ABOUT

Surplus food distribution charity FareShare Sussex & Surrey were looking to expand its refrigerated vehicle fleet in Brighton with a four-wheeled, pedal-powered zero-emission e-cargo bike and electric vans. They wanted the new bike to look the part and turn heads, with livery reflecting its function as well as advertising its superlative environmental credentials. Switching to electric significantly reduces their carbon footprint and cuts the emission levels released compared to their previous diesel vans. The pioneering e-bike, the first of its kind in the UK, is already turning heads, thanks to the clean-lined graphics and fresh, original illustrations on its striking green and white wrap.

The brief
The artwork needed to act as an advertisement for the electric vehicle project, conveying the message of sustainability and zero-carbon emissions whilst raising awareness of food waste.

FareShare Sussex & Surrey encouraged me to look at the two competition entry designs and incorporate some of their ideas into my illustrations. I loved George's hungry tum’ slogan and liked the simplicity of the ‘to-the-point food items and the white space. I liked the duo-color approach of Tamsin’s design. So rather than the illustration telling a story, I opted for an eye-catching design that could be grasped within seconds, as the e-bike whizzes past. The solution
The resulting wrap reflects the e-cargo bike’s function and the fact that less food will now go to waste in Brighton – with no negative impact on the environment.

The e-bike’s delivery was delayed, but the four-wheeled, pedal powered zero-emission e-cargo bike was eventually launched at Brighton’s Bevy community Pub in February 2021. They provide Bevy Meals on Wheels service to local people.

They later also approached me to use the wraps for their vans. The project ran from 2021 and the vans were finally delivered last month (2023).
In the first year, their electric vans and cargo bike saved 2806KG of direct Carbon Dioxide. (See Impact report here.

Telling the story on a mural
I have also worked on a mural for the FareShare Sussex offices to cheer up their volunteers. I am looking forward to hearing the volunteer's feedback.

All of this work for FareShare Sussex& Surrey has been undertaken as a volunteer and without charge, as I feel it is such a very relevant and impactful organisation, especially in a big city like Brighton. The FS team are phenomenal and their volunteers just amazing.