More Tipperary People Than Ever Are Signing Up To Reuse Month 2017

TEN local authorities, 23 events, 31 days, hundreds of books, thousands of reusable coffee cups plus any number of up-cycled clothes, furniture pieces and bicycles all add up to very little in terms of waste, but equate to a very busy Reuse Month 2017 in the Southern Region.

More people than ever are signing up for creative workshops, visiting inspiring exhibitions and investing in a reusable coffee cup or water bottle this October following the success of last year’s inaugural Reuse Month across the region’s ten local authorities.

Reuse Month is part of a nationwide initiative to change attitudes to old and disused objects, while encouraging people to repurpose, donate, sell or repair items.

Tipperary County Council is one of the ten local authorities hosting workshops, talks and demonstrations to inspire citizens to actively engage in reuse at a practical level.

Among the many events to be found on tipperarycoco.ie as part of Reuse Month 2017, will be a number of seminars workshops and events organised by Zero Waste Cashel for Thursday October 26, 2017.

The Green Business Seminar – Reducing Waste in your Business, will be held in Bru Boru, Cashel from 9.30am-12.30pm, while a Bicycle Repair Workshop will be up and running, as well as a Tool Swap led by the Cashel Scout Group. An Used Toy & Uniform Swap/Sale will also be held in Cashel involving the local schools.

There will also be thought provoking and creative displays in public spaces; reuse book boxes in libraries and public offices all across the county; and a social media campaign that will keep people informed and engaged through Facebook and Twitter

Pauline McDonogh Waste Prevention Officer with the SRWMO said, “Reuse Month 2017 is not just about signing up for workshops or dipping into the used book bins, although these are fun and worthwhile activities, Reuse Month 2017 is also about individuals engaging in even the smallest of actions that will ultimately result in less waste reaching our landfills.

“For example ditching the coffee cup and bottled water and investing in a reusable cup or bottle will have a huge impact on waste. Ireland’s Conscious Cup campaign estimates that 200 million disposable hot beverage cups are disposed of annually in this country, and the  Consciouscup move is currently asking for coffee and tea drinkers to pledge their support online.

“Popping into a local charity shop to have a browse is another enjoyable way of making a change, and you would be pleasantly surprised about the range of items and value to be had there. And why not declutter your own wardrobe to make space for the newly love items of clothing, by donating your  unwanted items to charity shops?”she asked.

“It’s also a good month for getting creative in the kitchen by planning meals and finding new ways to enjoy those leftovers,” added Ms McDonogh. One third of all food purchased by householders is thrown away which equates to €700 for the average household.

“During Reuse Month 2017 the local authorities in the  Southern Region Waste Management Office area are also providing plenty of tips for DIY and ideas for up-cycling old furniture through workshops and social media. Irish people currently reuse less than 2% of old bulky goods including furniture, with the majority of the remaining 98% going to landfill.

“October is also the month of the Halloween costume so there will be plenty of opportunities to put the new up-cycling skills to use in creating scary bespoke ensembles,” said the Waste Prevention Officer.

“Reuse Month 2017 is about highlighting how repurposing, reusing and reimagining uses for old goods is a fun, cost effective and interesting way to meet the targets set down under the Waste Framework Directive, and ultimately reduce waste going to landfill.

“And people really seem to be coming on board with repairing and repurposing old furniture, clothes, bicycles and so many other items. There is the beginning of a societal move towards reusing and against throwing away items that can have a purpose once again. One man’s trash really is another’s treasure,” concluded Ms McDonogh.