VOICE of Irish Concern for the Environment

VOICE is a member-based Irish environmental charity that empowers individuals and local communities to take positive action to conserve our natural resources. VOICE is the NGO expert in Ireland on waste reduction and circular economy. As thought leaders in this space, we lead the way and set a high ambition for Ireland’s circular economy, and push for effective national and local policy development and adoption. VOICE works directly with our partners in Europe on joint and shared initiatives, particularly in the development and advocacy of EU policy. We want Ireland to lead the way, demonstrating the benefits of adopting a truly circular economy.

Vision:

VOICE is working to bring about a world where resources are used wisely and continually— a fully circular economy. This will only be achieved through the inclusion of all communities and the principles of a just transition.

Mission Statement:

Reduce waste and transition to a circular economy for a sustainable future. VOICE works with all stakeholders to bring about change, through awareness raising, training, and campaigning / advocating for more sustainable practices.

Objectives:

VOICE strives to achieve this mission by:

• Engaging with individuals, communities, businesses and organisations, and Informing the public on environmental policy/issues.

• Empowering individuals and local communities to become environmentally active to protect Ireland’s resources.

• Advocating on behalf of our members to influence policy and practice with government and other stakeholders.

HIGHLIGHTS

After twenty years of successful lobbying, Ireland will introduce a Deposit Return System (DRS) in 2024.

VOICE founded and supported the successful Conscious Cup Campaign, which delivered on its goal to have almost every café in Ireland accepting reusables.

After years of campaigning, Ireland banned 12 of the most polluting plastic items, in the Single-Use Plastic Directive in July 2021.

Introducing the plastic bag tax in Ireland which was adopted as a national policy in 2001.

Hosting 'Feeding the 5000' in Dublin '12 and numerous 'Food Rescue' events with communities across Ireland since.

Establishing Ireland’s first 'Towards Zero Waste' community in Cashel, Co. Tipperary, in 2017.

Launching a Recycling Ambassador Programme in 2017 to help improve Ireland's recycling rates.

Launching the Sick of Plastic Campaign with Friends of the Earth in 2018, pushing for ambitious legislation and changes in supermarket business practices to reduce plastic pollution

VOICE is an active member of the European Environmental Bureau (EEB), Break Free From Plastic, SWAN, Stop Climate Chaos the Irish Environmental Network and the Environmental Pillar.

VOICE patrons include Darina Allen, Christy Moore, Dick Warner, Don Conroy, John Feehan, Brendan Kennelly and Sr. Mary Minehan.

ANNUAL REPORTS

You can find all about VOICEs activities in detail for a given year through our Annual Reports below.

GOVERNANCE

VOICE is compliant with the governance code and our governance handbook is available to view in our office.

The VOICE board has adopted a resolution to adopt the Statement of Guiding Principles for Fundraising and confirms that VOICE is committed to complying with the Statement (see:  Board Resolution Fundraising Statement).

We are in  the process of developing fundraising policies and will adhere to the highest fundraising standards.

To illustrate our commitment to transparency, we are making available our VOICE Constitution.

Our board members are; Ruth McGrath - Chair, Gary Clare, Ken Kilbride, Brendan Keane, Catriona Kennedy and Macken McNicholas.

FUNDING

VOICE is funded through a variety of sources, including the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Irish Environmental Network (IEN), Membership fees, Local Authorities through Local Authority 21 (LA21) grants, donations and provision of services to companies.

VOICE is a registered charity : CHY 13196 and CRA 20040437.

We are a Company Limited by Guarantee, CRO275127.

Annual Reports

Annual Report 2022
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Annual Report 2021
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Accounts Signed 2021
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Accounts Signed 2020
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Annual Report 2020
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Annual Report 2019
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Accounts Signed 2019
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Press Coverage Report 2019
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Annual Report 2018
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Accounts Signed 2018
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Annual Report 2017
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Accounts Signed 2017
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Annual Report 2016
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Annual Report 2015
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Annual Report 2014
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VOICE Constitution 1997
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Accounts Signed 2022
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