Category: News

COP26 and its Outcomes

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

What is COP26

COP26 is the 2021 United Nations climate change conference. This was the 26th annual summit – giving it the name COP26. The UK was President for COP26 which was in Glasgow between Oct 31st, 2021 and Nov 12th, 2021

For nearly three decades the UN has been bringing together almost every country on earth for global climate summits – called COPs – which stands for ‘Conference of the Parties’. In that time climate change has gone from being a fringe issue to a global priority.

COP26 Conference

COP21 – Paris 2015. 

For the first time ever, something momentous happened: every country agreed to work together to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees and aim for 1.5 degrees, to adapt to the impacts of a changing climate and to make money available to deliver on these aims. 

The Paris Agreement was born. The commitment to aim for 1.5 degrees is important because every fraction of a degree of warming will result in the loss of many more lives lost and livelihoods damaged.

Under the Paris Agreement, countries committed to bringing forward national plans setting out how much they would reduce their emissions – known as Nationally Determined Contributions, or ‘NDCs’. 

They agreed that every five years they would come back with an updated plan that would reflect their highest possible ambition at that time. 

COP26 Expectations - News
COP26 Photo

Whats expected

As World leaders gathered in Glasgow to address climate, delegates are being asked to accelerate action on climate change and commit to more ambitious cuts in their countries’ emissions, all in an effort to limit global temperature rises. Did they?

Patricia Espinosa, Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change has said “the devastating loss of lives and livelihoods this year due to extreme weather events clarifies how important it is to convene COP26 despite the impacts of the pandemic still being felt. We are on track for a global temperature rise of 2.7C, while we should be heading for the 1.5C goal. Clearly, we are in a climate emergency. Clearly, we need to address it. Clearly, we need to support the most vulnerable to cope. To do so successfully, greater ambition is now critical,

Leaders and delegates need to demonstrate greater ambition to achieve progress on all elements of the climate change agenda, including reducing emissions, addressing loss and damage from extreme climatic events and increasing the provision of support to developing countries. Did they?

Background

With 197 Parties engaged, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near-universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement.

The main aim of the Paris Agreement is to keep a global average temperature rise this century well below 2 degrees Celsius and to drive efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

The UNFCCC is also the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol. The ultimate objective of all agreements under the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system, in a time frame that allows ecosystems to adapt naturally and enables sustainable development.

COP-26 & Collaborative lighthouse projects for Climate Action - MaREI
COP26 Photo

COP26 Explained

International climate summits are complex. The United Kingdom COP26 team, want to make it as easy as possible for everyone to understand what COP26 is and what the team is working to achieve. 

These are a few helpful sources of information to get you started:

Irish Government at COP26

A Taoiseach Michéal Martin attended the World Leaders’ Summit on 1st and 2nd November, whilst Minister for Agriculture, Marine and Food Charlie McConalogue, is expected to attend COP26 later in the week.

Minister for the Environment Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan and a delegation arrived at COP26 on 8th November. Ireland to co-host four events including Public Engagement and Renewable Energy’ and European Peatlands Initiative’ at the Peatlands Pavilion.

Experts from environmental interest groups and government entities, including Met Eireann, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) also attended COP26 in Glasgow over the 2 weeks.

For more news click here.

Irish organisations at COP26

The following organisations are planning to visit or partake in Cop26:

  • An Taisce.
  • IEN (Irish Environmental Network).
  • Christian Aid.
  • Student Climate Action Network.
  • Trocaire.
  • Oxfam.
  • Friends of the Earth.
  • Macra na Feirme.
  • NYCI (National Youth Council of Ireland).
  • ECO-UNESCO (working to conserve the environment and empower young people).

To learn more and keep up to date on COP26 click here.

Attendance Farewell

Outcomes

The outcome document, known as the Glasgow Climate Pact, calls on 197 countries to report their progress towards more climate ambition next year, at COP27, set to take place in Egypt.

Beyond the political negotiations and the Leaders’ Summit, COP26 brought together about 50,000 participants online and in-person to share innovative ideas, solutions, attend cultural events and build partnerships and coalitions.

Outcomes of the Glasgow Climate Change Conference can be found here in advance unedited versions (AUVs).

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not for profit social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant for WEEE Recycling with permit details available here.

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Eco Meetings and Events

On By JMCEIn Awards, Climate change, Dublin, Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Electronic Equipment, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Meeting again!

