Mid Ulster get behind European Week for Waste Reduction with local campaign

by Gráinne Connolly

Local people are being urged to make a pledge during this year's European Week for Waste Reduction (EWWR, 18th-26th November). 

Mid Ulster District Council is spearheading a local campaign, highlighting how households can reuse and repair all kinds of items to save money and reduce waste at home and at work, and they're asking each person to make their own small pledge to help.

A council spokesperson says: 

"Behind this year's Reuse and Repair topic is the need to shift from a throw-away attitude, towards more appreciation for everyday products and the resources used to make them. 

"This year EWWR aims to illustrate just how easy it is to find value in something you thought had become useless.

"Small actions can make a big difference - do you have things that you don't need filling up your shelves? 

"Or books and movies that you'd love to share with others? 

"A Give Box or a Shared Shelf is an open space where people can drop/take different types of items. It's easy to set up at work or school and is a good way to exchange items with people around you."

The Council are sharing different tips and things that people can do to reduce waste every day: 

• Opt for reusable bags
   
• Pack a packaging free lunch
   
• Sign up to the Mail Preference Service to stop junk mail
   
• Avoid food waste – see www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
   
• Buy in bulk or in large-size packaging
   
• Buy eco-rechargeable or refillable products
   
• Drink tap water
   
• Use rechargeable batteries
   
• Restrict printer usage
   
• Start composting
   
• Donate old clothing
   
• Borrow or hire tools

Chair of the Council's Environment Committee, Councillor Ronan McGinley is encouraging residents to support EWWR and make a pledge. 

“Mid Ulster District Council residents can be proud that their council area has the highest recycling rate of all the 11 councils here.

"Provisional figures show Mid Ulster’s overall recycling rate stands at 60.1% for the first quarter of 2017-2018, up from 55.3% for the same period last year. 

“However, European Week for Waste Reduction reminds us that we can still do more, over and above using our blue and brown bins at home.

"The whole focus is on taking very simple steps as individuals, whether that’s by changing the kind of products we buy or what we do with items we no longer want.

"By making small changes we can have a big collective impact on our environment – and not just here, but right across the European Union. I would encourage everyone to get behind this year’s campaign and make a pledge!”


A local mother Mary-Ann has taken to YouTube to share her ideas on how to reuse more effectively. 

She's a mum of two and someone who likes to turn "rubbish" into useful object, or give a new lease of life to old clothes, buttons, rope, bits of crockery and dumped furniture. 

You can also search 'Ways to re-purpose and reuse broken household items':

'https://www.diyncrafts.com/6081/repurpose/100-ways-repurpose-reuse-broken-household-items

Or take a look at other YouTube videos for inspiration, as well as EWWR Pinterest Board. 

To register your action for Northern Ireland European Week for Waste Reduction go to - www.ewwr.eu/register or contact the Council's recycling officers on 03000 132 132 or email - recycling@midulstercouncil.org with your pledge before 26th November.