Category: Social Enterprise

Business trading for social outcomes

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

Recycle IT Logo

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.

Recycle IT Logo
Recycle IT Logo

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

Bike and E-Bike Upcycling Initiative.

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

Funded Pilot Project

The Department of Rural and Community Development, in conjunction with the Department of Transport developed a pilot initiative for the supply of high quality up-cycled bicycles and e-bikes for reuse.

This initiative was further developed to allow social enterprise organizations based in Ireland to apply for funding to support the operation of the scheme during 2021 and hopefully beyond.

Bikes – Dropped off for Metal Recycling – Recycle IT

We are delighted to share the news that the successful applicants for the initiative have now been chosen. They are

  1. The Rediscovery Centre & Rothar Velo in Dublin 9.
  2. Frontline Bikes/ Frontline Make Change in Dublin 8.
  3. Treo Port Lairge CLG (aka Renew Enterprises) in Waterford.
  4. The Life Cycle Consortium in Galway – Westside Resource Centre and An Mheitheal Rothar.
  5. Sign & Cycle in Cork – Cork Community Cycles & Deaf Enterprises.

How it Works

The pilot fund will be administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development as part of its Community Services Programme, with funding of up to €3m provided by the Department of Transport over a three year period.

The pilot will support a number of social enterprises in 2021 and will, depending on the level of success of the pilot, seek to bring additional organizations into the initiative in 2022 with up to €3 million available to this pilot bike and e-bike upcycling initiative.

There were fourteen applications received and the five applicants listed above were approved for support under this pilot initiative.

This scheme will provide transport options to those on limited incomes, it will support training and employment opportunities for those who may have had difficulty accessing the mainstream labour market and reduce the number of bikes going to landfill through reuse and refurbishment to allow a second life.

Old Bikes – Collected for Recycling

At the announcement Minister O’Brien said:

“I would like to thank all those who submitted applications under this pilot initiative and I welcome the geographical spread of the successful organizations.

“The successful projects were chosen because they are very innovative and outline a model that has the potential for replication on a nationwide basis, thereby supporting the Programme for Government commitment to widening the eligibility of the Bike to Work Scheme to ensure that bikes are more accessible to those in our society who are most disadvantaged or marginalized. It is envisaged that the pilot projects will also provide training and employment and will help reduce the number of bikes going to landfill. These outcomes combined with the wider environmental and health benefits of increased bike use ensure that this pilot is a vitally important scheme and one I very much hope to build on over the coming years.”

Darragh O’Brien, TD, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage 

Minister Ryan, whose Department will provide the funding for this pilot initiative, said:

“Bikes will get a second life, and the people building them will provide a vital service in their communities with these pilot projects. The demand for bicycles, parts and maintenance far exceeds supply in many places around the country. This scheme keeps valuable materials in circulation, builds local expertise, and will shorten the turnaround time for those who have come to rely on the bicycle as a convenient way of getting around.”

Eamon Ryan, TD, Minister for Transport and the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications.

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.

Recycle IT are happy to accept bikes that are beyond repair or reuse for safe and authorised metal recycling. Bikes of any shape or size can be dropped off free at our recycling centre. We can also offer a cost-effective collection service in Dublin.

During 2020 Recycle IT operated a curtailed drop off and collection services to 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. We are open again in 2021 working within the COVID 19 guidelines.

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 Leinster.

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

IMG_0453 (2)
Recycle IT are Pakman Ireland Awards Winners – WEEE Recycling Champion 2019

Buying Social in Ireland

On By JMCEIn Electronic and Electrical Recycling, Social EnterpriseLeave a comment

Social Enterprises

Did you know that buysocial.ie helps connect you with trading social enterprises in Ireland. Social Enterprises which are set up to do good and sell products and services to achieve that end.

The power of buying social means that every time products and/or services are purchased from a social enterprise, positive social change can occur.

Buying from social enterprises is something that can easily be arranged by government, business, householders and individuals. Just match your need to the social enterprise and away you go on the road to responsible purchasing!

