Author: JMCE

18 Eco-Friendly Travel Tips

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Travel 

Most people are now aware of or focused on environmental wellbeing but when it comes to travel for work, holidays or downtime away from home the focus is sometimes lost or relaxed. People tend to take there mind off doing many daily activities including environmentally friendly activities when away from home.

1 Capture Clifden
Clifden Galway

When away people simply don’t think or ask about recycling coffee/tea cups, food waste, water bottles, plastic cups, foil containers, and many other items. Sometimes it’s not easy to see or identify solutions but there are choices so please ask no matter where you are!

Green Trips 

We found Green Travel to be a term covering two main areas? Firstly it refers to following responsible travel practices and taking care of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. This might include considering and using the most eco-friendly travel options!

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Irish Rail

Secondly, it refers to eco-tourism which is described by some as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard commercial mass tourism

As awareness and choice increases we can choose a variety of eco-friendly destinations, transportation, hotels, tour operators, and holiday shopping activities which don’t damage the environment. We can also create extra benefits and value for local people earning their living from tourism by purchasing locally made items rather than mass-produced gimmicks.

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Coastal Kerry

Here are some tips for travellers 

  1. Before leaving home turn down the fridge, turn off lights and unplug the radio, alarm clock, and TV,  turn off heating and close windows.
  2. Take a reusable water bottle with you so you can refill over and over again.
  3. Book a family holiday in Ireland and travel together on public transport.
  4. Travel light, you’ll never use all the clothes you bring.
  5. Walk, jog or cycle to areas of natural beauty – forget about hiring a car – use the bus.
  6. Use online maps or electronic guides rather than printed paper material.
  7. Research and book eco-friendly accommodation – learn more about green destinations in Ireland.
  8. Choose a hotel, Airbnb or guesthouse using solar power, wind turbines, rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, and low-water usage toilets.
  9. Ask the host where to put your items for recycling.
  10. When you leave your accommodation, turn off all the lights, heat/AC, television. tablets etc.
  11. Use a biodegradable sunscreen or simply cover-up while in the sun. It’s environmentally friendly and saves money!
  12. Opt to have your bed sheets and towels changed at most, every third day as this save an amazing amount of water, energy, and detergent.
  13. Hang up your towels after each use, which is the universal sign that you’d like to use them again
  14. Take any leftover soap, shampoo, or toothpaste with you. Unused liquids are often thrown away, why not use and then reuse/refill the plastic bottles.
  15. If you go shopping take a reusable bag.
  16. Refrain from buying plastic or single-use gifts
  17. Let the air out of beach balls and take games home for reuse!
  18. Leave finished books and magazines where others can pick them up for a good read.
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Lough Key Forest, Boyle, Roscommon

Experiences 

Travel for work or play is great to experience. Seeing new things and meeting new people expands our minds, promotes relations, cultural understanding and provides opportunities for some fun and memories of a relaxed time in our lives but do try to remember the environment and help save it for the next generation of travelers.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT  are an award-winning, eco award community enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

During 2018 Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to tens of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and screens

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, Dormant Accounts, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Recycle IT
Recycle IT

 

 

 

 

Reduce, Repair, Reuse or Recycle Computers

On By JMCEIn Awards, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Computers – the end-of-life options! 

Advanced hardware and software on computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones help quickly make IT equipment go out of date. The United Nations University (UNU) found that more than 44 million metric tonnes of electronic waste were generated globally in 2016, with just 20% documented as recycled. According to a 2019 UN report, Global e–waste production is on track to reach 120 million tonnes per year by 2050 – Time to act!

Old Computers - Recycle IT
Old Computers – Recycle IT

As technology continues to change it brings us faster and increasingly efficient models of computers. These new models are released replacing existing models. As you keep up with the latest technology, you likely have old computers. Old IT equipment can’t be disposed of with other waste and as they get older reuse gets harder!

If you plan to replace a computer, tablet or phone at home or in the office make sure you keep all the leads, discs and instruction manuals to allow easier reuse. Have a read below to learn more about reducing, repairing, reusing and recycling 

Reduce

  • Use your current computer equipment for as long as possible.
  • Prior to new purchases research, your IT needs. You should really know what you want from your computers, who will use the computer and for what purpose.
  • This makes it easier to buy the right computer or laptop with the correct software installed. meaning the computer can serve your needs over a longer period.
  • Check that your new computer can easily be upgraded without needing to be replaced.

Repair

  • Get support with your IT challenges using online technical support groups.
  • Find a computer shop or repair service close to you. A helpful link – repairmystuff.ie
  • Take your computer or laptop back to the store where you bought it for warranty support.
  • Once informed about choices, ask yourself; Is repair worthwhile?
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Computers for Recycling

Reuse

  • Approach a local community group, preschool or school and ask if they could benefit from reusing the item.
  • Offer a useful computer to a younger member of the family.
  • Donate to a charity. Call before taking computers to a charity shop as not every shop can accept electrical/electronic equipment.
  • Remove personal data and passwords safely prior to reuse.

