene’s director, said, “The fair brings together a range of local charities, businesses, political leaders and volunteers who will share positive ideas about how we can reduce Barrow’s carbon emissions and restore nature.
“Big or small actions can help. Everyone in our community can make a difference.”