As we all start to get back to our new normal living and working with COVID 19 we will once again arrange and book business, community, sport, and family events including formal meetings and social occasions.

It’s important to look at environmental considerations when arranging these types of events and occasions. By proactively working with service providers, we all can minimise environmental harm and achieve greater environmental wellbeing.

A green meeting incorporates environmental considerations at all stages of the meeting or event to minimise the negative impact on the environment and positively contribute to host communities. (Green Meeting Industry Council).

Meeting Coffee Break

Failte Ireland

Failte Ireland has developed a guide to help organisations and communities start on the road to running green meetings or events, large and small. These meetings and events will incorporate environmental considerations throughout all the various stages to minimise the negative impact on the environment and positively contribute to the community hosting the event or meeting.

This Failte Ireland guide is intended for any business involved in planning and/or running a meeting, conference, or event in Ireland. This will range from conference organisers, venues (including hotels), accommodation providers, catering companies, entertainment/activity providers, audiovisual/IT companies, and transport providers. The guide was prepared to allow businesses to start or continue the road to planning and running green meetings and events.

The document is a voluntary guide, and not a standard. (Click below to access).

What to Ask?

As an individual or organisation wishing to book a meeting or event, you might ask the following questions of a service provider.

Please don’t feel awkward when asking these questions, the best organisation will have no problem answering and others will learn!

  • Do you have an environmental policy?
  • I want to run a carbon neutral event; can you help me do that?
  • What are your company’s sustainability principles?
  • We take Corporate Social Responsibility very seriously in our company and we want to work with businesses that do the same. Is that you?
  • Why should we choose your company?
  • What makes you environmentally sustainable?

According to the United Nations (UN) World Commission on Environment and Development, environmental sustainability is about acting in a way that ensures future generations have the natural resources available to live an equal, if not better, way of life as current generations.

Eco-Friendly Early Morning Meeting

Service Providers

Conference, meeting, and events venues can look to this Failte Ireland business tool for guidance on how best to address potential customer questions on arranging eco-friendly meetings and events for potential customers.

With an ever increasing focus on the environment across the world, it is not surprising that the meetings, conference and events sector has come under scrutiny, in respect of what actions it is taking to add to the ever growing demand for sustainability.

To get a copy of the guide click here. Meeting and event organisers and operators will benefit from taking a look!

About Recylce IT

As part of an environmental policy and ongoing sustainabily organsations should have a procedure for dealing with its old electronic, electrical and metal equipment once it’s served it’s purpsoe.

Every part of the meeting, conferencing and hospitality sector used electronic, electrical, and metal equipment to meet the needs of customers. Once this equipment has reached the end of its first life it might be offered for reuse and if not fit for reuse it should be safely recycled.

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not for profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin and surrounding areas since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant for WEEE collection with permit details available here.

To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us at here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

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Its Reuse Month 2021!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, Family, NewsLeave a comment

Choose to Reduce and Reuse over Recycling

October is Ireland’s National Reuse Month, reuse is about valuing our stuff, by using and reusing it for as long and as often as possible. This avoids the need to extract raw materials, manufacture and distribute new stuff, and avoids waste thereby cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduce, reuse, and recycle—are the “three R’s” used to promote waste management and help reduce environmental harm. The “three R’s” are listed in order of importance so why is recycling usually the first option we choose?

Over the years advertising campaign, green initiatives, educational resources and various government and EU actions have asked us to recycle, so that’s what we do!

Reuse Month 2021

We have followed the call to action “recycle”. We take time at home and in the office assembling items for recycling, we separate items and place them in the right bin to help protect the environment.

It is important to recycle, but remember, recycling is the third choice. We should consider reducing and reusing before recycling.

The first “R,”

Reduce, means removing or decreasing the amount of waste we produce e.g., reducing the packaging choices, choosing long lasting products, avoiding disposable items, and decreasing consumption.

The second “R,”

Reuse means reusing products you consider as waste. Many items can be used again in their current form, or with few repairs or changes. People sometimes say they are recycling something when they are reusing it.

The third “R,”

Recycling involves dropping off or collecting used materials so they can be processed mechanically, using heat or chemicals to be remanufactured into new products. These activities use energy, water, human and other resources, and they can cause pollution. Although the resource used and pollution caused by recycling is much less than mining, processing, and transporting raw materials it is greater than simply reusing an item.      

