Why Sustainability Is Important To Me.

“For me [Penny, Co-Owner of Folkerton Mill], sustainability is a commitment to make conscious choices about the things that are within my control, and lead by example for my children and fellow business owners.”

Personal Values and Background

My passion for sustainability began as a lifelong interest but became a defining aspect of my life and the way I live during my academic studies. I studied Marine Biology at university and went on to complete a PhD on the effects of climate change on marine calcifying organisms. The in-depth knowledge that I gained during my studies made me acutely aware of the importance of making conscious decisions daily to help protect our planet — whether it’s recycling, reusing, upcycling, or reducing plastic waste, on a personal level it is all about the little things that we can do as individuals that will help to make a difference.   Climate change, global plastic waste and other big environmental issues are known as "wicked problems" due to their extreme complexity, global interconnectedness, and the numerous stakeholders required to be involved to find a solution.  If I start to think about how and what would need to be done to find solutions to all the big environmental issues it becomes completely over whelming.  I remember during my PhD we would have a weekly meeting where everyone in the lab would get together to talk about science, results and experiments.  There was never any positive news at that meeting and the science painted a very grim picture for the future.  I always felt quite deflated after the meeting, and I think it was at this point that I consciously made a decision to focus on the things that I had control of and the things that I could do as an individual that were positive and good for the planet.  Understanding the science and the severity of climate change has instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility to protect our planet and make conscious choices that align with that responsibility.  

As a Mum

Sustainability is a cornerstone of my family life. I actively teach my children the importance of composting, reusing, and avoiding waste. We embrace buying pre-loved items, showing that joy and value can be found in second-hand treasures while helping the planet. By engaging in debates and discussions about how the world works, in terms of biology and science, and why it’s crucial to look after the Earth, I aim to instil a sense of respect and love for our environment in my children. It’s about making sustainability a natural part of their lives—something they’ll carry into adulthood.

The rewards of these practices are immense. Not only do we feel good about our contributions, but my children also develop a love and respect for the planet by participating in activities like growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables. This connection to nature and being outside is beneficial for their mental health and allows them to see first-hand the value of a healthy natural environment, and the excitement of visiting pre-loved shops often means they get more for their money. Watching my little girl’s eyes light up in a pre-loved shop where she can get so much with her pocket money is a joy that money can’t buy.

Photographs: Penny (co-owner of Folkerton Mill) on the RSS James Cook researching the impact of climate change on deep sea coral, Penny & Scott (married co-owners of Folkerton Mill) with the children up a mountain, Penny graduating from Glasgow University as a Dr. (PhD)

 As a Wedding Venue/Business Owner

At our wedding venue, Scott and I have implemented numerous sustainable practices. We recycle and reuse everything, from building materials to decorations. For instance, the wood from the tables used at our wedding was repurposed to create the floor in our office. We prioritise repairs over replacements and let parts of our garden grow wild to support local biodiversity. We’re fully electric and have installed infra-red heaters to heat our buildings. All waste is either recycled or composted, and we include a bus in our wedding package to reduce the number of cars at the venue. We even supply natural confetti, and we proudly serve locally sourced drinks to minimise environmental impact of stocking the bar and also promote and support some of the very best Scottish and British makers.

Our sustainability ethos is something that is often important to our clients, but our focus around sustainability is about the way we run our business, and we love and welcome all weddings. When asked, we do offer advice and guidance, and a lot of our clients embrace the natural beauty of our venue, reducing the need (and cost!) for additional decor. We also make wedding décor items no longer required by couples available for other couples to up-cycle and re-use.   We have an endless supply of empty gin/ wine/ beer bottles and jam jars that look amazing with flowers on the tables.   

Clients have positively noted our sustainable practices, appreciating our commitment to protecting the environment while providing a beautiful venue for their special day.

Photographs: The courtyard at Folkerton Mill with some of our free range ducks (pets not food!), the naturally beautiful ceremony area under the Silver Birch at Folkerton Mill, Penny and Scott (married co-owners of Folkerton Mill).

Impact and Inspiration

Our commitment to sustainability has shown that it’s possible to create a successful wedding venue business while minimising our environmental impact. By starting small and making sustainable practices habitual, we’ve demonstrated that every effort counts. My advice to other business owners and parents is to begin with small changes and build from there. Research, thoughtful spending, and conscious choices can lead to better, more sustainable practices. 

Future Goals

Looking ahead, I aspire to become a leading advocate and trendsetter for sustainability in the wedding industry. I hope to offer advice on best practices and building a environmentally conscious business. The increasing focus on sustainability is exciting, and I am optimistic about the future as more businesses embrace environmentally friendly practices.  For me, sustainability is a commitment to make conscious choices about the things that are within my control, and lead by example for my children and fellow business owners.