LATEST NEWS FROM CLEAN IRELAND

European Week of Waste Reduction 30th November 2009

Clean Ireland Recycling supports European Week of Waste Reduction.

Clean Ireland Recycling welcomes first European Week for Waste Reduction.  Clean Ireland Recycling was out in force this week raising awareness for this important initiative.  

Why launch a European Week?

• To raise awareness about waste reduction strategies and about the policies of the European Union and its Member States on this subject
• To promote sustainable waste reduction actions across Europe
• To highlight the work accomplished by various actors, through concrete examples of waste reduction
• To encourage changes in the behaviour of Europeans (consumption, production) in everyday life.

• November 21st to 29th 2009 was designated the first European Week for Waste Reduction by a European Commission Life+ project.
• Over 30 different European Week for Waste Reduction events are planned in Ireland, aimed at householders, business and other organisations.

The first ever European Week for Waste Reduction took place between 21 and 29 November.  In Ireland, a range of activities to highlight waste reduction practices and promote more sustainable consumption and production have been organised by a variety of organisations, and coordinated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Commenting, Ms Laura Burke, Director of the EPA’s Office of Climate, Licensing and Resource Use, said:   

“We welcome this important week as it will highlight all the positive work that is being done in relation to waste reduction, not just in Ireland, but across the EU. There is a requirement in the new Waste Framework Directive that each Member State shall have a waste prevention programme. This week will be an important opportunity to showcase best practice”.

 Dr Gerry Byrne, EPA Programme Manager and chair of the National Waste Prevention Committee also welcomed the week commenting: 

“European Week for Waste Reduction will highlight to each person the important role that they can play either at home, at work, travelling or at leisure to prevent waste and reduce their impact on the environment”.