But husband-and-wife team Helen Bowman and Ben Wray of Bowman Antiques have been taking the matter more than a little further.
“We passionately believe that the antiques trade should get together to promote the environmental advantages of buying antiques. The antiques business is one of the most sustainable sections of the retail trade which keeps old, beautiful and useful objects like furniture, clocks, and flatware in constant circulation.”
Helen and Ben have certainly done something about minimising the environmental impact of their business. “We’ve had an interest in environmental issues for 20 years and two years ago when we moved into our new offices in Shipley we used the supply company, Good Energy for our electricity supply with 100 per cent renewable energy. This has saved us 1392kg of carbon dioxide emissions last year.
“The office uses post-consumer waste recycled paper to send out all our paper-based information and we shred incoming waste paper for reasons of confidentiality, which is then taken by our local children’s farm charity, Bradford City Farm, where it is used as animal bedding and finally composted.
“The office is within walking distance of our home and we combine this with walking our son to and from his local school.”
Ten years ago, Helen and Ben were founding members of a tree-planting scheme in Shipley, the Forest of Bradford, and the scheme is still going strong with more than 100,000 trees planted.
Bowmans’ next event is at the Bingley Hall, County Showground, Stafford from Friday to Sunday, February 9-11. Tel: 07071 284 333
What do other fairs organisers do to reduce their environmental imprint? Email me and let me know.
BY JOAN PORTER
Helen and Ben’s twin passions of antiques and the environment
IT has been argued for some time that antiques – recycled goods – are greener than most commodities.
