Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Paul Gogarty launched the Eastern-Midlands Waste Region programme of events for National Reuse Month in the South Dublin County Council Offices, Tallaght on Tuesday the 3rd of October 2017
Reuse Month is a nationwide initiative coordinated by the three Regional Waste Management Offices and involving nationwide series of events to run throughout the month.
Speaking at the launch Mayor Gogarty said “I am delighted that South Dublin County Council is launching Reuse Month for the Eastern Midlands Waste region. Reuse Month is an important initiative that promotes reuse and waste reduction, which in turn decreases the amount of materials going to landfill and helps conserve precious resources. Education and awareness are important aspects of Reuse month and with this in mind there are many wonderful and interesting reuse events being carried out across Ireland. Today, South Dublin County has a fashion skills and upcycling workshop, along with book exchanges in County Hall and Clondalkin Civic Offices and vintage displays which show that just because something is old doesn’t mean it can’t still be used and be fashionable. Reuse month aims to make people more consumer conscious and encourages people to look at everyday items that can be reused in another way”.
Co-ordinator of the Eastern-midlands Regional Waste Office, Hugh Coughlan, said “Waste policy has progressed over the past two decades and at the same time the economic and social potential of waste as a resource has been recognised. Making better use of this valuable resource involves reusing materials wherever possible and prioritising the reuse of such material over recycling, recovery and disposal.”
National Reuse Month is an annual initiative to raise awareness about the economic and environmental benefits of reusing everyday items and materials that would otherwise go to waste. Throughout October, there will be local and regional workshops and events all over Ireland to promote ways for families, businesses and communities to reuse. Donating, refurbishing and repairing items are all forms of reuse and offer people a chance to save or make money, get creative, learn a new skill and do their bit for the environment.
The launch also featured a fashion skills workshop from eco-designer Carrie-Ann Moran of the Rediscovery Centre. The workshop taught participants basic skills to update and make the most of their existing wardrobe and so cutting down on fast fashion purchases.
Reuse initiatives reduce the volume of waste being discarded while also conserving natural resources, energy and water. Reuse also offers significant economic benefits by creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Events and activities taking place during October for National Reuse Month include fashion and furniture upcycling workshops, local information events, fashion shows with local charity shops, business events, art workshops and many, many more.
For full details of events happening during National Reuse Month, check out your Local Authority’s website or that of the Eastern Midlands Waste Region (www.emwr.ie ).
