This reuse month, householders and businesses are being encouraged to reuse more, as less than five percent of disposed items are reused.
In light of this figure, Ireland’s three waste management offices (Eastern/Midlands, Connacht/Ulster and Southern ) supported by Ireland’s 31 local authorities, have one clear aim during this October’s 'Reuse Month', that is to make people and businesses aware of how they already reuse goods, while inspiring them to do just that little bit more.
The Community Reuse Network Ireland (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.
At the launch of 'Reuse Month' in Roscommon, Minister for Communications, Climate Action & Environment, Deputy 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 habits of buying second hand and upcycled, prioritising repair, borrowing, swapping and refilling. We all do it to some degree and by doing a little bit more we are benefiting our whole community and environment,” Deputy Naughten noted.
CRNI is the all-Ireland representative body for community based reuse, recycling and waste prevention organisations. Its members 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 resulting in a turnover of more than €80 million.
'Reuse Month' commences with the CRNI conference 'Everyday Reuse - Engaging Consumers & Business' on September 27, in the Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin. For a full list of events during 'Reuse Month' and further tips on how to reuse more see www.reusemonth.ie
