Tag: circular economy
WMO State of Global Climate Report
Article by ZWAI member Patrick Meighan Background The World Meteorological Organisation has released its annual State of Global Climate report for 2024. According to the WMO, “clear signs of human-induced climate change have reached new heights in 2024.” The report examined several key climate indicators, many of which reached record levels. It also highlights the…
Radio Interview: The Importance of Recycling Nitrates and Phosphorus
ZWAI’s Ollan Herr was featured on LMFM’s Late Lunch Monday show! A big thank you to Gerry Kelly for the fantastic interview and for providing a great platform to discuss one of ZWAI’s key issues—recycling nitrates and phosphorus to prevent algal blooms in lakes and rivers and reduce water pollution. At ZWAI, we are committed…
Toxic Threads: How Shein and Temu’s Cheap Fashion Is Poisoning You and Our Planet
As we all know, the appeal of ultra-fast fashion has taken the world by storm, with brands like Shein and Temu offering trendy clothing at incredibly low prices. We’ve previously discussed the environmental impact of these companies, but there’s more to the story. Beneath the surface of these fashionable bargains lies a concerning reality: Hazardous…
Wasted Opportunity: Gaps in Ireland’s New Programme for Government
Ireland’s latest Programme for Government, which has just been ratified, presents a roadmap for tackling pressing issues like waste management and promoting a circular economy. However, upon further inspection we noticed one striking omission from the document: The complete absence of figures or quantifiable targets. The commitments largely focus on maintaining existing goals, with very…
Kerry’s Wise Wool Project Tackles Ireland’s Wool Waste with Community Workshops
Blog by ZWAI member Zihan Zheng Ireland produces nearly 7,000 tonnes of wool annually, most of which goes unused and is classified as a “Category 3 waste product.” For decades, Irish sheep farmers have been told their wool is worthless—it costs more to shear a sheep than to sell its fleece. Synthetic fibers, often cheaper…
Reducing Food Waste: A Key to a Sustainable Future
Food waste is not just an environmental issue; it’s an ethical, economic, and societal challenge that demands immediate attention. At the Green Gather Food Event in Westmeath, ZWAI highlighted the staggering statistics and practical solutions to tackle this crisis during a talk by one our Vice Chairperson, Jack O’Sullivan. The Problem ZWAI’s Call to Action…
A Continent of Waste: Reflections
In reflecting on this insightful article by @Jack O’Sullivan, titled “A Continent of Waste,” we are reminded of his long-standing commitment to the principles of zero waste and circular design – a vision he has championed since the inception of the Zero Waste Alliance Ireland, alongside fellow founders who shared this pioneering spirit. Written in…
How Shein Quickly Became Fast Fashion’s Biggest Polluter
With Halloween around the corner, we have a frightening topic to bring to our readers. That is, the scary truth about every everyone’s favourite “fashion” brand: Shein. A recent article from Grist has highlighted Shein’s troubling rise as the world’s biggest fast-fashion polluter, a distinction it has earned through relentless production practices that push waste…
Waste Incineration and the Triple Planetary Crisis
The practice of waste incineration, often touted as an effective waste management solution, is contributing to what is now recognised as the triple planetary crisis: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. By burning waste, incinerators release greenhouse gases and toxic pollutants, worsening air quality and driving global warming. This method also discourages sustainable practices like…
ZWAI Joins Forces with Coldplay to Champion Sustainability at Dublin Concerts
Submitted by: Nazia Naheed Husain, ZWAI Member and Volunteer at the Coldplay Concert In a monumental collaboration that underscores the growing synergy between music and environmental activism, ZWAI had the unique opportunity to participate in Coldplay’s highly anticipated Dublin concerts, held at Croke Park from August 29 to September 2, 2024. The partnership, facilitated by…
ZWAI at Coldplay: Featured in Westmeath Topic on 22nd August 2024
We were delighted to be featured in Westmeath Topic on the 22nd of August. Thanks to Lorraine Murphy and the rest of the folks at Westmeath Topic!
Dereliction in Ireland: Wasted Opportunity Beyond the Housing Crisis
Ireland’s housing crisis is a well documented and widely discussed issue. However, there’s a less talked-about aspect that compounds the problem: the significant amount of waste associated with the derelict properties scattered across the country. These neglected buildings are not just a visual blight; they represent a massive waste of resources that could otherwise be…