Recycle

  • Drop off your old computer to Recycle IT in Dublin for free and safe recycling.
  • Place your laptop or tablet in a box and post it to Recycle IT for safe recycling.
  • Have computers and all related equipment collected for recycling. (free or fee-based collections offered).
  • Recycle your really old IT for component reuse.
Hard Disk Drives – Dismantled – Recycle IT

Recycle IT – Creating Training and Jobs

Electronic items including computers which are too old to be refurbished and reused can be sent to Recycle IT at our Dublin-based electronic recycling facility.

IT equipment of all shapes and sizes is broken down for component parts and metal reuse. If more people, follow use this route to recycling our organization can increase its overall sustainability and efforts to recycle. For more information on computer recycling please click here

Choosing IT or computer recycling options through Recycle IT supports real jobs and training opportunities in our community and helps with safe environmentally friendly recycling in partnership with WEEE Ireland.  Please call our team on 01 4578321 to learn more!

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Recycle IT – TeamWork

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT  are an award-winning community enterprise providing recycling collection and drop-off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

During 2018 Recycle IT offered to drop off and collection services to tens of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves and screens

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

Recycle IT - Collection Service
Recycle IT – Collection Service

Social Enterprise Policy – News Update

On By JMCEIn Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, NewsLeave a comment

The Policy Launch

The Minister for Rural and Community Development Michael Ring, T.D.  launched the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022 on Thursday 18th July 2019  at 10.30 in the offices of Speedpak Ltd., a social enterprise based at Clonshaugh Business & Technology Park in Coolock, Dublin.

This launch event follows the publication of the draft National Policy on Social Enterprise for public consultation earlier this year. This consultation process sought the views of stakeholders and the public in order to further inform the new policy.

2019 Social Enterprise Policy Cover
National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland 2019-2022

The policy defines social enterprises as businesses whose core objective is to achieve a social, societal, or environmental impact. Social Enterprises frequently work to support disadvantaged groups such as the long-term unemployed, people with disabilities, travelers, etc., or to address issues such as food poverty, social housing, or environmental matters.

Key Focus

The new National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is focused on three key objectives:

  1. Building Awareness of Social Enterprise;
  2. Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise and
  3. Achieving Better Policy Alignment.

The policy document sets out a series of 26 commitments on the part of Government across these objectives for the development of social enterprise over the period 2019-2022. These commitments will be delivered in partnership with social enterprise stakeholders.

Minster Ring addressed those attending the launch event saying “For many years, social enterprises have provided a flexible and effective model which has delivered a positive response to social and societal issues. Social enterprises deliver a range of services across a wide spectrum of activities through their business model. They are innovative and entrepreneurial and frequently find new ways to address social, societal or environmental challenges in areas such as employment activation, affordable childcare, and the green economy. In doing so, social enterprises contribute significantly to the delivery of many Government policy objectives.”

A copy of the  National Social Enterprise Policy is available here.

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Event speakers and attendees including Minister Michael Ring, T.D

The National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland is part of a suite of policy initiatives from the Department of Rural and Community Development to support those who work with communities and disadvantaged groups. Other initiatives include a new Strategy for the Community and Voluntary Sectors and a new National Volunteering Strategy, which will be published later in 2019.

Training Fund

On Sept 2nd, 2019, Mr. Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, announced €800,000 in funding for the provision of training and mentoring for social enterprises throughout Ireland. The funding will be provided from the Dormant Accounts Fund and will support one of the key policy commitments in the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland which is detailed above.

Minister Ring 13 NEWS II Dail 6 TB
Mr. Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development

Pobal recently invited Expressions of Interest on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development for the delivery of training and mentoring from national, regional or local organizations or networks that have a demonstrable track record in the delivery of training and mentoring to social enterprises.

Statutory bodies or institutions, including Higher Education Institutions, which have a proven track record in providing direct supports and training to social enterprises, are eligible to apply.

This training initiative delivers on the commitment made in the National Social Enterprise Policy. and up to 300 participants are likely to benefit from the provision of training and mentoring supports over the next 12 months.

Events

As well as training there are a number of events taking place in Dublin and around the country to inform people about social enterprise and illustrate real examples of social enterprise. Information on these events can be found on websites such as Pobal, the Irish Local Development Network,  the Wheel, the Irish Social Enterprise Network, and local economic development or enterprise offices within the county councils across Ireland.

You can also save the date for the National Social Enterprise Conference on 21st November 2019. The conference run by the Department of Rural and Community Development will be taking place in Croke Park. If interested you should keep an eye out for registration which will be live shortly.

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning social enterprise providing recycling collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical, electronic equipment (WEEE) and pure metal items.

During 2018 Recycle IT operated drop off and collection services to tens of thousands of homes, schools, charities and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas collecting a range of WEEE which includes thousands of batteries, computers, cables, monitors, kettles.  microwaves and screens.

Recycle IT services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT is supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development, Dormant Accounts Fund, Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare, and Wicklow.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT
Recycle IT

 

Recycle IT – Learning with Communities

On By JMCEIn Awards, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Technological University Dublin

The Community Engagement Programme, Students Learning with Communities has worked with over 100 community organizations as partners on real-life projects that benefit the lives of many individuals while also enhancing student learning.

