SUSTAINABILITY POLICY

1. Introduction

The Heighington Christmas Market Committee recognises the importance of minimising our environmental impact and contributing to a sustainable future. We are committed to organising and operating our market in a way that respects the environment, supports our local community, and promotes responsible consumption. This policy outlines our commitment to sustainability and the actions we will take to achieve our goals.

2. Policy Objectives

• Reduce Waste: Minimise waste generation and maximise recycling and composting.

• Promote Sustainable Products: Encourage the use and sale of environmentally friendly and ethically sourced products.

• Reduce Energy Consumption: Implement energy-efficient practices throughout the market.

• Support Local and Ethical Sourcing: Prioritise local suppliers and vendors with ethical and sustainable practices.

• Engage and Educate: Raise awareness about sustainability among vendors, visitors, and the wider community.

• Reduce Transportation Impact: Encourage sustainable travel options and minimise transportation emissions.

3. Implementation Strategies

A. Waste Management

• Provide marked recycling and composting bins for vendors and visitors.

• Work with local waste management services to ensure efficient recycling and composting.

• Encourage vendors to use reusable or compostable packaging and avoid single-use plastics.

• Implement a "litter pick" schedule throughout the market.

• Explore a cup deposit scheme for hot drinks.

• Promote the use of reusable shopping bags.

B. Sustainable Products

• Prioritise vendors who offer locally sourced, organic, fair-trade, or recycled products.

• Encourage vendors to display information about the sustainability of their products.

• Provide information to visitors about sustainable shopping choices.

• Discourage the sale of products known to have a negative environmental impact.

C. Energy Consumption

• Use energy-efficient lighting (LEDs) for market stalls and decorations.

• Encourage vendors to use energy-efficient appliances.

• Consider using renewable energy sources where feasible (e.g., solar-powered lighting).

• Turn off all non-essential lighting when the market is closed.

D. Local and Ethical Sourcing:

• Prioritise local vendors and suppliers to reduce transportation emissions and support the local economy.

• Encourage vendors to source their materials and ingredients ethically.

• Provide information to visitors about the local and ethical sourcing of products.

E. Engagement and Education:

• Display information about the market's sustainability initiatives at the entrance and throughout the market.

• Provide educational materials to vendors and visitors about sustainable practices.

• Organise workshops or demonstrations on sustainable crafts or cooking.

• Use social media and local newsletters to promote the market's sustainability efforts.

• Engage with local schools to promote sustainability.

F. Transportation Impact:

• Promote walking, cycling, and public transport as the preferred modes of travel to the market.

• Provide secure bicycle parking.

• Work with local transport providers to offer special market bus services.

• Encourage carpooling.

• When possible, utilise local vendors to reduce vendor travel.

G. Trader Responsibilities:

• Traders are expected to comply with the market's sustainability policy.

• Traders must use the provided recycling and composting bins.

• Traders are encouraged to use sustainable packaging and minimise waste.

• Traders should source their products and materials ethically and sustainably.

4. Review and Improvement:

• The Heighington Christmas Market Committee will review this policy annually and make necessary updates.

• We will collect data on our sustainability performance (e.g., waste diversion rates and energy consumption) to track our progress.

• We will seek feedback from vendors and visitors on our sustainability initiatives.

5. Communication:

The Heighington Christmas Market Committee has initiated the Sustainability Policy and is continually exploring ways to improve this new policy.

This policy will be made available to all Traders and visitors through our website. We are committed to transparency and open communication about our sustainability efforts.

By implementing this sustainability policy, we aim to create a Christmas Market that is not only enjoyable but also environmentally responsible and beneficial to our community.

Last updated@ 16th April 2025