Circular Economy GrantsThe development of zero waste fashion, carbon clubs, eco mattresses, recycling of inhalers and green apps are among a wide range of community projects which are becoming a reality after receiving Circular Economy funding. They are being backed through a round of grants from The Community Foundation for Ireland and the Environmental Protection Agency which are encouraging communities to look at ways of cutting down waste by giving goods and products a new life. Funding of €100,000 is being provided under two strands, the first to build awareness through innovative online campaigns, the second to maintain sustainability despite the challenges of Covid-19. It is estimated that more than 1 million people will be reached and asked to look at their habits. Projects #WasteToWear. A pilot project will be developed with young people to champion the reuse, repurposing and redesign to cut down fashion waste. This project will be used as a model on how to tap into the talent and creativity of young people and cut down the use of textiles and waste. The project is being developed by ReCreate Ireland. How Food Grows. Developed in Waterford this online course aims to increase awareness about where our food comes from, and how more of us could grow our own. Funding will be used to build on the popularity of an existing online course which attracted over 7,000 participants, with 93% growing food successfully. Cobh Zero Waste. An alliance of local organisations is determined to make the town of Cobh a Zero Waste Municipality by 2030 and for the surrounding Great Island in Cork Harbour to be Carbon Free by 2040. Funding is being provided to support local outreach and increase awareness of the switch to full local Circular Economy. No Plastic. Period. This is a new campaign by VOICE aimed at tackling the huge amounts of plastic waste produced by disposable menstrual products. The aims to prevent waste by raising awareness of reusable alternatives through workshops delivered in schools, community groups and a train the trainer course in universities. Carrickmacross Toy Library. Ireland’s first toy library is being supported to meet overheads as it continues to promote ‘borrow not buy’ for children up to six-years old in the local area. Since opening in September 2020 the library is already reporting a change in attitudes among young families. It is estimated that 1,000 children and parents will benefit from this funding. Eco Mattress Recycling in Dublin. A project which deconstructs mattresses in a way which is friendly to the environment and reuses the various elements is being supported to increase awareness by improving its presence online. There will be a particular focus on promoting the carbon footprint savings of the operation. Inhaler Recycling. Irish Doctors for the Environment is being supported to promote a national roll out of an inhaler recycling scheme. The group is being funded to increase awareness of a pilot project in Dublin so that a national network of drop off points can be developed. Inhalers are made up mostly of recyclable metal and plastic. In addition a number of local communities are being supported to increase awareness on environmental measures, including recycling, combatting waste and the development of carbon clubs aiming to cut the footprint of a local area. Welcoming the grants, Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of The Community Foundation for Ireland said: “Taking climate action is often about being imaginative – and these grants show there is no shortage of ideas, creativity and energy in communities when it comes to meeting the greatest challenge of our times. It is clear the Circular Economy is becoming a reality for many people. Each of the actions outlined not only improves local communities but also as a country brings us closer to meeting our international commitments, not least the Strategic Development Goals.” Sharon Finegan, Director of Office of Environmental Sustainability in the EPA added: “In a circular economy, nothing is wasted and material resources are valued. These innovative projects will increase awareness of the circular economy at community level and show how new ways of doing things can have a real impact. Demonstration projects at local level have the potential to scale up to national level where successful and the EPA looks forward to working with Community Foundation Ireland to support these projects.” ENDS Strand 1
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