Horsforth Climate Action’s Apple Day Fair
This past October 2023, the community of Horsforth came together for a delightful afternoon at the Horsforth Climate Action Apple Day Fair. Held on the 7th October at St Margaret’s Church, the event was a celebration of the autumn harvest and an inspiring demonstration of community-led sustainability efforts. Here’s a look back at the fruitful activities and the fun event enjoyed by all!
Highlights from the Apple Day Fair
Urban Harvest Apple Juicing
Many attendees brought their own apples, transforming them into fresh, delicious juice with the help of Leeds Urban Harvest. It was wonderful to see so many community members participating, armed with their own containers, ranging from old milk cartons to water bottles, to take their juice home.
Smoothie Bike Fun
The Smoothie Bike from Hyde Park Source was a hit! Participants of all ages got a chance to pedal their way to perfect smoothies. This activity was not only a fun way to engage with healthy eating but also served as a playful workout.
Community Contributions
The spirit of giving was strong at the fair. The Horsforth Community Café shared delightful recipes, and many attendees brought food and toiletries to support the Horsforth Community Pantry. It’s heartening to see our community support each other in such tangible ways.
Creative Apple Printing
Our craft corner was bustling with creativity as children and adults alike tried their hand at apple printing. Participants added their unique prints to our community display tree, creating a vibrant and colorful testament to the day’s festivities.
Why Focus on Food Waste?
The HCA Apple Day Fair, was not just about celebrating the harvest; we were also focusing on how to reduce food waste—a crucial step toward environmental sustainability. Here’s why reducing food waste matters:
- Land Use: Currently, 38% of the global land surface is used for agriculture. By reducing waste, we can make more efficient use of this land.
- Water Conservation: Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater consumption. When we waste food, we also waste the water that went into producing it.
- Energy Savings: About 30% of global energy goes into producing and distributing food. Reducing waste means saving energy.
Tips to Reduce Food Waste
- Meal Planning: Create a flexible meal plan based on your weekly schedule to avoid buying excess food.
- Smart Shopping: Check what you have at home and write a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
- Proper Storage: Store your food correctly to extend its life. Use your freezer to keep leftovers longer.
- Use It All: Plan to have a ‘leftover’ meal each week to use up anything that might go to waste.
Get Involved
We’re always looking for volunteers to help with events like the Apple Day Fair. Whether you want to help set up, guide activities or contribute ideas, your involvement is invaluable. Visit our website or contact us at volunteer@horsforthclimateaction.org to join in.
Learn More
Want more tips on reducing food waste and living sustainably? Check out resources like Love Food Hate Waste, Feast With Us, and Friends of the Earth.
Looking Forward
The success of the Apple Day Fair has left us inspired and looking forward to more events that promote sustainability and community involvement. We are incredibly grateful to all the volunteers, participants, and local businesses that made this day possible.
If you missed this event but are interested in participating in future activities or want to learn more about reducing food waste, sign up for our newsletter. We have many more community events and initiatives planned, and we would love to have you join us in our efforts to make Horsforth a greener, more sustainable community.
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Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Apple Day Fair. Your enthusiasm and participation are what make our community events so special. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to make a difference together!