Focusing on Reuse   

As it is reuse month, we will focus on Reusing which allows individuals, families, and co-workers to take responsibility for the waste created. Think like children and use your imagination to create what you need from what you have. This can make you feel good, you can learn skills and it is economically and environmentally rewarding.

Reuse Goals – Oct 2021
See a list of reuse activities that can be carried out by individuals and families.
  • Keep empty containers for storing leftovers.
  • Source reusable water bottles.
  • Repair, rather than replace, broken or worn-out products.
  • Donate useable, unwanted items to charity shops, community groups, and reuse organisations.
  • Make empty plastic bottles into bird feeders, scoops, watering bottles.
  • Take reusable shopping bags to the shops.
  • Make dusters from old towels and sheets.
  • Donate magazines to libraries and hospital waiting rooms.
  • Make wrapping paper from comics and magazine pages or reuse old gift wrap.
  • Donate newspapers and blankets to pet charities.
  • Paint, reupholster or cover old furniture.
  • Use packing materials again or create you own.
  • Rent or borrow things you use infrequently.
  • Buy rechargeable batteries and appliances.
  • Use old toothbrushes for household cleaning.
  • Wash and reuse aluminium foil and plastic sandwich bags.
  • Wrap packages for posting with paper bags.
  • Make face clothes from old fabric or clothes.
Reuse Strategies for Businesses, Industries, Institutions, and Local Governments
  • Ask your suppliers to use reusable cartons, pallets, and crates.
  • Distribute your products in reusable containers.
  • Think about designing products for reuse.
  • Order reusable binders and pockets.
  • Repair old furniture and equipment or donate it to a charity for reuse.
  • If you organisation has to much of one thing or out date office items, try Recreate
  • Recover and reuse waste production materials. (Paper, cardboard, plastic).
  • Use refillable, reusable ink and toner cartridges.
  • Send your ink and toner cartridges back to the manufacturer for reuse
  • Buy refillable pens or use pencils
  • Turn manila folders inside out so they can be reused.
  • Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.
  • Only print letterhead on paper as required.
  • Set up an office supply swap area.
  • Shred confidential papers for reuse in box packing .
  • Reuse packing materials or donate them to another organization.
  • Use an erasable memo pads or a whiteboard for messages.
  • Use mugs and glasses instead of disposable paper and plastic cups.
  • Use two-way envelopes and mailing pouches.
  • Convert old office paper into telephone answering pads.
  • If you damage equipment try repairing for reuse – www.repairmystuff.ie
Reuse Month – Get involved

How can I get involved?

National Reuse Month’s aim is to inspire you and provide you with the skills and tools to reuse more at home, at work and at play. For example, you may have already reused by getting shoes resoled rather than replacing them or borrowing books from the library. To cut down on waste and greenhouse gas emissions, we asked everyone to go further in October and beyond by prioritising repair, buying second hand, and upcycled, borrowing, swapping, and refilling. Click here to learn more.

If you are interested in registering for a reuse event click here.

About Recylce IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning, not for profit, social enterprise established to create employment and promote environmental awareness through recycling and reuse. We work in partnership with WEEE Ireland and are authorized by your local authority to provide electrical, electronic and pure metal recycling collections across Dublin since 2007. Recycle IT are fully compliant for WEEE collection with permit detail available here.

To speak with Recycle IT please call 01 4578321 or email us at here

Visit our website www.recycleit.ie

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Dublin – The Big Clean-Up!

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, News, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Dublin’s Biggest Clean-up Event

Did you know that in 2019 across Dublin, 1,500 volunteers got involved with 180 clean-ups were organised in different l ocations in just one weekend! Great effort and well done to all involved. Last year due to Covid 19 it was hard to run events by 2021 again offers opportunity!

We are delighted to share the news that a joint clean up initiative will take place again in 2021. It will operate across Dublin from the 11th to the 19th of September and Dublin Community Clean Up will be proudly supported by the four local authorities in Dublin.

Dublin Community Clean -Up 2021

Building on great achievement of 2019, the Dublin Community Clean-Up is now extended to the whole week and the four local authoritues are asking again all volunteers around #Dublin to join forces and organise clean-ups around the cities, to make this the biggest clean-up event ever!

Why not get your family and friends to be a part of the action? You can start your very own clean-up in your community, or take a look at our map and join an existing one.

