Welcome to the other side of the Equinox - with an extra hour of light for reading about all things reuse, repair and sharing!    

In Ireland this month, new research was published by the EPA on the Circular Economy and Bioeconomy Governance, as were some fantastic new community resources. FoodCloud Academy have launched a new webinar series to equip community partners with knowledge and tools to build sustainable food initiatives, and Change Clothes have also launched an online workshop series to help you create your own community-based clothing reuse initiative.

Further afield, the UK Environment Secretary last week announced plans for their circular transition. Even further afield in Estonia’s capital city of Tallinn, we learn that a second of 8 proposed circular economy centres is due to open in 2026.

Before we dive into news, events, and funding opportunities, we’d love to hear from you: What do you want to see in Circular Economy News? Let us know!

Happy reading!

• New Research Explores Circular Economy & Bioeconomy Policies in Ireland
  This research from the EPA highlights the need for stronger policies, leadership, and collaboration, with upcoming national strategies offering a chance to drive real impact. Read the report in full here.

• ‘Think Before You Skip It’ Reuse Campaign Launched by New Circular Economy Minister
  The ‘Think Before You Skip It’ campaign is encouraging all citizens, particularly DIY enthusiasts, renovators, and those moving home or doing a spring clean to prioritise reuse, repurposing, and proper waste segregation. Learn more here.​​​​​​

• Ireland’s First Shared Mobility eHub Opens in Galway
  The country’s first mobility eHub opened recently in Galway city, a pilot ahead of hubs that will open in Dublin, Letterkenny and Waterford. Part of the government’s transport policy, these mobility eHubs offer e-bikes, e-cargo bikes and EV cars to rent, giving locals an affordable option for sustainable transport sharing. Learn more here.

• Bring Colour to Your Community with the Paint Reuse Network’s Paint Giveaway
  The Paint Reuse Network is launching their annual Colour to Communities Reused Paint Giveaway this week. Communities can enter for a chance to win 100 litres of reused paint, backed by funding from the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices. Keep an eye on the Paint Reuse Network website and Facebook page for the application form.

• Limerick’s New Relove Paint Store Brings More Upcycled Paint to the City
  Tait House Community Enterprise, a member of Ireland’s Paint Reuse Network, has launched a Relove Paint store in Limerick. This extension of the social enterprise will make paint more affordable and accessible for the Limerick community. Find out more about the launch here, and find your nearest Paint Reuse Network member here.

• Thinking of starting a clothing reuse project but not sure where to begin?
  Change Clothes founder, Mary Fleming, has launched Mary Explains It All - a ‘pay what you can’ three-part online workshop to help you start your own swap shop, repair service or secondhand brand for clothes. Sign up to the first session here. 
  
   
• Upcycled Cosplay Shines at MEGACON Live in Dublin
  Sustainability took centre stage at MEGACON Live (formerly ComicCon) at the RDS, where cosplayers showcased stunning costumes made from repurposed materials - proving that creativity and sustainability go hand in hand!

• New Training to Start Your Own Community Food Sharing Initiative 
  FoodCloud Academy has launched a new 6-part webinar series, Insights for Community Food Projects, which covers everything from food safety to funding - giving you the tools and knowledge to build a successful project. Sign up here.
  
   
• Create a Pollinator-Friendly Rainwater Planter
  The National Biodiversity Data Centre has released an easy guide to building rainwater planters that support pollinators while reducing storm drain overflow. Learn how here.
  
   
• One Year In: Ireland’s First Community-based Food Waste Champion
  Last year Clonakilty launched the Waste Not Want Not project with VOICE Ireland, with the aim of becoming Ireland’s first community-based food waste champion. This article (here) shows what has been achieved to date, including a “stop the sachet” initiative, and shares learnings in relation to community engagement.  Read about the project.
  
   
• Women’s Sheds Champion Circular Skills Across Ireland
  Building on the success of Men’s Sheds in Ireland, over 120 Women’s Sheds have now formed nationwide, creating spaces for community, creativity, and skill-sharing. These groups can play an important role in circular skills sharing, passing on knowledge in repair, reuse, and sustainable living. Read more here.

• Ellen MacArthur Foundation Urges Global Reuse Targets
  A new report from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation highlights the exemplary reuse systems in place in the Global South. The report proposes this long-standing experience can be leveraged to accelerate the transition to a circular economy - instead of increasing the waste and pollution associated with single-use models. Learn more here.
  