Euro Notes and Coins

A key Feature

Social enterprise is about real enterprise. It is a business model that focuses on delivering social returns using business principles. It reinvests any surplus income earned from sales after costs to achieve its social goals. Profits do not go to any one individual, group of shareholders or board members.

Social Goals

As a social enterprise sells its products and/or services and manages costs it also plans to achieve social goals which can include:

  • hiring more people facing barriers to employment.
  • creating training and skills development opportunities. 
  • advancing diverse culture including different interests, skills, talents and needs.
  • enhancing social inclusion – the terms on which individuals / groups take part in society.
  • contributing to local economies.
  • supporting environmental wellbeing.

When individuals or organisations buy from a social enterprise they are creating a ripple of value in communities. Purchases can have a range of positive effects including positive economic, environmental and social impacts.

Buying Today!

Today in Ireland it’s easier than ever before to Buy Social – social enterprises are operating all over our country in sectors like office services, bike repair, childcare, catering, maintenance, furniture renewal, home repairs, cleaning, recycling, and more, all adding value to the goods and services you need and use.

If you are thinking about buying products and/or service offered by a social enterprise they should be equal or superior to those supplied by others. Quality and customer service are key to success in any organisation and usually feature highly in social enterprise.

Buy Social – Click image to open

Creating Employment

If a social enterprise can find and serve a customer need, demand will follow, orders will be fulfilled and income will increase which leads to greater levels of certainty and sustainability within the enterprise.

This in turn can help create a training position or employment opportunities for persons seeking employment after an absence from the workforce or for younger people entering employment for the first time.

By choosing to buy from a social enterprise you are potentially enabling individuals who may have spent years out of work to get back into employment. A job can be transformational in so many ways for that person and their family.

Student Work Experience

Recycle IT

Recycle IT as a social enterprise see work based training and job creation opportunities as a route to:

  • increasing self esteem and confidence.
  • reducing anxiety.
  • increasing exposure to variety of situations.
  • building trust in abilities.
  • creating economic self-sufficiency.
  • learn from colleagues
  • progression within or externally.

Earning an Income

Many people consider making a profit as the main characteristic of a business. But for a social enterprise business is just a mechanism. Business is used to help support or introduce products or services to communities or groups overlooked by governments and private sectors organisations. In a social enterprise these needs are ranked higher than making as much money as possible.

Social Enterprise usually operate in space between the state and private sector organisations. Social Enterprises are generally amenable to testing out new ideas, ideally through a process of planning piloting and assessing product/service delivery in a small area.

The social enterprise team ensure communities are actively involved throughout the pilot process. They remind themselves, that profit is not a core consideration in offering products or services but at the same time costs do have to be covered.

This has the benefit of ensuring ideas respond to real social needs and insights gained from communities can be shared. This process helps demonstrate the passion to address real challenges in society.

Trading

In contrast to charity organisations, social enterprises are driven by business principles including the creation of income which is vital to success. For example, many of the people served by Recycle IT are a paying customers. All paying customers receive the recycling service they order generally on a given day and time. There payment helps us operate but it also helps subsidise further recycling services and opportunities offered by Recycle IT.

The next time you need a product or service look for a social enterprise nearby that may be able to help you!

Learn more about buying for community impact here

About Recycle IT

Recycle IT provide recycling opportunities to home and business customers for all types of electronics equipment. Recycle IT offer a range of services including free, drop off, free community collections and cost-effective personal or business collections.

Our team will accept old household electrical items, small office electrical items alongside your garden power tools and pure metal equipment. We can also accept commercial appliances but do call in advance.

Recycle IT as a social enterprise works in partnership with WEEE Ireland. Recycle IT are supported by Pobal, South Dublin County Council and authorized by the National Waste Collection Permit Office.

To learn more about recycling electrical equipment please call Recycle IT on 01 4578321, email us or visit www.recycleit.ie

Recycle IT Recycling