Registrations are now open for the #dublincommunitycleanup 2021.

For more information on how to organise a clean-up or join an existing clean-up in your local area just visit www.dublincommunitycleanup.ie.

Don’t forget to join the conversation on social media at #dublincommunitycleanup.

World Cleanup Day 2021

During the same week, groups of people in countries across the world take part in World Cleanup Day. This year on Sept 18th 2021 volunteers and partners worldwide will come together safely, depsite ongoing restrictions related to Covid-19, to rid our planet of rubbish and waste – cleaning up litter and mismanaged waste from our beaches, rivers, forests, and streets.

World Cleanup Day harnesses the power of people around the world to achieve incredible things by joining together.

Its success lies in cooperation and collaboration: building bridges between different communities, and including all levels of society – from citizens to business, to local and national government.

World Cleanup Day Poster

All types of environmental and community heroes get together to address cleanup challenges. Since 2018, World Cleanup Day has brought together millions of people for the biggest waste collection day in human history.

In 2018, 17.6 million people volunteered and in 2019, 21.2 million environment people joined in on an epic 36-hour green wave of cleanups across the globe – beginning in New Zealand and traveling around the world before ending in Hawaii.

Why not commit to a clean-up in your area. Individuals and organisations in Ireland can sign up here for World Cleanup Day 2021. To lean more about the day click here.

Click – About World Cleanup Day

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Services are offered to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas. Our teams collect and help recycle a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, TV’s and much more.

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

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Dublin Climate Action Week 2021

On By JMCEIn Climate change, Dublin, News, Social Enterprise, We Recycle ITLeave a comment

Introducing Dublin Climate Action Week

Dublin Climate Action Week is a one-week programme of both online and physical events running from the 13th – 19th September 2021, which aims to showcase and inspire climate action across the Dublin region.

The first Dublin Climate Action Week is being organised and delivered by the partnership of Dublin City Council, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, Fingal County Council, South Dublin County Council, Codema – Dublin’s Energy Agency and the Dublin Climate Action Regional Office (CARO).

Dublin Climate Action Week Logo
Dublin Climate Action Week Logo

The week is being planned to showcase the ongoing efforts, ambitions and the collaborative approach of the four Dublin local authorities, in addressing climate action.

Local authorities in Dublin and across Ireland play a pivotal role in planning for, and responding to, climate emergency situations. Given their close relationship with the community, local authorities can react effectively to local climate events, with on-going support from other government agencies and the local communities.

Local authories planning and actions have been demonstrated in their response to extreme weather events in Ireland over recent years, as well as the ongoing response to COVID-19 restrictions.

They have essential local knowledge of the natural and manmade environment, and have a critical role to play in managing climate risks and vulnerabilities, and identifying adaptation actions within their administrative areas. Having regard to climate mitigation, local authorities are continuing to upgrade public buildings and social housing, and are enhancing active travel measures across Ireland.

Click to Open

The Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, the Mayors of South Dublin County Council and Fingal County Council, and the Lord Mayor of Dublin City Council, have jointly stated:

We are delighted to announce our partnership in the organisation and delivery of the inaugural Dublin Climate Action Week, to be held in September 2021. As the four Counties of Dublin re-open following COVID-19 restrictions, we have all gained a much greater understanding and appreciation, of our communities, amenities and our local environment. During Dublin Climate Action Week 2021, we will be bringing our collective climate action efforts and ambitions to life, together with a range of partners from other sectors. The full programme of events will be published on the dedicated website in August 2021.

The Dublin Region is faced with many climate change related risks and challenges, from flooding and sea level rise, to air pollution and extreme weather events. You can keep up to date on climate change and Dublin Climate Action Week 2021 at www.dublinclimateactionweek.ie. More news and event updates will be added over the coming weeks.

Climate Action Events – Click the image for more

You can also contact the Climate Action Section, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dún Laoghaire+353 (0)1 204 707 or email climatechange@dlrcoco.ie

Shared by Recycle IT

Recycle IT is an award-winning not for profit social enterprise providing collection and drop off services for all types of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) Services are offered to homes, schools, charities, and businesses across Dublin and surrounding areas. Our teams collect and help recycle a range of WEEE which includes thousands of computers, cables, monitors, microwaves, TV’s and much more.

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

Hybrid Electric Van – Recycle IT