Ireland targets circularity after receiving Circular Economy funding

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and The Community Foundation for Ireland have partnered to encourage communities to look at ways of cutting down waste and fund a number of initiatives that’ll support the circular economy in areas like fashion, food, and toys.

A wide range of community projects is becoming a reality after receiving Circular Economy funding today, including zero waste fashion, carbon clubs, eco mattresses, inhaler recycling, and green apps.

A total of €100,000 has been allocated to two strands of work: the first is to raise awareness through innovative online campaigns, and the second is to ensure long-term sustainability despite Covid-19’s problems. More than 1 million people are expected to be contacted and urged to examine their habits.

One of the initiatives to receive support is called WasteToWear. To reduce fashion waste, a pilot project will be established with young people to promote reuse, repurposing, and redesign. This initiative will serve as an example for utilizing young people’s ability and creativity while reducing the usage of fabrics and waste. ReCreate Ireland is in charge of the project’s development.

Another initiative is called Eco Mattress Recycling in Dublin. This initiative deconstructs mattresses in an environmentally responsible manner and reuses the various components is being sponsored in order to raise awareness by enhancing its web presence. A special emphasis will be placed on boosting the operation’s carbon footprint reduction.

In addition, a number of local communities are being helped to raise awareness about environmental issues such as recycling, waste reduction, and the formation of carbon clubs aimed at reducing a community’s carbon footprint.

The Community Foundation for Ireland’s Chief Executive, Denise Charlton, said that taking climate action frequently requires imagination, and these funds demonstrate that communities have no shortage of ideas, ingenuity, or enthusiasm when it comes to tackling the greatest issue of our time. For many individuals, the Circular Economy is clearly becoming a reality. Each of the initiatives mentioned benefits local communities while also bringing the country closer to achieving its international obligations, not least the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sharon Finegan, Director of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, added that nothing is wasted in a circular economy, and material resources are appreciated. These ground-breaking projects will raise community understanding of the circular economy and demonstrate how new ways of doing things may have a meaningful impact. If successful, demonstration initiatives at the local level can be scaled up to the national level, and the EPA looks forward to working with Community Foundation Ireland to support these projects.