Borro at the MMU Summer Sustainability Festival
Borro at the MMU Summer Sustainability Festival: Connecting over Cups, Community & Climate Action at Manchester Metropolitan University
Last week, our Borro team joined the 4th annual SES Sustainability Festival at Manchester Metropolitan University and what a brilliant day it was!
A Day Full of Inspiration and Action
The festival buzzed with energy, filled with stalls, workshops, and people actively making change happen. From discussions on nature and food to talks about circular living and community climate action, the programme offered practical ways to build a greener, fairer future together.
Sharing the Borro Mission
We were there to spread the word about Borro, Manchester’s returnable cup scheme that helps people ditch single-use packaging in a simple, convenient way. Throughout the day, we spoke to students, staff, and community groups about how something as easy as borrowing a cup can still make a real difference.
And spoiler alert- lots of people really do want to do the right thing. They just need it to be simple, accessible, and rewarding.
Meeting Local Changemakers
One of the best parts of the festival was connecting with other passionate groups from across Greater Manchester who are already taking action. Here are just a few we loved chatting with:
- Renew Hub– Giving pre-loved items a new lease of life and creating local jobs in Trafford Park.
- Organic North – Championing sustainable, organic wholesale food supply chains.
- Recycle for Greater Manchester – Supporting circular economy projects at the grassroots level.
- Prestwich & Whitefield Environmental Forums – Leading local action on environmental issues.
- People Place Planet Didsbury – A growing community group tackling local climate challenges.
These conversations reminded us that so many people care, and many are already getting stuck in. What they need are simple, low-hassle ways to join in.
That’s Where Borro Comes In
With Borro, there’s no need to remember a reusable cup, feel guilty for forgetting, or throw another cup in the bin. Just borrow a cup, return it when it suits you, and repeat. It really can be that easy.
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
A huge thanks to MMU for having us and to everyone who stopped by our stall for a chat. We loved hearing your ideas, feedback, and enthusiasm.
Curious about how Borro began in Manchester? Read our launch blog post to discover how the scheme got started and what inspired it.
Want to see where Borro pops up next?
Come say hi on Instagram: @borro_org
