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Circular Communities

Introduction

Community is at the heart of the Circular Economy. Communities drive and prioritise waste reduction, reuse and repair, and develop the culture of sustainability. By establishing community spaces and circular hubs for gardening, making, reusing, sharing, and repairing they embrace and enable social interaction all while reducing waste. Examples include repair cafes, community fridges and tool libraries. Circular communities thrive while promoting a healthier planet.

Setting up a Repair Café Circular Communities

This illustration is a warm and inclusive graphic titled "SETTING UP A REPAIR CAFÉ." It uses a soft, textured art style with a muted color palette to promote community collaboration and sustainability. Central Focal Point The center of the image features a large, vibrant green teapot. Instead of tea, a variety of oversized tools emerge from its open lid, including a hammer, a wrench, and a screwdriver. This visual metaphor combines the social aspect of a "café" with the practical nature of "repair." Four Corner Vignettes Surrounding the teapot are four small scenes showing people working together to fix different types of items: Top Left (Textiles): Two people stand near green bushes, examining a piece of pink clothing. A pair of scissors floats above them, signifying sewing and garment repair. Top Right (Woodwork/Furniture): Two people work at a wooden bench. One person is using a hammer while the other observes, representing carpentry or furniture restoration. Bottom Left (Bicycles): Two people are crouched next to a bicycle. A multi-tool icon floats above them, indicating mechanical repair. Bottom Right (Electronics): Two people look at a handheld electronic device (possibly a tablet or phone) connected to a plug. A small bumblebee flies nearby, and a floating plug icon signifies electrical repair. Typography and Style Text: At the bottom, the words "SETTING UP A" appear in simple grey capital letters. Below that, "REPAIR CAFÉ" is written in a large, bubbly green font with a white outline. Atmosphere: The characters are diverse and shown in helpful, side-by-side poses, emphasizing a friendly, non-judgmental environment where skills are shared.

Join the Movement

Starting a repair café in your local area can be a great way to tackle waste and build community . You will be joining a growing global movement that is flourishing here in Northern Ireland. Currently, there are 12 established Repair Café groups across Northern Ireland, including locations in Belfast, Carryduff, and Foyle. You are not doing this alone; a supportive network is ready to help you get up and running.

The Power of the Network

Make the most of what already works. Tap into the knowledge, experience, and expertise available through the network.

  • NIRN Circular Resources Library: As a full member of Northern Ireland Resources Network, you can access the Circular Resources Library exchange. This is a vital tool designed to support new and existing groups:
    • Kickstart Your Initiative: It provides new organisations with valuable insights and resources to “kickstart” their reuse and repair initiatives, serving as an ideal entry point to the NIRN community.
    • Grow & Innovate: Access to a diverse range of resources helps you enhance your operational capabilities. Exposure to ideas from other members stimulates innovation and encourages the adoption of effective repair methods.
    • Connect: The library promotes a greater understanding of the importance of reuse and repair, helping you influence positive change across your community.
  • Repair Café Northern Ireland: This network links community repair organisations across the region. They provide support to help new groups get started and actively work to keep the movement connected through “Network Weavers” who facilitate support between cafes.
  • Restarters: Drawing on the philosophy of The Restart Project, many cafes now focus on data and impact. For example, the NI network tracks its collective impact, having already fixed over 7 tonnes of items. Using tools like a “Fixometer” can help you demonstrate the environmental value of your event.

Step by Step Guide - Funding Available

Thinking about starting a Repair Café in Northern Ireland?

Northern Ireland Resources Network bring you a ‘hint’s and tips’ video, capturing the stories of Repair Cafés across Northern Ireland. 

We hope the video gives you a flavour of what a repair café looks and feels like and that the supporting document offers you guidance as you begin your journey. 

NIRN Member, Repair Café NI, have supported other repair cafes, through workshops, advice, public information meetings and practical help getting all the key ingredients in place. 

You can get in touch with NIRN and we will make sure to put you in touch with the people who are passionate about Community Repair. 

Download your Step by Step Guide

"It's been wonderful to see community repair grow, bring people together, save people money, reduce waste and share skills"

Chris Mc Cartney, Repair Café Belfast

Setting up a Community Fridge Circular Communities

Thinking about starting a Community Fridge?

Community Fridges: A Solution to Food Waste and Inequality
 
Did you know over on average 59 million tonnes of food is wasted every year while millions face food insecurity?
 
We teamed up with NIRN members The Playtrail and Creggan Countrypark to show how actions, like setting up a community fridge, can make a big difference in reducing waste, supporting families, and enabling a sense of solidarity.
 
Community fridges are a powerful way to redistribute surplus food, reduce waste, and help those in need. They’re a step towards a more sustainable and fair society.
 
Watch our video to learn how to set up a community fridge in your local area and start making an impact today. Together, we can create a future that values people and the planet.

Download your Step by Step Guide

Learn from our Case Studies - real examples to inspire!

  • The Liberty Consortium “Crumbs Golden Ale” – This case study looks at the “Crumbs Golden Ale” Initiative, which used excess bread from the community fridge to produce a brand new product.  This fantastic project is about so much more than beer. It is community spirit and the circular economy in action: Tackling Food Waste: Turning surplus bread into a premium local product. Giving Back: For every pint of Crumbs sold, £1 is donated to Foyle Network Foundation – Foyle Foodbank. Collaboration: Highlighting the incredible work of The Playtrail, The Liberty Consortium and Walled City Brewery. Creating Impact: Supporting and empowering local young adults through a practical, creative and meaningful project.
  • Climate Fresk – NIRN organised 3 Fresks designed to teach the fundamental science of climate change, all while empowering participants to take action. This case study really provides an understanding of the power of the “Fresk” for everyone to better understand the climate crisis, but with reassurance that we can all do something to implement change for the good.