Kilkenny communities offered support to end waste

Kilkenny communities can now apply for supports to respond to the waste crisis by implementing new Circular Economy Action Plans to cut waste.

Community Foundation Ireland and environmental campaigners VOICE Ireland are giving local groups access to expertise, training and funding to embrace the principles of the circular economy in the work that they do by eliminating waste, encouraging reuse and regenerating nature.

Local groups will be supported through Online Training , resource packs and access to experts to develop Community Circular Economy Action Plans which will be supported by grants of up to €2,500. Details are available at www.communityfoundation.ie.

Kilkenny groups show that small steps can have a big impact on climate change

Each plan will focus on avoiding waste through reuse and upcycling.

 Announcing the plan Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland said:

“We are hoping Kilkenny communities will join campaigners, activists and groups worldwide who are rejecting the wasteful actions of the past. Whether combatting fast fashion, bringing new life to everything from mattresses to bikes or combatting the scourge of plastic we are giving groups the ability to end waste for good.

The Circular Economy is essential if we are to ensure sustainable futures for generations to come. As a philanthropic hub the Community Foundation is proud to have already supported 40 communities since 2019 who share our vision. Now with terrific partners like VOICE Ireland we will build on that work and see an increasing number of Kilkenny local groups getting involved.

Tad Kirakowski, Chief Executive of VOICE Ireland added:  “World environment day 2023 calls for an end to plastic pollution. We see the impacts of that pollution on a daily basis, but we also see the solutions and alternatives coming forward as well.

"Through the Community Circular Economy Action Plan, VOICE and Community Foundation Ireland have brought together resources and expertise to support communities to take action on waste, move away from the disposable mindset and build the circular economy into the work that they are doing.

"We’ve worked with passionate people across Ireland to develop this exciting new programme, which will aim to inspire you to take action and build a more sustainable future.”