Environmental Impact

We're committed to running events that are as kind to the planet as they are to people. From reducing waste to supporting local eco-conscious traders, we’re always looking for ways to make our events more sustainable.

Here’s how we’re working to reduce our environmental impact, and what we’re doing to promote ethical, low-waste practices at every Vegan Fair. You can help us make a difference, too!

 
 

Working with ethical businesses

We hand-pick our stallholders to make sure there’s a great mix of quality, variety, and most importantly — businesses that care. We prioritise independent traders who share our values around sustainability, ethics, and environmentally-friendly practices.

While we always favour 100% vegan businesses, we do sometimes welcome traders who aren’t fully vegan, especially if they’re taking steps in the right direction. We believe it’s important to open the door and show all businesses the value of veganism. In fact, we’ve seen several non-vegan traders go fully vegan after joining us at events!

We also work with a vegan accountant, vegan photographers, a vegan designer, and even an insurance broker who donates to animal charities. It’s all part of our mission to support like-minded people doing good.

 

Charity work

We regularly collaborate with environmental charities and outreach groups who are working to create real change. From climate action to wildlife protection, our outreach stalls give visitors a chance to learn more and get involved in causes they care about.

 

Donate a tree

We’re always thrilled to see how far people travel to support our events and the brilliant independent businesses that trade with us. While we encourage walking, cycling, or using public transport wherever possible, we know that’s not always practical.

As our events continue to grow, we’ve become increasingly aware of the carbon emissions associated with travel — and we want to do our part to help.

If you’ve travelled to one of our events and would like to offset your journey, you can donate a tree to our grove. It’s a simple, meaningful way to reduce your impact and support the planet. One medium-sized petrol car produces just over 1 tonne of CO₂ every 3,500 miles, and four mature trees can offset 1 tonne of CO₂e.

A single tree can also:

  • Absorb around 25kg of CO₂ every year

  • Provide a home for wildlife

  • Help restore biodiversity in damaged ecosystems

  • Improve air quality and reduce pollution

  • Support flood prevention and soil health

 

Reducing waste at our events

Sustainability has always been at the heart of what we do. From day one, we’ve made it our mission to run low-waste events that support the planet as well as local, ethical businesses. Learn about how we’re making a difference – and how you can help too!

  • In 2019, we banned plastic straws, bags, cups, and cutlery at our events. We ask traders to use compostable or reusable alternatives — and most already do.

  • Back in 2018, we launched The Vegan Food Collection with local food banks in Frome and Weston-super-Mare. It was a hit, so we’re planning to bring it to more events soon. If you’d like to get involved, let us know!

  • We only print on recycled card with plant-based inks. We also make sure to reuse any of our leftover print as signage for traders or as card for children to use in our craft areas. We even make our business cards out of leftover card!

  • Want to do your bit? Bring a tote bag, lunchbox or reusable container to take goodies home. Small changes = less waste.

We're Always Learning

Sustainability is a journey, and we know there’s always more we can do. We’re constantly looking at how we can improve our practices, and we welcome feedback from traders, visitors and the wider vegan community. Get in touch with us here.