Plastic Free Hitchin's preparations for an ambitious Eco Day 2023 are well underway.

Later this month, Market Place will once again host stalls from eco businesses and groups, with the addition of 'Eco Tent', a space where visitors can attend free talks, workshops and performances about sustainability.

Abigail Cuthbertson from Plastic Free Hitchin said, "We're so excited to bring so many engaging organisations and businesses together in Hitchin, and offer a fun varied day for everyone interested in living more sustainably."

Hitchin Eco Day 2023 will also be a multisite affair, with Hitchin Boys' School hosting a preloved school uniform sale with many Hitchin infants, juniors and secondaries selling their good quality preloved garments for very low prices. All proceeds go back into the schools. 

Hitchin Town Hall will host the popular Shop Small market, featuring beautiful items from small local businesses.

Organiser, Jemma Larkin of The Furniture Parlour, said, "Our Shop Small Markets were set up to celebrate small local businesses and allow customers to find unique products, many of which are beautifully handmade or sourced with a sustainable ethos in mind.

"Some of the businesses, like my own, work hard to take something old and give it a new lease of life, saving it from landfill." 

Last year's Eco Day took over the market square, showcasing 22 stalls from eco-minded businesses, environmental charities and community groups, attracting crowds for the family friendly activities and tips on living a more environmentally mindful life.

Plastic Free Hitchin also ran a pop-up shop at Bancroft Gardens which was very well attended, with the impact of 1040 items of clothing being saved from landfill and £1,393 raised for local schools.

Karen Grant, Secretary of the Friends of Highbury and Whitehill Schools said, "We're really excited to get together with the other PTAs again. And really excited to have secondary schools involved.

"It's a great chance for families to get to stock up for September cheaply and prevent clothing from ending up in the bin." 

Eco Day, Market Square, Saturday, July 15, 10am-2pm

Pre-loved Uniform Sale, Hitchin Boy's School, Saturday 15th July, 930am-130pm

Shop Small Market, Hitchin Town Hall, Saturday, July 15, 1030am-5pm