Celebrate with new no-waste sustainability initiative from Carlow Co Co
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A NEW sustainability initiative encouraging waste free celebrations has officially launched in Co Carlow, introducing a pilot reuseable party pack scheme available through selected community groups and Carlow library.
The Borrow, Use, Return project, developed by environmental awareness officers across the southern waste region, including Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Limerick, Kerry, Clare and Cork, aims to cut single use plastic and support the shift towards a more circular, climate friendly economy. The initiative is funded through the EPA National Waste Prevention Programme.
Following a strong response to a recent call-out for participants, a limited number of party packs have been distributed to chosen community organisations for this six month pilot phase. These groups will act as local lending hubs, sharing the packs among families and residents planning birthdays, school events, sports days, community gatherings and more. Participating organisations include Carlow library, Delta Centre, Hacketstown tidy towns, Develop Tullow Association, St Catherine’s Childcare, Tullow Road Residents’ Association, Absolute Beginners Creche, Co Carlow Environmental Network, Bagenalstown Improvement Group and the Cairdeas centre.
Each party pack serves up to 30 people and includes reuseable plates, cups, bowls, cutlery, jugs and vibrant bunting made by Community Reuse Network Ireland (CRNI) using upcycled textiles. All items are durable, washable and designed for repeated use within the community, helping to prevent unnecessary waste and reduce local waste management costs.
Residents borrow a pack, use it for their celebration, wash the items afterwards and return the lot, keeping resources in circulation and reducing the need for disposable party supplies.
Following the six month pilot, participating groups will provide feedback to help evaluate the scheme’s impact and determine whether a wider rollout will be possible, subject to funding and resources.
Alongside supplying reuseable items, the initiative also promotes eco friendly celebration ideas, such as digital invitations, reuseable decorations, activity based alternatives to party bags, fabric gift wrapping and sharing leftover treats in reuseable containers.
“Reusing everyday items is a positive climate action that we can all take,” said Dee Sewell, environmental awareness officer, Carlow Co Council. “This pilot project is helping Carlow communities, and throughout the regions, to celebrate together without the environmental impact or cost of single-use party products. It’s a practical example of circular living working at a local level, while keeping the joy of community celebrations at its heart.” Community groups that were not selected for this pilot will be able to express their interest in any future expansion of the scheme following evaluation later this year or, on request, they can be provided with a shopping list to enable them to purchase their own kits, if and when funding allows.
For updates, residents are encouraged to follow local newsletters and social media channels of participating organisations.
