As we rapidly approach the annual Seasons of New England event on March 25, organisers are redoubling their efforts to make the large event as waste free as possible.
The Seasons of New England Expo is a must-do event for the New England foodie, showcasing the region’s best local produce, wine, food, art, and handmade products. Over 120 New England based makers, creators and producers will be there, coming from Tamworth to Tenterfield, Inverell to Dorrigo. Now in it’s tenth year, event creator Tara Toomey says they first implemented the Zero Waste strategy in 2018.
“Events can be real waste generators and we always set out to deliver as close to zero waste as possible,” Ms Toomey said.
“Since implementing our zero waste strategy in 2018, we generate less than 140 litre bin of general waste and always aim for zero.”
“Our commitment to a zero waste strategy remains at the forefront of much of our planning and with all our stallholders leading the way by using only compostable and recyclable products, we have a cup deposit scheme to roll out this year.”
“We actually had this ready to go in 2020, when we were cancelled 14 days before the event due to COVID, so we have been refining our thinking, observing others who do this well and feel we have a better scheme to deliver this year.”
Cups will be available for $2 and while people are welcome to keep them, you can also return your cup before you leave and the $2 will be refunded.
“We have always been bottled water free, instead we have water freely available and encourage people to bring their own water bottle or cup, we will keep the filtered water topped up under our water tent.”
Ms Toomey says keeping the headline event waste free is a really important commitment and they work hard to develop it each year.
“We have delivered this entirely independent of anyone and sometimes facing real obstacles.”
“But we have persevered because it is really important to us.”
The Seasons of New England Expo will run from 9am – 5pm at the Uralla Showground, on Saturday March 25. An Expo after party will also be introduced this year from 5pm til late. More information is available on their website https://seasonsofnewengland.com.au/pages/expo.
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