Our small but eye-catching stand was squeezed in between Organico’s sustainable canned fish and the glamourous media partner Marie Clare UK, at the first ever Sustainability Show last weekend.
This combination alone illustrated the great variety this event had to offer. Opposite us was Chef’s Corner. In the very few moments the team could stop and take a breath, they were able to listen in to the likes of top chef and conservation activist Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall offering sustainable, tasty titbits whilst book signing.
In preparation for the event, we applied the show’s ethos to every possible element of our planning. From the reusable shell of our stand, compostable sample bowls and recipe cards printed on ‘Oxygen Offset’ 100% recycled card, to distilling our ethos into as few words as possible to be plastered across the walls (a great exercise for any brand!), we did everything in our power to leave no trace whilst making a big impact...
With over 6,000 people passing through over the two days it was non-stop, with samples and conversations flowing at similar rates!
Whilst our nut dispensers struggled slightly to keep up with demand, the sprinkle of chilli cashews and smears of peanut butter just added to our rustic feel (or so we told ourselves!) and the inquisitive questions and rave reviews from passersby kept our energy levels going throughout!
It was a brilliant opportunity to speak directly to potential new customers, food enthusiasts, and passionate sustainability promoters, as well as the occasional moment to wander around and marvel at the variety of exhibiting brands and speakers.
Some highlights, but certainly not an exhaustive list were:
- Plastic-free alternative cleaning products from Eko Logik
- Handmade wax and organic kitchenware from Good To Bee
- Beautiful, adaptable shoes from Vyn (goodbye fast fashion!)
- Avallen spirits removing CO2 with every bottle – don't tempt us
- Organic medicinal mushrooms from Bristol Fungarium...just pretty wild and weird!
At the end of the weekend, and after donating the remaining Liberation samples to the Felix Project via the event organisers, we were left with a warm, tired glow and the feeling that this is how all future events should be: creatively caring, conscienstious, and good from the ground up!
