Government policy is moving towards achieving a 'circular economy', where resources are re-used or recycled as much as possible, and the generation of waste is minimised.
The circular economy is an alternative to today’s ‘take-make-waste’ economy where great quantities of natural resources are extracted to make things that may be used only once before being thrown away.
The circular economy is not a brand-new idea, in fact many circular activities are already commonplace. Things like using a reusable cup for a coffee on the go, donating to a charity shop, or having a pair of shoes repaired instead of throwing them away are all simple examples of extending a product’s lifespan through re-use and/or repair.
However, achieving the full benefits of the circular economy requires more than action at the individual level, it requires the right mix of government policy and regulation, new business models and new systems of production.
Find out more about Circular Living:
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) The EPA-led Circular Economy Programme 2021-2027 is driving Ireland’s move to a circular economy and the programme supports the whole of government Circular Economy Strategy. The Programme supports waste prevention and circularity in seven priority areas packaging, plastics, textiles, food, construction, electronics and ICT and batteries and vehicles.
The Rediscovery Centre is the National Centre for the Circular Economy in Ireland. A creative movement connecting people, ideas and resources to support greener low-carbon living.
CIRCULÉIRE is the National Platform for Circular Manufacturing, taking manufacturers and their supply-chains on a journey from linear to circular business models.
Repair My Stuff is a free online directory for repair services across Ireland, aiming to make it easier for the consumer to find and avail of these services.
Find out more about how the government is building the Circular Economy
