National Reuse Month begins today, as Householders & Businesses are Encouraged to Reuse more at Home, at Work and at Play
– Reuse businesses, charities and organisations sustained more than 800 jobs, 350 job scheme training positions & 7,600 voluntary positions in 2017.
– National Reuse Month takes place from October 1 to 31, 2018.
It is estimated that Irish households reuse less than 5% of the amount of waste discarded every year, but some savvy shopping in Ireland’s many high quality charity shops could help increase that figure while significantly decreasing the cost of that special outfit this National Reuse Month.
Beginning this Monday, October 1, 2018, National Reuse Month was developed by Ireland’s three Waste Management Offices (Connacht/Ulster, Eastern/Midlands, and Southern) in conjunction with Ireland’s 31 local authorities. Its aims is to encourage people to reuse everyday items as often as possible, while also considering alternative options to buying new items that might only be used once.
Sinéad Ní Mhainnín Waste Prevention Officer with the Connacht Ulster Regional Waste Management Office said, “Reuse Month opens up the possibilities of borrowing, repurposing or purchasing good quality reused goods. Special Reuse events, seminars and information points take place throughout every region and county this October, and will provide people with the skills, tools and know how to reuse more.”
The Irish Charity Shops Association (ICSA) has long been an advocate of donating and purchasing good quality reused goods.
Linda Ward, ICSA Secretary said, ”Charity shops are an important part of the retail landscape in villages, towns and cities in every county in Ireland. Our members’ shops generated €64 million in revenue in 2017 and our membership is growing as more charities realise the benefits of charity retailing.
“ICSA member shops provide economic, social and environmental benefits. We provide well priced high quality goods to the consumer and all money raised goes towards funding essential services across a range of areas in communities nationwide. We provide social employment, upskilling and training as well as many volunteering opportunities. Clothing, books, furniture and homeware is reused and given a new lease of life, thereby reducing waste and is hugely beneficial to our environment.”
The ICSA is a member of the The Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI).
CRNI member reused an estimated 20,400 tonnes of goods last year and recycled over 57,000 tonnes. Their efforts sustained more than 800 jobs, 350 job scheme training positions and 7,600 voluntary positions.
Claire Downey CRNI Executive said, “It is estimated that we disposed or recycled 2.5 million tonnes of waste in 2014*, making our reuse rate less than 1% of that total. Even if five times this amount was reused, taking account of any online exchanges, vintage stores, swap sites or car boot sales not included in the CRNI study, it still indicates that less than 5% of all of the goods we throw away are actually reused.”
Supporting Reuse Month Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment Denis Naughten said, “People already reuse items as part of their everyday lives, at home, at work and at play. For example many people have their favourite shoes resoled rather than replacing them, borrow books from the library, or share tools and equipment when doing jobs around the house.
“These habits all avoid the need to manufacture and distribute new products and cuts down on waste, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions. National Reuse Month is about growing these habit of buying second hand and upcycled, prioritising repair, borrowing, swapping and refilling. We all do it to some degree, by doing a little bit more we are benefiting our whole community and environment,” he added.
* The most recent EPA statistics available.
Reuse Month: During the month of October, reusemonth.ie will showcase reuse in everyday life “At Home, At Work and At Play”. It will provide ideas on how individuals, communities and businesses can reuse with easy to apply online tips or by getting involved in special events taking place all over Ireland. Information will also be available in community and public buildings, online and in the media. For a full list of events in your area see: www.reusemonth.ie
CRNI: Community Reuse Network Ireland is an all-island organisation supporting repair, reuse and recycling businesses, with a focus on social enterprises and highlighting the benefits from the environmental, social and economic benefits of reuse to the community.
CRNI is directing Reuse Month events, seminars and information points throughout every region and county, which will provide people with the skills, tools and know how to reuse more.
ICSA: The Irish Charity Shops Association is the umbrella organisation for registered charities who operate shops to fundraise for their causes. Our 40 charity members operate over 450 shops nationwide, the proceeds of which help to fund much needed services in many communities nationwide.