Circular Economy

Image

Circular Economy

Circular Economy is a production and consumption model which involves reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and products to keep materials within the economy wherever possible.

A Circular Economy means that waste will itself become a resource, consequently minimising the actual amount of waste. Prevention of waste asks for reducing packaging and increase longevity of a product. It is generally the opposite to a traditional, linear economic strategy, which is based on ‘take-make-consume-throw away'.

Moving towards a more circular economy will deliver benefits, including reduced pressure on the environment, better security on raw materials supply, more green innovation for product design and packaging such as making it biodegradable and recyclable, and growth of jobs to make economy more sustainable. 

Reusing ensures that goods like clothing, appliances or furniture, stay in use and out of waste long as possible. It includes trading or swapping, for example in charity shops, second hand stores or online, repairing, borrowing, leasing and upcycling. Some examples include buying second-hand furniture, repairing your laptop instead of buying a new one, or using a bike-share service.

Repair My Stuff.ie is Ireland's leading online repair directory committed to supporting small businesses that offer repair services in their local community and acts as a central hub on the web for all repair related queries.

There are also many Freecycle/Zero Waste Facebook groups allow you to give your unwanted items away free to others, and to request something that you need. This not only helps in minimising waste but also conserves resources and lessens the strain on our landfills, in addition to providing support to local charitable organisations. The list below is not exhaustive:

Food waste is a global problem that has environmental, social and economic consequences. Tackling food waste is one of the key steps we can take to achieve sustainability, to help combat climate change, and to support the transition to a circular economy and bioeconomy. Visit the Food Waste, Brown Bin & Composting (LINK) page for comprehensive information on minimising food waste and repurposing it effectively.

Further information:

General Scheme of the Circular Economy Bill 2021 (www.gov.ie)

Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2022 (irishstatutebook.ie)

National Food Waste Prevention Roadmap 2023-2025 (www.gov.ie)