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Since 2008, over 10,000 students and 170 staff at DIT now Technological University (TU) Dublin have collaborated on over 500 projects in Ireland and internationally. The Community Engagement Programme is managed by the Access and Civic Engagement Office at TU Dublin.

Learning

Learning with Communities allows students to improve their knowledge on a range of subjects in collaboration with community organisations. Student groups engage in a specific project or tasks with a chosen community organization.  The programme is mutually beneficial as it;

  1. Progresses the community organization’s aims and objectives.
  2. Enables community partner to become part of the education process contributing to the academic and professional development of the student.

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Award-Winning TU Business Analytics Students

Many undergraduate programmes at TU Dublin offer students the opportunity to become involved in collaborative projects in the community. Students gain an understanding of the efforts required to generate real and sustaining value and their insight can enable organisations to think about doing things differently.

Benefits

Recycle IT have engaged over a number of years and find the TU Dublin Community Engagement Programme very helpful and worthwhile.  During 2018/ 2019 students learned how Recycle IT, operate as a social enterprise to achieve its social, economic and environmental goals.  The student groups learn about the limitations and constraints faced and got an overview of the services provided which benefit communities, charities, business, and employment.

Recycle IT try to encourage students to become advocates for social enterprise by sharing news on their outputs with other students and academic staff during college and with colleagues when employed.

TU Dublin
TU Dublin Logo

Overall the engagement with TU students in 2019 helped generate new ideas and has identified some advances which once implemented will enhance recycling capabilities, data entry, and reporting.

As a result of our engagement Recycle IT was invited to attend the annual TU Dublin City Campus, Students Learning With Communities Awards. The award event happened in St. Laurence’s Church, TU Grangegorman in Dublin 7 on May 7th, 2019 with student and community partner certificates presented by Prof Brian Norton, TU Dublin Principal of TU Dublin City Campus.

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Recycle IT – TU Dublin Community Partner

Recycle IT were delighted to be presented with a Learning With Communities Award following our engagement with a group of students from TU Dublin, City Campus, Aungier Street. The students studied Business Analytics and through the engagement,  shared their knowledge and learning with Recycle IT.

Based on our attendance and experience the awards really do celebrate the great work and joint effort of students, academic staff and community partners.

To learn more please click here

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT, are an award-winning Dublin based social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, the Dormant Accounts Fund, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

For further details about our free and cost-effective services call us on 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit the Recycle IT website at www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT
Recycle IT – Collecting all over Dublin

Social Enterprise Policy – News

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical RecyclingLeave a comment

Public Consultation on Draft National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland

Minister Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development has published a draft National Policy on Social Enterprise for public consultation and is seeking the views of stakeholders and the public to inform the policy.

2019 Minister_Ring_Event
Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development

The key objective of the Department is to offer a policy framework for the development of the not-for-profit sector and to provide a full range of appropriate supports to organisations in that sector to improve their capability to deliver services to individuals and communities, tackle social issues, and contribute to a fairer and more inclusive society.

In July 2017, policy responsibility for social enterprise was assigned to the Department of Rural and Community Development. The department has taken the lead on the government commitment in the Action Plan for Rural Development to develop and publish a National Policy on Social Enterprise which will encompass the full range of activity in this sector. We are now are draft policy stage  with public consultation an import element of moving the strategy forward.

Social Enterprise in Ireland

The draft policy states that “Social enterprises are part of the wider social economy and make a valuable contribution to the social and economic progress of Ireland through the creation of jobs and through the delivery of a broad range of services in areas such as homecare, child care, employment activation, retail, hospitality and catering environmental services, and social housing. They are innovative, entrepreneurial and are increasingly utilising new technologies and creative approaches to address social, socio-economic and environmental challenges”

2019 Social Enterprise
Draft Social Enterpise Policy Document Cover

The draft policy is focused on three objectives:

1. Building Awareness of Social Enterprise

2. Growing and Strengthening Social Enterprise

3. Achieving Better Policy Alignment

Why not have a say after reading the draft National Policy on Social Enterprise

The Minister is inviting the views of stakeholders on the draft policy. These views will contribute to the finalisation of an ambitious, achievable and fit-for-purpose National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland.The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 14th May 2019. You can send your submission by email to: SEConsultation@drcd.gov.ie.

Alternatively, responses can be posted to: Social Enterprise Policy,  Rural Strategy and Social Enterprise, Trinity Point, Leinster Street South, Ireland, D02 EF85

Phone number: 076 106 4900

Shared by Reycle IT

Recycle IT, is an award-winning social enterprise offering electrical, electronic and metal recycling services through drop off and collection. Services are provided in partnership with WEEE Ireland and South Dublin County Council. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal and Dormant Accounts and authorised by the National Waste Collection Permit Office and the local authorities across Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow.

For more information on Recycle IT please call 01 4578321, email info@recycleit.ie or visit our website www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT
Recycle IT