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What Ireland’s Next Government Must Do for a Circular Economy
Our throwaway culture drives the triple planetary crisis we face today: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. The next government must take bold action to tackle these challenges and make Ireland a leader in circularity. Here’s what we’re asking for:
Set Ambitious Circular Economy Targets
Introduce a strong Circular Economy Action Plan to reduce waste, promote reuse, and adopt policies like the Right to Repair and sustainable procurement.
Tackle Fast Fashion and Wasteful Industries
Follow France’s lead by taxing fast fashion and curbing overproduction. Implement measures to combat Ireland’s rising waste volumes, including a tax on virgin plastics and tighter regulations on single-use items.
Invest in Circular Solutions
Scale up reuse packaging systems, support skills training for repair industries, and upgrade civic facilities to focus on refurbishment instead of waste. Expand schemes like Bike-to-Work to include second-hand bikes, making sustainable choices more accessible.
Protect Health and the Environment
Enforce bans on harmful single-use plastics and improve waste segregation policies. Address overlooked waste streams like nappies by supporting reusable options and revisiting potty-training norms.
Push for Global Leadership
Advocate for a robust Global Plastics Treaty to cut plastic production worldwide and ensure Ireland’s policies align with international efforts to protect the planet.
Circularity is not just an environmental necessity; it’s a roadmap for better health, stronger communities, and sustainable economic growth. Let’s demand ambitious leadership and real action from Ireland’s next government.
