Hovingham Village Market's work towards net zero recognised with Green Award

Hovingham Village Market has been working in conjunction with Hovingham Environmental Group to look at ways they can improve the market’s eco credentials.

As well as promoting ‘shop local’ by buying from farmers, producers, makers, designers, artists and craftspeople, the two organisations have produced a strategy to reduce the market’s carbon footprint.

The focus is on reducing energy consumption, promoting recycling and reducing single use plastic consumption, with the aim of eliminating it.

Crusade to save the endangered Turtle DoveReintroducing native predators could boost the survival of species such as the red squirrelThe market is run entirely by volunteers who want to champion local businesses selling their own produce or products.

Volunteer market manager, Murray Stewart, said the ultimate goal is to become carbon neutral and promote renewable technologies.

Many of the stallholders offer paper packaging as an alternative to single use plastic, stallholders are encouraged to responsibly dispose of their waste and durable jute shopping bags are available.

The market provides the village hall with market mugs and all café operators use and wash crockery and cutlery rather than disposable cups. The volunteers also provide containers for recycling paper, glass and paper in the village hall kitchen and all old signage and banners are recycled.

The groups’ efforts were recognised earlier this year when Ryedale Council presented them with the Green Award at their 2020 Ryedale Business Awards.

Volunteer Caroline Davis said the award was a wonderful accolade for the market.

“We are so proud the green credentials that have underpinned our market from its inception have been recognised in this way,” she said.

In the decade it has been operating, the market has raised more than £125,000 for community groups and charities.

It funds a stall to be used for wildlife and environmental groups giving organisations such as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Howardian Hills AONB, Hovingham Wildlife Group and composters, the North Yorkshire Rotters, an opportunity to talk to visitors and tell them about their work.

The successful market has also provided a platform for start-up businesses with a number going on to open successful shops in nearby towns such as Malton.

Hovingham Village Market runs on the first Saturday of the month. There are around 60 stalls selling local produce. As most is seasonal there is a changing array on offer -along with some surprises including the intriguing Pants of Thunder.