April 15, 2025
Students, staff, and visitors gathered at two vibrant Sustainability Fairs hosted by FX Plus Head of Sustainability, Oliver Milliner, and Marketing & Engagement Manager, Jennie Hosken, in partnership with the Students’ Union. Held at Penryn Campus (Upper Stannary) on Wednesday, 19 March, and at Falmouth Campus (Fox Café) on Thursday, 20 March, both events ran from 12 PM to 3 PM, attracting over 200 attendees over the two days, eager to explore sustainable ideas, practices, and connect with local changemakers.
Each fair featured a diverse mix of local eco-conscious businesses, grassroots organisations, SU societies, and talented student crafters, creating a dynamic marketplace that celebrated sustainable living and environmental innovation.
The atmosphere was one of enthusiasm and collaboration. “Just wanted to send a quick thank you and well done for the first day of the Sustainability Fair,” said Students’ Union Vice President, Marketa Carruthers. “I think the stalls were overall really positively engaged with.”
A standout highlight of the events was the giveaway of 200 bags of fresh, locally sourced vegetables—generously sponsored by the FX Plus Sustainability Team and organised by SU society Penryn Produce. Attendees could select three types of vegetables or a mixed-leaf salad, promoting low-waste, healthy living.
Local suppliers such as Trewithen Dairy and Jolly’s Drinks offered free samples and insights into their sustainable practices, while attendees engaged with a wide range of organisations, including:
- FX Plus Sustainability Team – Engaged students in the Travel Survey and shared updates on campus sustainability initiatives.
- Food & Drink Team – Distributed pre-loved, plant-based cookbooks and gathered feedback on campus catering and the Meat-Free Mondays trial.
- Sustrans – Provided advice on walking, cycling, and public transport, distributed free bus tickets, and promoted discounted youth travel in collaboration with Cornwall Council.
- Beryl Bikes – Encouraged greener travel by offering 150 free 50-minute e-bike rides.
- Cornwall Wildlife Trust – Invited attendees to support Cornwall’s wildlife and wild spaces through memberships and engagement.
- Borneo Nature Foundation – Provided a rainforest scent experience and shared information on their conservation work.
- SU’s Generation Wild – Promoted nature-based youth workshops and volunteering opportunities.
- Wave Rewild Yoga – Introduced eco-anxiety embodiment workshops to support emotional wellbeing and sustainable lifestyle choices.
- 99p Films – Highlighted upcoming social cinema events, including Hvaldimir and The Forgotten Temperate Rainforest.
- RJ Working – Shared their work in youth-led climate advocacy and offered information about internships and creative projects.
- Fal Bookbinding Society – Promoted traditional bookbinding techniques using donated materials and encouraged participation in sustainability-focused workshops, including papermaking.
- Penryn Press – Showcased student-published materials for sale, produced locally and sustainably in partnership with local printers and Falmouth’s Rubicund Bookshop.
Reflecting on the events, Jennie Hosken said:
“Thank you to all the incredible, energetic, and passionate stallholders who participated in our Sustainability Fairs and helped make them such a success. There was a real buzz at both events, which was very inspiring. We were thrilled to help students, staff, and visitors form meaningful connections with local sustainable initiatives and organisations. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to future events.”
From free ginger beer and plant-based cookbooks to rainforest aromas and sustainable transport advice, the Sustainability Fairs offered a lively and inspiring platform for learning, collaboration, and collective action toward a greener future.
