October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month, where the aim is to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more in every aspect of your life.

For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them, or borrowing books from your local library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we can begin to prioritise repair and reuse this October. Why not try to buy second-hand, upcycle something, borrow, swap and refill. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste –all of which cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions. Why not make a commitment to reuse as many things as possible to save the environment this October?

Councillor Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council officially launched National Reuse Month on Friday 24th September. Joining her at the launch Mr. Brendan Daly Principal of FCJ Secondary Bunclody, Ms. Samantha Hughes, Green School Co-ordinator and their student water ambassadors.

Speaking at the launch Councillor Barbara-Anne said,

“Reuse Month is about inspiring people to make use of the items that may otherwise go to waste. Reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. At times we forget to consider where things came from or went to after we use them – never mind the environmental consequences of using up primary resources and dumping waste. Reuse is good for the environment and good for your pocket. I encourage all residents of County Wexford to get involved in national Reuse Month”

Also present at the launch, Cliona Connolly, Environmental Awareness Officer, Wexford County Council, added,

“Throughout October we invite everyone, whether a school, sports club, community group or business, to join us for Reuse Month. Maybe you want to attend a workshop or take part in a competition. We have initiatives to suit everyone this year, from how to encourage reuse and cut out disposable plastics at your sports club or school to upcycling everything from fashion to furniture. All of our events are now listed on www.wexfordcoco.ie “

Upcoming local events

7th October 2021: Refill workshop for Secondary Schools (click here to see details of the competition tied in with this) https://waterford.submit.com/

19th October 2021: Conscious Cup workshop for businesses, Tidy Towns groups and others

21st October 2021: Furniture Upcycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy of The Revamp Tramp

October: Fast Fashion Presentation and Teachers Resource available free to all Secondary Schools in County Wexford.

2nd November 2021: Sustainable Living. This is a 2 hour workshop that helps people find easy and enjoyable ways to move towards more sustainable living. It outlines some easy switches to make, key areas that have to be done like avoiding chemicals. The course is lively and interactive and also covers 3 craft topics so people can make their own soap, make their own wax wraps and make their own biodegradable pots by the end of the session. With Aoife Munn, Environmentalist and Horticulturist with a focus on sustainability through practical learning. Register now for this event at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/sustainable-living-2hr-workshop-sponsored-by-wexford-county-council-tickets-177372715567

Also this Reuse Month: Sports Club Competition – for more information on how to reduce plastics at your sport club, see www.wexfordcoco.ie