Tag: zero waste
Are Our Hedgerows Being Misused and Wasted? A Missed Opportunity for Wildlife and the Environment
By ZWAI member Mary Rafferty Hedgerows are one of Ireland’s most important natural assets — but they are being mismanaged and underutilised. Poor cutting practices, declining traditional skills, and growing pressure to treat deadwood as fuel are combining to strip hedgerows of their true ecological value. This is not just a missed opportunity for wildlife…
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…
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…
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…
Zero Waste Halloween: Tips and Tricks for a Spooky Good Time
Halloween is all about fun costumes, sweet treats and festive decorations, but unfortunately, it’s also a holiday that generates a lot of waste. From single-use sweet wrappers to disposable decorations, Halloween can have a spooky impact on the environment. But fear not! With a few conscious choices, you can enjoy an eco-friendly, zero-waste Halloween that’s…
Addressing Ireland’s Nitrogen Crisis: Insights from our Meeting with the EU Commission
On Wednesday 18th September, our Vice Chairperson, Jack Coffey, met with the European Commission to discuss the submission we made in response to the public consultation in March of this year on the Nitrates Directive, as well as Ireland’s ongoing environmental challenges, particularly concerning nitrogen pollution and its broader impacts. The primary focus of the…
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!
“We Can All Do Our Bit”: Spotlight for ZWAI in Westmeath Topic Newspaper
One of our founding members, Jack O’Sullivan, was featured representing ZWAI in Westmeath Topic recently – one of Westmeath’s most popular weekly newspapers. Thank you to Lorraine Murphy for the wonderful interview and for featuring Jack and his zero waste tips! Always good to spread the zero waste message. The article is below: Click below…
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…
ZWAI Showcases Environmental Poetry Readings in ATD’s Creative Pathways to Participation Project
We were recently delighted to be included in All Together in Dignity’s Creative Pathways to Participation Project in which two of our members, Jack O’Sullivan and Craig Tobin Dower, included their environmental poetry. This project aims to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals through the lens of social inclusion, and is a collaborative effort…
