Winners of the Southampton Boat Show 2022 environmental award

On Friday 16th of September, on the first day of the Southampton Boat Show 2022, boatfolk were announced as the winners of the shows Environmental Award. Awarded by Mike Golding, professional sailor, multiple world champion and global record breaker, the award recognises exceptional exhibitors who have truly embraced environmentally responsible behaviour and sustainable work practices both at the boat show and outside. Based on the continued dedication to sustainable practices there was a unanimous agreement amongst the judges that boatfolk were deserving of the award.  

As an organisation, boatfolk show ongoing dedication to raising awareness of environmental issues and actions that can be taken both within the boating community and within wider society. As part of this, the boatfolk stand at the show features a dedicated stage to welcome various sustainability partners who are speaking throughout the week. Our aim is to educate and inspire visitors to the boatfolk stand to pursue positive environmental change growing forward, encouraging involvement with charities and projects who are already making a positive impact.

Our guest speakers this year include the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Challenge Wales who are speaking about ocean literacy, The Seahorse Trust, and a representative from the Studland Bay Marine Partnership who will be raising awareness about the planned installation of eco-moorings at Studland Bay whilst encouraging public feedback on the scheme.

In addition to our guest speakers, we have also opted to take a sustainable approach to our presence on the stand. Opting to work with sustainable suppliers including Sea Change Wine who have strong environmental credentials and demonstrate a clear dedication to supporting environmental causes, as well as opting for paperless alternatives to forms, brochures, and flyers in order to further reduce our environmental impact.  

To find out more about boatfolk's sustainability initiatives please click here.