   
• Environment Secretary Sets Out Plan for UK’s Circular Economy Transition
  In wake of the UK’s new Circular Economy Taskforce, the Environment Secretary last week announced plans for their circular transition, saying “It’s time to end Britain’s throwaway society – the status quo is economically, environmentally, and socially unsustainable.” Read more here.
  
   
• UK’s Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme to Release Public First Policy Statement 
  A joint statement from the UK’s four nations has announced that the EPR base fees for 2025/26 will be published by June. The policy aims to reduce the amount of packaging on the market, and encourage producers to promote packaging reuse and recycling. Learn more here.
  
   
• Tallinn’s Second Circular Economy Centre to Open in 2026
  Tallinn, capital of Estonia, is working on its second circular economy centre, which will serve as a waste station and community space. This is part of a larger plan to open 8 centres across the city by 2026. Learn more here.

• CIWM Launches Forum to Shape Waste Management’s Future
  CIWM has created a new Policy & Innovation forum, bringing together leaders, experts and academics to guide the future of the waste management sector, reflecting CIWM’s purpose to “move the world beyond waste”. Learn more here.
  
   
• Bridging the Gaps in the Green Claims Directive
  The EU Green Claims Directive aims to tackle greenwashing and to protect consumers and the environment. Now in the final negotiation stage, ECOS dives into exactly which elements will ensure its success. Give it a read.
  
   
• Textile Repairs are Replacing New Purchases in the UK
  WRAP has published an updated methodology for measuring displacement rates - the rate at which buying, renting, or repairing an item displaces the purchase of a new item. The report, ‘Displacement Rates Untangled’ has found that resale and, for the first time, repair, are replacing new purchases in the UK. Learn more here.
  
   
• The Science of Shopping Addiction: What Makes People Consume?
  A new Nature article reveals how companies use gaming strategies to trigger dopamine rewards, leading to shopping addiction. What could the circular alternative be? Read their article here.

• New Report Explores Benefits of Food Sharing in Barcelona Beyond Sustainability
  A new report from Lund University published through the CULTIVATE project explores food sharing initiatives in Barcelona, examining their economic, social, and environmental impacts. The report highlights the many wider benefits of food sharing, such as job creation, combating loneliness, promoting social inclusion and even influencing policy changes. Read the report here, and learn about CULTIVATE here. 

• Food Waste in UK homes has Climbed to 21% in 2024
  New research from WRAP shows the increasing level of food waste from UK households, with potatoes, bread, and broccoli the top of the pile. Drivers of this include buying incorrect amounts, frequent ‘displaced meals’, less concern about food affordability and availability as the cost-of-living crisis eases, higher comfort levels in wasting food and a lack of understanding of how it is grown and sourced. Despite high awareness, the report found that personal action is lagging. Read the report and its insights here.

• £0 ‘Yellow Stickers’ Trial Set to Reduce Food Waste in UK Supermarkets
  In an effort to further reduce food waste, Tesco has announced the introduction of a £0 ‘yellow stickers’ trial on food that would otherwise be discarded. The expiring food will first be offered to charities and staff, before customers can claim it for free after 9.30pm. Learn more about the move here.

• Brewers’ Grains Transforms into Plastic
  As part of the POLYMEER project, which aims to establish a sustainable bio-based value chain for bioplastic products, spent brewers' grain have been used to create bioplastics. Learn more here.

• The Guardian Covers Britain’s Booming Repair Cafes
  The Guardian reports on the recent boom in fixing rather than throwing away items and spotlights The Fixing Factory located in Camden that is helping to create jobs and cut waste, emissions, and costs. The article points to the hope and positivity that go along with repair. Read more here.

• Kenya Uses Mushroom and Agricultural Waste for Affordable Insulation
  Facing a housing shortage, Kenyan business MycoTile creates affordable insulation boards from agricultural waste and oyster-mushroom mycelium, providing sustainable building materials. Learn more about the innovative material here.
  
   
• EMR Recycles Six Tonnes of Seized Knives into Outdoor Gyms
  In an interesting take on recycling, the company EMR has worked with anti-knife charity Steel Warriors to melt down knives taken off the streets and recycle the steel into outdoor street gyms. Have a look!

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