Wexford County Council is asking for the public’s help in ensuring the county’s beaches, parks and beauty spots are amongst the cleanest in Ireland this summer, as the local authority launches a new waste and litter prevention campaign: Green Your Picnic. 

Key to the campaign is the assistance of the people of the Model County in keeping millions of single use cups, bottles and cutlery from ending up in the waste system or as litter. 

• Wexford County Council is asking for the public’s assistance to make Wexford the cleanest county in Ireland this summer through the Green Your Picnic campaign.
• More than 2.25 million single use plastic bottle and cups are used in Ireland each Bank Holiday Weekend; refill cups and bottles can significantly reduce this waste.

Each day in Ireland more than half a million single use coffee cups and close to a quarter of a million single use plastic bottles are used, the equivalent of 2.25 million single use cups and bottles over a bank holiday weekend. 

Removing single use items from family picnics and bench dining with friends would significantly reduce Ireland’s waste output.  

By reducing single use items for picnics and outdoor events this summer, staycationers and day-trippers will also reduce the amount of litter brought home for disposal. 

Cathaoirleach of Wexford County Council, Cllr Ger Carthy explained,

“The Summer months of June, July and August 2021 will see an increase number of people holidaying at home, taking day trips and visiting all public amenities in the county. As evidenced from the Summer of 2020, these staycations will result in pressure on waste disposal at these locations.”  

“We are asking people therefore to bring their litter home with them after they have enjoyed the many beautiful outdoor sites Wexford has to offer, and to use reusable items wherever and whenever possible. Leaving no trace and reducing the amount of single use items is not difficult and in fact can be quite fun. Over the coming weeks Wexford County Council will run a campaign on media and social media, as well as a number of workshops outlining some simple ways we can all make a difference this summer, while also having many stress free, memorable trips throughout the county.” 

Environmental Awareness Officer with Wexford County Council Cliona Connolly said,

“Simply using reusable cups and bottles is a great way to minimise the amount of waste generated. It is worth noting that reusables were not banned during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government policy continues to promote contactless coffee and advocates for reusable options. There are also a number of free tap water points in businesses, public buildings and outdoor locations across the county thanks to Refill Ireland. This saves us all from bringing large bottles of single use bottled water with us on our day trips, allowing us to fill up as we go.”

As part of this Green Your Picnic campaign Wexford County Council will host a series of online workshops from Tuesday June 15 to Thursday June 17, 2021. 

Speakers from Refill Ireland, Conscious Cup and Leave No Trace will advise on some tips and hints that will help people to pack their picnic and plan their day out with minimal fuss and waste.

“By following these simple tips and life hacks holiday makers and day trippers can help protect Wexford/Waterford’s beauty spots from litter and reduce unnecessary waste, all the while saving money, supporting small businesses and improving their outdoor experience,” said Ms Connolly.