A collection of sustainable businesses gathered to sell homemade arts and crafts made from upcycled materials this weekend at The Steamworks in Sheffield

Hosted by the non-profit organisation, Sheffield Action on Plastic, the market aimed to promote plastic-free lifestyles through encouraging reusing and recycling. 

Greg Hewitt, founder of Sheffield Action on Plastic, said: “We are so excited to be running our second Plastic Free Market, which this time falls perfectly for buying Christmas presents, without the single-use plastics.”

One vendor, ‘Flod’, was selling plant-pots made from recycled plastic and glass which local organisations had collected from rivers and waterways around the city. 

Max Sudbury, representing Flod, said: “It’s great because we are taking huge amounts of debris that would otherwise be polluting local rivers and are transforming them into new, functional products. 

“The drip trays are made entirely out of river plastic such as bottle caps or milk cartons, and the top is a combination of smashed river glass and jesmonite, which is like an eco-alternative to concrete.” 

The brand estimates that up to half a kilogram of rubbish is repurposed with each plant pot they make.

Flod and a few other attendees also donate proceeds to local charities, with one stall, ‘Bamboo Bobbi’ attending entirely for non-profit. 

Bamboo Bobbi are an organisation which produce unbleached, plastic-free and carbon neutral toilet paper made entirely out of bamboo.

Their aim is to help reduce the deforestation which typical toilet paper contributes to, by producing bamboo toilet rolls as a natural, self-regenerating and eco-friendly alternative. 

Kimberley Dunn, of Bamboo Bobbi said: “We are run entirely by volunteers, trying to encourage more people to make the switch to bamboo toilet roll for the sake of the environment. 

“Everything we do is for a good cause – we even donate 100% of our profits to UK food banks to help tackle poverty too.”

Many of the other stalls, showed off unique and quirky gifts for the upcoming festive season such as Christmas tree ornaments, and even neckerchiefs for dogs by ‘Brodies Tartan Pets’. 

Sheffield Action on Plastic work to reduce the use of single-use plastics at events, through initiatives such as a reusable cup hire scheme. 

Throughout the day, they held a raffle to fundraise for their cup hire project – raising money to buy more reusable pint glasses, wine goblets and coffee mugs. 

The organisation encourages other businesses to take their ‘Plastic Free Pledge’ as well as campaigning for the council to consider being more sustainable too. 

The market also featured both food vendors and a bar. 

Attendees were encouraged to bring their own reusable containers, cups and cutlery, as well as being encouraged to travel to the event in a more environmentally friendly way, where possible. 

Throughout the day, there were also live music performances which showcased local talent from upcoming singers and musicians, alongside talks from guest speakers.

Sheffield Action on Plastic plans to hold more plastic-free markets in the future, so for more information, click here.