Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated on its National Waste Prevention Programme activities in 2017.
Ireland’s National Waste Prevention Programme (NWPP) supports homeowners, businesses and other sectors to prevent waste and use resources more efficiently. It’s a Government of Ireland initiative funded by the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment and led by the EPA.
The NWPP has been operating since 2004 and delivers a suite of initiatives and supports to reduce wasteful consumption of material, water and energy resources by changing behaviours in businesses, households and the public sector.
For businesses, it seeks to enhance competitiveness and reduce business costs by delivering programmes that stimulate resource efficiency and the circular economy.
Highlights from the National Waste Prevention Programme in 2017 include:
- Ireland’s Food Waste Charter signed and launched.
- 300 households completed Stop Food Waste Challenges.
- 21 local authorities were funded to run 34 community waste prevention initiatives.
- €1.3 million in savings identified through Greenbusiness.ie.
- 260 businesses used the online Tool for REsource Efficiency (TREE).
- 3,000 tonnes of materials reused through SMILE Resource Exchange.
- 150 of Ireland’s largest water users collaborated on water saving.
- Case Studies and Best Practice Guidance for hospital waste use were published.
- 38 Smart Farmers saved costs, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and shared their experiences.
- 2,400 farmers safely disposed of 177 tonnes of hazardous wastes.
- Over 10,000 items exchanged on FreeTrade Ireland.
- repairmystuff.ie developed to promote local repair services.
Dr Eimear Cotter, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Sustainability, said: “The National Waste Prevention Programme delivers initiatives and supports to promote Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon, circular economy and provide leadership on national priorities such as food waste prevention.
“In 2017, €1.8 million was invested in resource efficiency and the sustainable use of resources in Ireland. By being clever about what we make and being careful about how we use the goods and services in our lives, we can save raw materials and reduce waste while maintaining a good lifestyle.
“In 2017, the EPA supported reuse activities through the Community Reuse Network of Ireland, including piloting a reuse quality mark, ReMark, which aims to strengthen consumer confidence in reused goods.”
Dr Shane Colgan, EPA Senior Manager said: “The European Commission’s Circular Economy Action Plan and revised waste legislation will require Ireland to change consumption and production practices. The work of the National Waste Prevention Programme plays a key role in building Ireland’s response in this area by providing leadership in innovative ways to keep the added value in products for as long as possible and eliminate wastage.”
