Zero Waste Alliance Ireland

01/05/2026

Just a gentle reminder that today is May Day, an important public holiday in all EU Member States, and in many other countries around the world. So let's celebrate with a holiday the first day of the month of May 💐☺️.

Summer has arrived,
Loudly sing, cuckoo!
The seed is growing
And the meadow is blooming,
And the wood is coming into leaf now,
Sing, cuckoo!

And let us not forget that in Ireland we have a special song for welcoming the summer on the First of May!
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/s6MNMMdSGhQ

And what should we do today and for the remainder of May?
Let's create no waste today, or during the month; encourage sharing, re-using and repairing; buy less and use less (except for essential items); buy from local producers where possible, and spread this message !

30/03/2026

Later this week, Zero Waste Alliance Ireland will be submitting to the European Commission a detailed proposal advocating better waste management policies for islands, reduction of wastes at source, elimination of water pollution from wastewater treatment, better ways to achieve recycling, a transition to a more circular economy, sustainability and protection of the natural environment, including ecosystems.

Engaging islands in international projects Through global projects and initiatives, Greening the Islands enables islands to tackle their unique challenges, including waste management, energy isolation, water scarcity, and overtourism, while also generating social, economic, and environmental benefit...

30/03/2026

Powerful polluting industries and their political allies are dismantling Europe’s environmental laws - trading our health and future for profit and power.

These attacks threaten our clean drinking water, safe food, fresh air, and healthy nature. They fuel pollution linked to cancer, respiratory diseases, and other serious health risks - all decided behind closed doors without our consent.

We demand that our European leaders defend the laws that protect people and nature, not bow to polluters and vested interests.

Because when nature’s protections are weakened, everyone pays the price, including our kids and future generations.

This is a choice: the health of 450 million Europeans vs. short-term gains for a few.

14/11/2025

Tomorrow, we’ll be gathering at 1pm in the Garden of Remembrance, Dublin, to stand together for climate justice and demand that the Government finally put people before big polluters.

Everyone deserves a warm, affordable home. Everyone deserves clean air, reliable public transport, and protection from the growing risks of floods, storms and other climate fuelled disasters. These are basic needs, yet right now, they’re out of reach for far too many.

Why? Because the Government continues to prioritise the interests of major polluters over the wellbeing of communities. Their lack of meaningful action is holding us back from a fairer, safer and more sustainable Ireland. It’s time for that to change.

History shows that when ordinary people come together and raise their voices, real transformation becomes possible. Collective action has always been at the heart of progress and tomorrow, we have the chance to add our voices to that powerful tradition.

We know a better future is within reach. Let’s march for it.

Join tomorrow at 1pm at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin to march in collaboration with Stop Climate Chaos, who are organising this national day of action.

Let’s stand for climate justice together. 💚

24/08/2025

Vilnius, capital of Lithuania, is an extraordinarily beautiful city, historically and at the present time. The city council and management have been influenced by Nordic thinking, planning, taking care of public spaces, looking ahead, and arriving for appointments on time ! Buses run on time almost to the nearest minute; and many are electrically powered (no diesel fumes !). And, particularly interesting for Zero Waste Alliance members, deliveries to city centre shops are made by delivery vans -- no heavy lorries in the city, and absolutely no 6-axle vehicles like those we see grinding their way through Castlepollard town square and other small Irish towns and villages every day !
And also of interest to members, we saw no street litter anywhere 😊. Either such litter is never dropped, which would be surprising, or it is magically cleaned up overnight 😊.

24/08/2025

Roofs of the enormous supermarkets and shopping centres we have in Ireland are ideal for the type of vegetable growing shown in this French news item, or for solar photovoltaic energy -- but it seems we have neither on our Irish roofs. I would guess that poor quality design and construction of these roofs, plus lack of foresight, will create problems; but such problems can always be overcome !

Step into a French supermarket and the freshest aisle might be growing overhead. Rooftop greenhouses and open beds turn flat roofs into compact farms for lettuces, basil, tomatoes, and strawberries. Staff harvest each morning, wheel crates down a service lift, and stock shelves within minutes—no long-haul trucks, minimal chilling. Produce keeps its snap and aroma, while simple displays explain planting cycles, composting, and water reuse.

These rooftops are built for crops: precise drip lines, rainwater capture, and lightweight substrates instead of heavy soils. Pocket hives bring pollinators; beneficial insects handle pests without sprays. Some sites add hydroponic troughs and modest LED support in shoulder seasons, while summer relies on sun and breezes. Walkable paths, guardrails, and modular beds keep harvests fast, safe, and adaptable to changing demand.

The impact shows up in fewer delivery vans, less packaging, and almost no food miles. Managers plan promotions around what is ripe, cutting waste and inviting seasonal cooking. Schools tour the roofs, kids taste leaves still warm from the sun, and neighbors feel ownership of the store’s harvest. Some stores even host weekend herb markets. Scaled across districts, these sky farms stitch a quiet local supply—fresh, traceable, and surprisingly ordinary.

24/08/2025

Zero Waste Alliance Ireland has been campaigning for many years against the over-production of plastic polymers, their brief single use in many situations, the global and European failure to recycle, and the resulting huge amounts of waste being generated. Stronger international and national legislation is needed.

EVERY.SINGLE.DAY. the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world's oceans, rivers, and lakes.

We don’t need to tell you why this is bad.

We just need to remind you we need to continue to take action.

Plastic pollution:
🐟alters habitats and natural processes
🌊reduces ecosystems’ ability to adapt to climate change
🧍‍♂️affects your well-being

The EU is taking measures to tackle plastic pollution and marine litter, and to accelerate the transition to a circular plastics economy.

Sustainable alternatives can benefit businesses and the environment.

Help us fight plastic pollution by taking personal action every day.

10/07/2025

🚨 We’ve officially submitted our feedback on Ireland’s draft Circular Textiles Policy to the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications 🧵♻️

This is a big step towards tackling fast fashion waste and building a truly circular textile system here at home. From designing for durability to making producers accountable and supporting local fibres like Irish wool, our submission covers it all.

Swipe through to see what we’re calling for—and why it matters.

👉Read it here: https://www.zwai.ie/resources/2025/submission-on-the-draft-national-policy-statement-and-roadmap-on-circular-textiles/

Got thoughts on fast fashion or circular textiles? Drop a comment below! 👇